Swim Instructor 1 and 2

Bendparksandrec; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Bend Park and Recreation District is hiring Swim Instructors to lead learn-to-swim classes from 6 months to teens and adults. Training is provided; no prior experience is required for Swim Instructor 1, with pathways to Swim Instructor 2 for leadership and advanced levels.

The role emphasizes safety, progressive teaching, and positive interaction with families, with a focus on developing lifelong water skills in a supportive community setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old for Swim Instructor 1 and attend high school or provide equivalent education.
• Swim Instructor 1 requires completion of a paid training class on communication and teaching strategies.
• Swim Instructor 2 may require college coursework in swimming/fitness and more experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and instruct basic swim and water safety programs per BPRD standards.
• Ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for all class participants.
• Evaluate progress and maintain rosters and attendance records.
• Communicate with participants and guardians about lesson information.
• Lead and mentor newer instructors as Swim Instructor 2.

Skills

Water safety

Child development

Communication skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

High school student

High school diploma or equivalent

Swimming/fitness related coursework (preferred)

Job description

Description

Benefit type: non benefited

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

Do you want a job with rewarding results? Become a swim instructor!

Our swim instructors find their work highly rewarding and thrive on knowing that they are making a positive impact on the individuals that they teach every day. They love seeing the progress that their students make in the water.

About the job:

Swim Instructors make a difference in lifelong safety by teaching community members to swim. Everyone starts somewhere with a new skill, and this position plays a big role for new swimmers of all ages. Swim Instructors teach basic levels in our BPRD learn to swim program providing a safe, progressive and fun learning experience for all participants of all ages and abilities. Work with age groups from 6 months through 15 years of age and even adults. No experience necessary - we offer a great training class that will teach you how to communicate with children, child development and of course teaching strategies!

Swim Instructor 2 is the advanced level in the swim instructor series. The Swim Instructor 2 is distinguished from the Swim Instructor 1 by providing leadership, as well as the experience and ability to teach all class levels in our BPRD learn to swim program.

A day in the life:

• Plans and instructs basic swim and water safety programs in accordance with BPRD standards and procedures.
• Provides for the progress, safety, comfort and enjoyment of class participants.
• Evaluates participants and completes progress reports and cards.
• Maintains required BPRD rosters and attendance sheets.
• Communicates with lesson participants and guardians concerning specific lesson and related program information.
• Participates in regular swim instructor in-service training.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Additional Expectations for Swim Instructor 2:

• Plan and instruct all swim and water safety programs in accordance with BPRD standards and procedures.
• Assist with advanced swim levels.

Preliminary swim test:

• 25 m swim freestyle
• 25 m swim backstroke
• 25 m swim breaststroke (this style is not mandatory to know)

Paid training and certification help are provided to those willing to learn, grow skills and seek certification.

Swim Instructor course (paid time)

In-Person Class Schedule: Mandatory to attend all class times. Classroom portion is approximately 24hrs in length. You will then complete 6hours of shadow teaching before you are ready to teach on your own.

Requirements

What you'll need for success:

SWIM INSTRUCTOR 1

Strong knowledge of:

• Water safety and swimming as a life skill. This can include prior swim lesson or swim team experience with an understanding or skill progressions and/or stroke technique.
• Child development.
• Age appropriate learning and communication strategies.
• Behavior and class management skills.

Skills, and abilities to:

• Plan, organize and lead classes toward determined goals.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with and motivate people of all ages and abilities, particularly children.
• Exceptional ability to work cooperatively with others, follow through on directions and create a positive, respectful and constructive relationship with staff and the public.
• Physical ability to perform the duties associated with this position.

SWIM INSTRUCTOR 2

Strong knowledge of:

• Learning development, stroke technique, water safety, program levels and teaching methods, practices and progressions.
• Prior teaching or coaching experience.

Skills, and abilities to:

• Strong personal swimming skills;
• Plan, organize and lead all class levels toward determined goals;
• Communicate effectively with and to motivate people of all ages and abilities, particularly children;
• Lead and mentor newer instructors;
• Demonstrate strong technical competency in skills teaching;
• Exceptional ability to work cooperatively with others, follow through on directions and create a positive, respectful and constructive relationship with staff and the public;
• Physical ability to perform the duties associated with this position.

What we're looking for:

MINIMUM Education, Experience and Training:

SWIM INSTRUCTOR 1 (starting wage $19.53- $22.26)

1. Must be a minimum of 15 years of age; AND
2. Currently attending high school; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the above-described duties.

Preference

1. Prior coaching, teaching or child development experience.
2. Bilingual in English and Spanish

SWIM INSTRUCTOR 2 (starting wage $21.13- $24.09)

1. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND
2. Currently attending high school or high school diploma or equivalent; college coursework with emphasis in a swimming/fitness related field, preferred; AND
3. One-year experience with a minimum of 400 swim instructing hours; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

Preference

1. Bilingual in English and Spanish

Supervision Exercised:

For Swim Instructor 1s, supervision is not a responsibility of this position.

For Swim Instructor 2s, supervision is not a responsibility of this position; however, provides guidance to Swim Instructor 1 staff.

Supervision Received:

Work under the general supervision of Aquatics Coordinator. Receive ongoing and specific direction from Aquatic Supervisor and Facility Managers.

Working Conditions:

• Work schedule and number of hours varies;
• Continuous time commitment required for length of variable sessions.
• Position requires being in and out of water continuously, and constantly using the voice in an often noisy and high temperature environment.

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application and submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the information we use for our evaluation.

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on district needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.

Accountability • Customer Service Orientation • Safety • Judgment and Decision Making • Teamwork and Cooperation • Results Orientation