Temporary Aquatics Instructor (Year-Round)

City of Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting year-round outdoor Aquatic Instructors for Harvey West Pool. The position involves teaching swimming programs, supervising lifeguards, and supporting pool operations while ensuring safety.

Desirable candidates hold an American Red Cross Lifeguard (and CPR/First Aid) certifications and Water Safety Instructor, with the ability to develop engaging lessons and manage program promotions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years of age.
• Working knowledge of swimming instruction, lifeguard training, CPR and First Aid.
• General knowledge of pool maintenance systems.
• Ability to develop creative pool instruction programs.
• Effectively teach swimming and lifesaving skills.
• Must pass written and practical skills tests.
• Ability to follow and give written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to respond calmly to emergencies.
• Ability to enforce pool rules and policies.
• Independently initiate and complete work activities.
• Willing to work irregular schedules (early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Instructs swimming classes; prepares lesson plans, evaluates students, issues certificates.
• Develops classes and promotions; evaluates programs.
• Provide program information and assist public with inquiries; enforce pool rules.
• Responds to emergencies; administers first aid and reports incidents.
• Maintain lifeguard‑student and instructor‑student ratios.
• May perform lifeguarding duties and light pool maintenance.
• Perform clerical duties and organize office materials; keep pool operation records.
• Inventory and maintain instructional equipment and supplies; report repairs.

Skills

Swimming instruction knowledge

Lifeguard training

CPR & First Aid

Emergency response

Instruction planning

Parental communication

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

CPR for the Professional Rescuer

First Aid Title 22

Emergency Response

First Responder or equivalent

Job description

The Position

The City of Santa Cruz is currently recruiting for year-round outdoor Aquatic Instructors for Harvey West Pool. Water Safety Instructor certificate issued by the American Red Cross is highly desirable. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early!

Under supervision, instructs a variety of swimming programs and lessons, lifeguards for swimming activities, performs related duties to assist with the implementation of pool programmes and other duties as assigned.

To learn more about Harvey West Pool, please visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/Community-Spaces/Harvey-West-Pool

To learn more about the American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Certifications, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding

This temporary position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

SELECTION PROCESS

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.

• Applications will be screened on a continuous basis. This recruitment is subject to close at any time.
• Completed city application is required along with proof of any certifications. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to the position.
• Applications will be screened based on the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a skills test, which is detailed below. The most qualified candidates who pass the skills test will then be invited to participate in the interview process.
• Prior to appointment, a pre‑employment process must be successfully completed. The pre‑employment process includes, but is not limited to, successfully completing a Department of Justice fingerprint check, filling out new hire paperwork, and attending a Human Resources appointment. New hires who are under the age of 18 at time of hire will be required to complete an "Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit" in accordance with the State of California Department of Education.

Typical Duties

May include, but are not limited to the following:

• Instructs swimming classes; includes compiling class rosters, preparing lesson plans, evaluating and testing students, preparing student certificates, and conferring with parents.
• Assists in determining swimming instruction needs, developing classes, developing brochure information and other promotions, and evaluating programs.
• Assists the public as necessary by providing program information, answering public inquiries, handling or referring complaints, posting notices, and interpreting pool rules and policies.
• Responds to emergency situations, administering first aid and primary care as needed and completing accident/incident reports.
• Ensures lifeguard‑swimmer and instructor‑student ratios.
• May perform lifeguarding duties as needed, enforcing pool rules and state health and safety laws.
• Perform clerical duties as needed; organize office materials; and files pool operation information.
• Inventories and maintain instructional equipment and supplies.
• Reports on necessary pool repairs as appropriate.
• May perform or direct light pool maintenance and facility cleaning duties.
• Completes and maintains daily reports and records, assigned.
• Perform cashiering duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years of age.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of swimming instruction, lifeguard training, CPR and First Aid.
• General knowledge of the operation of pool maintenance systems.
• Ability to develop creative pool instruction programs.
• Effectively teach swimming and lifesaving skills.
• Must pass written and practical skills tests (see below).
• Ability to follow and give written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations.
• Ability to enforce and explain divisional policies and procedures.
• Independently initiate and complete work activities.
• Ability to interact effectively and tactfully with a wide variety of individuals.
• Willingness to work irregular schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and Holidays.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Certifications

A photo copy of the following current certifications must be submitted along with completed application as well as continued maintenance of current status in:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training; and
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer; and
• Any of the following:
  • First Aid Title 22; or
  • Emergency Response; or
  • First Responder; or
  • or any equivalent to the above.

Desirable Qualifications

• Water Safety Instructor (WSI).
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Other Requirements

• Attend all staff meetings as required.
• Wear program uniform provided by department.
• Background clearance of all potential employees is required prior to official hiring start date.
• Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest x-ray results within the last two (2) years.

SKILLS TEST

• 100‑yard swim in under two (2) minutes.
• 500‑yard swim in under ten (10) minutes.
• Swim under water for 25 yards.
• Tread water for three (3) minutes with 10lb brick.
• Perform various rescues.
• Perform CPR.
• Perform Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Sidestroke with technical correctness.
• Pass American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR‑FPR test with a score of 80% or better.

Career Ladder

N/A