Head Swim Instructor

City of Piedmont; Piedmont (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

The City of Piedmont seeks a Head Swim Instructor to oversee aquatic programs and teach swim lessons. Responsibilities include ensuring swim safety, coaching swim instructors, and providing age-appropriate instruction to participants ranging from infants to adults. Applicants should have extensive swimming experience, a high school diploma, and the ability to manage aquatic activities in a community setting. The position is critical for maintaining the quality of a new all-electric Community Pool.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old or complete high school/GED.
• Have extensive swim experience and at least two years of teaching or coaching swim lessons.
• Possess leadership capabilities and oversee aquatic programs.

Responsibilities

• Teach swim and water safety lessons to participants of all ages.
• Demonstrate proper swim stroke mechanics and techniques.
• Collaborate with team to design lesson plans and assess skill levels.

Skills

Swim instruction

Leadership

Emergency response

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Instructional equipment

Computer

Job description

City of Piedmont is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The city, which is virtually built out, consists of established residences on quiet tree‑lined streets. Within Piedmont's 1.8 square‑mile area there are five city parks and numerous landscaped areas which offer wooded paths, tennis courts, children's playgrounds and picnic facilities. The city will be opening a new all electric Community Pool featuring a state‑of‑the‑art competition pool, activity pool and bathhouse facility.

DEFINITION

Head Swim Instructors provide planning and instruction for aquatic programs, lessons and camps within the guidelines of the City of Piedmont's comprehensive aquatics program. They are responsible for assuring that swim lesson sessions are conducted effectively, efficiently and safely. They make sure Swim Instructors are ready and have what they need to conduct classes, intervene, as needed, to address concerns, and act as the main point of contact for parent communication.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics, Head Swim Instructors are distinguished by their ability to handle emergency situations, their level of expertise in swim instruction, swim strokes proficiency and knowledge, their ability to demonstrate and break down the stroke mechanics and communicate well with children and adults.

In addition to an emphasis on foundational swim stroke proficiency, a Head Swim Instructor will oversee the entire session on swim lessons, mentor and provide guidance to all Swim Instructors.

A Head Swim Instructor must:

• Be at least 18 years old or complete high school/GED
• Possess a work permit required if under 18
• Have extensive swim experience, such as participation in swim teams or clubs
• Have at least two years of experience successfully teaching or coaching swim lessons
• Possess leadership capabilities and be able to oversee swim lesson sessions or aquatic programs

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Teach swim and water safety lessons to participants of all ages—from six months to adult—following the established program curriculum and progression
• Demonstrate proper swim stroke mechanics and techniques, providing clear, age‑appropriate instruction and individualized feedback to both children and adults
• Collaborate with the aquatics team to help design lesson plans and participate in pre‑registration activities, including assessing participant skill levels
• Maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment during all lessons. Monitor participant behavior, adjust activities as needed, and communicate progress and assessments to participants and their parents/guardians
• Prepare, inspect, and safely store all instructional equipment before and after each lesson to ensure readiness and proper use
• Accurately record attendance, participant progress reports, and any incidents in accordance with program procedures and timelines
• Assist in planning and executing special aquatic events, such as swim meets, safety demonstrations, and community outreach programs
• Encourage continued participation in aquatic programming by providing guidance in lesson progression and upcoming opportunities
• Monitor pool deck and water conditions, correcting or reporting any safety or maintenance concerns to appropriate staff promptly
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and support to all Swim Instructors, fostering skill development and confidence
• Assist in expanding, developing and executing new aquatic classes and programs
• Attempt to resolve any concerns, issues or skill level discrepancies within the same class period, or make plans to follow up with student/parent and Instructor, as appropriate
• Report concerns to Coordinator or Supervisor in an appropriate amount of time so that concerns beyond the scope of the Head Swim Instructor's position can be addressed
• Monitor session attendance and prepare rosters for each assigned session
• Assign classes to Instructors and assure that they are prepared for each of their classes
• Welcome participants and provide a brief orientation to parents
• Prepare pre‑session (5 minute) trainings to help Instructors learn skills or tips for conducting classes
• Observe Instructors and provide regular feedback and coaching to help them improve
• Co‑teach with Instructors who need assistance to model class management or skill development
• Work with participants who need occasional one‑on‑one help that the Instructor is not able to provide
• Assist Instructors with level/skill testing

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• The mechanics of the four basic swim strokes: freestyle (front crawl), backstroke (back crawl), breaststroke and butterfly
• The basic understanding of skill progression needed to guide swimmers to achieving proper swim techniques
• Standard safety protocols required to maintain safety in an aquatic setting
• Best practices for customer service and excellent communication

Ability to:

• Demonstrate the four basic swim strokes
• Learn and follow structured lesson plans and best practices in swim instruction
• Adapt teaching approaches to the age, experience and abilities of participants to help them meet the course objectives
• Maintain the safety of all assigned students
• Commit to the session dates assigned so that continuity is maintained for students
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with Recreation department personnel, volunteers, vendors representatives, school personnel, children, parents, patrons, the general public, and coworkers
• Follow instructions, respond to requests and follow up with supervisor as needed
• Understand and use a wide variety of resources and information, such as regulations, accident/incident reports, schedules, time sheets, patron complaints, correspondence and general operating manuals
• Act quickly, calmly and appropriately in emergency situations by participating and assisting Lifeguards in the Emergency Action Plan
• Offer feedback to Swim Instructors, students or parents that promotes growth and collaboration
• Navigate difficult conversations with parents, students, coworkers or patrons with professionalism

REQUIREMENTS

Certifications:

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) within 6 months of hire or promotion
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification if WSI is not current upon hire/promotion
• First Aid/CPR with AED through American Red Cross or nationally recognized agency

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Vision (which may be corrected) and hearing must be within normal range to be able to see and hear students who may be in life and/or health and safety endangering situations
• Ability to communicate clearly with aquatic patrons, students or parents in‑person, via phone, or email
• Ability to use a computer, phone system, copier, and other standard office equipment
• Capable of sitting or standing for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds
• Able to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies or urgent situations
• Knowledge of basic clerical procedures and ability to follow instructions with attention to detail

Environmental Elements:

• Ability to work outdoors, including participation in required aquatic staff in‑service in and out of the water for extended periods, exposed to sun, water, and varying weather conditions
• Ability to dress in Swim Instructor uniform and dress code throughout scheduled shifts
• Ability to work indoors in an office setting with frequent transitions to the pool deck area
• Exposure to noise, humidity, and chlorine‑related odors
• Must be comfortable working in a shared space with high public interaction
• Ability to work under moderately safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental or job‑related factors may cause discomfort and where there is a risk of temperature variations or extremes, odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, wetness, noise, violence, disease, blood or bodily fluids while rendering first aid and CPR

Successful candidates must pass a Department of Justice live fingerprint scan, background reference checks, and a Tuberculosis screening prior to start of employment.