Swim Instructor

County of Culpeper; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Certification reimbursement

Job summary

County of Culpeper seeks a swim instructor to plan, teach and evaluate lessons for all ages, following safety guidelines and department curriculum.

Must have or be able to obtain an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, CPR/AED, and First Aid. The position requires a summer schedule (mid-May through mid-September), 35–40 hours per week, with some holidays.

Qualifications

• Education: HS diploma or GED; WSI experience preferred.
• Certifications: WSI, CPR/AED, First Aid required or willing to obtain by May 1.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and conduct swim lessons for all ages.
• Evaluate participant progress and issue completion cards or certificates.
• Enforce pool rules and maintain safety at all times.
• Maintain a positive learning environment and proper discipline.
• Assist with emergency response and first aid as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation (attendance, progress, incidents).

Skills

Swim instruction

Safety compliance

Staff collaboration

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma or GED

WSI certification preferred

Job description

Plans and teaches swim lessons and aquatic programs for all ages, ensuring participant safety, skill development, and a positive learning environment.

Has a current or the ability to obtain an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification.

Supports Culpeper County Parks & Recreation’s mission while maintaining professionalism with staff and patrons. Reports to the Recreation Superintendent.

Must be available to work during the summer season, mid-May through mid-September, day, evening & weekends are required. Working approximately 35-40 hours per week as the posted schedule permits.

Position will be required to work two(2) of the following holiday/holiday weekends: Memorial Day/Weekend; 4th of July/weekend; Labor Day/Weekend.

Essential Functions

1. Plan, prepare, and conduct swim lessons for infants, toddlers, youth, teens, and adults, following the department’s curriculum and safety guidelines.
2. Evaluate each participant’s progress, provide feedback, and issue completion cards or certificates as appropriate.
3. Ensure all pool rules are enforced and safety standards are maintained at all times.
4. Maintain discipline, order, and a positive learning environment during swim lessons.
5. Demonstrate proper swimming techniques and skills to participants at each instructional level.
6. Assist the Recreation Superintendent and Pool Supervisors with compliance to swim lesson standards and program policies.
7. Maintain accurate and organized department-supplied documentation, including attendance sheets, progress records, and incident/accident reports.
8. Assist with emergency response procedures as needed, including rescues, first aid, or CPR situations.
9. Collaborate with other staff to support pool operations, swim programs, and special aquatic events.
10. Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and professional development opportunities.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

• Assist with front desk operations, including checking in participants, answering questions, or managing registration.
• Help maintain pool, classroom, and concession areas, including tidying equipment, restocking supplies, or organizing instructional and concession materials.
• Support concession operations as needed, including selling items, handling cash, and maintaining inventory.
• Support special events, community programs, or promotional activities as needed.
• Assist with minor administrative tasks, such as updating attendance records, filing paperwork, or preparing instructional materials.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Completion of tenth grade and at least 16 years of age. High school diploma or GED preferred. Some experience as WSI (American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor) and/or two(2) years Swim Team experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience:
  • Some experience as a WSI and / or
  • Two(2) years Swim Team experience is preferred.
• Certifications:
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • First Aid Certification

Other Requirements

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings / nights, weekends, and holidays is required.
• If certifications are not currently held, willingness & ability to obtain all required certifications prior to May 1.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One year of previous experience teaching swim lessons or assisting with aquatic programs.
2. Water Safety Instructor (WSI), CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications current at the time of hire.
3. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills to better serve diverse patrons.

Special Requirements

• Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check.
• Possession of WSI, First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications, or the ability to obtain prior to May 1.
• Position will be required to work two(2) of the following holiday/holiday weekends: Memorial Day/Weekend; 4th of July/weekend; Labor Day/Weekend.

OTHER

If the applicant lacks the required certifications at the time of hire but obtains them prior to May 1, CCPR will reimburse 50% of the certification registration fee (only) at the end of the season, contingent on satisfactory performance. If the employee is rehired the immediately following consecutive season, CCPR will reimburse the remaining 50% at the end of that season, also contingent on satisfactory performance.

Internal & External Contacts

Has ongoing contact with internal & external customers throughout the day.

Working Conditions

• This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force regularly, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, and some very heavy work requiring exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects;
• work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions;
• vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly;
• hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound;
• visual acuity is required for color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities;
• the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.
• The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens during emergency response or first aid situations, requiring use of specialized personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The environment may include high noise levels from pool machinery, patrons, and events.
• May be required to respond quickly to emergencies, including rescues, which may involve physically demanding activity and potential risk of injury.
• Shift schedules may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work under pressure, maintain alertness, and make rapid decisions to ensure staff and patron safety.