Water Safety Instructor

Town of Erie; Erie (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Erie is seeking a Water Safety Instructor to teach essential swimming skills and promote water safety for participants of all ages. You will deliver lessons aligned with the American Red Cross curriculum, creating a safe and engaging learning environment and adapting activities to diverse skill levels.

Responsibilities include planning sessions, maintaining records, and coordinating with staff to ensure smooth program operations.

Qualifications

• Must have current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certification required.
• Two years of related work experience or training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instruct and lead aquatic programs with a focus on safety and gradual skill progression.
• Provide a safe, supportive learning environment for participants of varying ages and abilities.
• Plan and deliver lessons based on the American Red Cross curriculum and adapt for diverse needs.
• Set up and break down equipment and maintain program areas.
• Maintain attendance records and communicate with staff and participants.

Skills

Water safety instruction

Group instruction

Education

Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification

CPR, First Aid and AED certification

Job description

Are you passionate about helping people of all ages build confidence in and around water? We're looking for dedicated Water Safety Instructors to join our team. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to teach essential swimming skills, promote water safety practices, and educate individuals on how to respond to aquatic emergencies.

The Parks & Recreation Department is committed to a positive work culture where we serve the community, support one another, and invest in you as an employee.

2026 Hiring Range: $20.23/hr - $22.76/hr

2026 Full Range: $20.23/hr - $25.29/hr

Posting Dates: Posting will remain open until positions are filled

** All incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the process once the positions are filled.

Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact Risk Management and Recruitment at [e-mail] and [e-mail].

Anticipated Work Schedule: Schedule may vary depending on program-specific needs and scheduled events.

Duties and Responsibilities

Aquatics Operations

• Performs a variety of duties associated with instructing or leading aquatic programs.
• Provides a safe, effective and supportive learning environment for diverse participants with varying skill levels.
• Stays abreast of latest trends and techniques in areas of expertise. Evaluates class effectiveness and recommends new classes or techniques.
• Plan, prepare, and lead group or individualized aquatic instruction based on the American Red Cross curriculum, adapting lesson plans to address diverse participant needs and varying skill levels.
• Uses knowledge and expertise to modify class activities for various participant skill levels.
• Sets up and takes down required program equipment.

Administrative Duties

• Maintains program related records and reports, including accurate class attendance records.
• Provides exceptional guest service to all participants. Responds to information requests, comments and complaints from participants.
• Maintains frequent communications with other staff within the Community Center and Division and reports any issues or concerns with inventory, facility conditions, policies and incidents to supervisory staff as needed.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and trainings

Other/Miscellaneous

• Ensures the safety of guests and program participants by enforcing all rules and policies with staff and guests
• May participate in or develop marketing material for events and programs.
• May be considered as a subject expert for area of specialization and may train other staff on specific knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be minimum of 16 years old.
• Two years of related work experience or training is preferred

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• Must have a current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent. Will be required to gain American Red Cross Certification within first 3 months.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certification

EEOC:

The Town is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating a severe, intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This provision applies to all employees, including directors, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as residents, members of all boards and task force groups, contractors, vendors, consultants, etc.