Swim Instructor II

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

Job summary

The City of Piedmont is seeking a dedicated Swim Instructor II to plan and instruct aquatic programs and lessons. This role involves teaching various age groups, ensuring water safety, and mentoring less experienced staff.

Successful candidates will have experience in swim instruction and possess necessary certifications like the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. A passion for aquatic programming and the ability to communicate effectively with participants and their families is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 16 years old with a work permit if under 18.
• Two years experience teaching or coaching swim lessons.
• Knowledge of the four basic swim strokes.

Responsibilities

• Teach swim and water safety lessons for all ages.
• Monitor participant behavior and maintain a safe environment.
• Assist in planning and executing special aquatic events.

Skills

Swim stroke proficiency

Water safety knowledge

Effective communication

Mentorship

Education

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or Lifeguard certification

First Aid/CPR with AED certification

Job description

DEFINITION

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 delivering effective swim lessons, ensuring water safety, communicating with participants and parents, and creating a positive and enjoyable environment for participants.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics, 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 Swim Instructor II will mentor, provide guidance and support the less experienced staff, typically Swim Instructor I and Aquatic Assistants.

A Swim Instructor II

• Be at least 16 years old
• 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 (250 hours) of experience teaching or coaching swim lessons, teams, or classes.

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
• Report concerns or skill level discrepancies immediately to Head Swim Instructor in an attempt to resolve the issue within the same class period
• 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 Swim Instructor I team members and other less experienced staff, fostering skill development and confidence
• Assist in expanding, developing and executing new aquatic classes and programs

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

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

REQUIREMENTS

Certifications:

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or Lifeguard certification, or similar certification with nationally recognized agency
• 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

Note: 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.

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