Lifeguard Instructor- 13-004 - SC/ San Diego Kroc Center

The Salvation Army Southern California; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) for the Kroc Center. This part-time role supports aquatics operations, delivers American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid courses, and provides leadership and safety programming.

You will work closely with Aquatics Supervisors, act as MOD, schedule weekend shifts, supervise lifeguards, and ensure compliant, high‑quality training and customer service across all aquatics programs.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Minimum two years aquatics management experience.
• Current Lifeguarding and CPR Pro certifications.
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification with at least two years of instructor experience preferred.
• Willing to obtain a CPO certification within 90 days of hire.
• Experience in large public aquatic facility is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the aquatics department, including staff, programs & facility functions.
• Coordinate, instruct, and evaluate American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid certification courses.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) for aquatics operations and supervise facilities and staff.
• Lead lifeguard in-service training to maintain certifications and readiness.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to lifeguards.

Skills

Lifeguarding

CPR/AED

First Aid

Leadership

Staff supervision

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification

CPO certification (within 90 days)

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) will be cross disciplined in all aspects of the aquatics department including Lifeguarding, Leadership, and Safety Programming. The LGI will work closely with the Aquatics Supervisors to ensure ongoing, safe pool operations. This includes ensuring chemicals are balanced during MOD shifts. This Aquatic Trainer position is a part-time position and requires set weekend hours as directed by the Aquatics Managers.

Essential Functions

• Support the daily operation of the aquatics department, including oversight of staff, programs & facility functions.
• To know, explain and exemplify the mission, purpose, and values of the Kroc Center and The Salvation Army (TSA).
• Coordinate, instruct, and evaluate American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid certification courses as assigned.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) for aquatics operations, providing leadership, decision-making, and oversight of aquatic facilities and staff.
• Plan, lead, and assist with regular lifeguard in-service training to ensure staff maintain required certifications, skill proficiency, and compliance with department standards.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to lifeguards. Conduct skills assessments and training to ensure lifeguard staff remain proficient in surveillance, rescue techniques, emergency response procedures, and customer service standards.
• Respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as injuries across campus, including incidents, activate Emergency Medical Services (EAP) when necessary, and complete all required documentation and reporting.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and enforcement of aquatics policies, procedures, and safety standards that reflect current laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Provide lifeguard coverage as needed to maintain required supervision ratios and ensure safe operation of aquatics programs during assigned shifts.
• Assist in monitoring facility conditions and identifying potential safety hazards, maintenance concerns, and operational issues during assigned shifts.
• Maintain positive relationships with members, guests, and staff while providing excellent customer service and resolving concerns in a professional manner.
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Must be physically capable of demonstrating lifeguarding, CPR/AED, first aid, rescue, and water safety skills.
• Ability to work in an aquatic environment, including prolonged periods standing, walking, swimming, and instructing in and around the pool.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, climb, reach, push, pull, and perform rescue-related movements.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move training equipment and assist with rescue simulations; ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum two years of aquatics management experience.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, and CPR Pro required.
• Must possess and maintain a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification, with at least two years of instructor experience preferred.
• Must be willing to obtain a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, or equivalent nationally recognized certification, within 90 days of hire.
• Must complete all required in-house chemical handling and pool operations training upon hire.
• Significant experience working in a large public aquatic facility is required.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Strong communication and customer service skills with staff, members, and the public.
• Ability to identify problems, make sound decisions, and implement solutions.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively
• Ability to lead, educate, and work effectively with children, adults, and staff.
• Ability to swim proficiently and demonstrate aquatic skills.
• Knowledge of aquatics operations, water safety, lifeguarding, and staff supervision.