Water Safety Instructor

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community as a Water Safety Instructor. This temporary part-time role offers the chance to teach swimming lessons while promoting safety and skill development among participants of all ages. With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, you will play a vital role in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills. This position is perfect for those passionate about making a positive impact and fostering confidence in the water. Enjoy the summer months while contributing to the well-being of your community!

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vacation Time

Sick Leave

Floating Holidays

Retirement Program

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant swim instructor certifications.
• Experience as a swim instructor with children and adults is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct swim lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
• Monitor class participants to ensure safety and proper technique.
• Provide clear instructions and feedback to improve swimming skills.

Skills

Swimming Expertise

Instructional Skills

Safety Awareness

Interpersonal Skills

Physical Fitness

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification

Job description

Commissioner Rodney Ellis

There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One.

With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.

The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis

Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Ares of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.

• Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.

• Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare

• Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.

• Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century

• Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.

• Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.

What you will do at Precinct One

The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis has an exciting opening for a Temporary Part-time Water Safety Instructor in our Programs Division. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and instructing swim lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The instructor ensures a safe and engaging environment while promoting water safety, skill development, and confidence in the water. This position requires professionalism, enthusiasm, and strong communication skills to effectively teach and motivate participants.

**The Water Safety Instructor position is a temporary part-time role that runs from June to August 2025.**

Essential Duties

• Plan and conduct swim lessons for individuals and groups following approved curriculum and safety guidelines.

• Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and feedback to help participants improve their swimming skills.

• Monitor class participants to ensure safety and proper technique.

• Maintain a positive, supportive, and engaging atmosphere for all participants.

• Adjust lesson plans as needed to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.

• Ensure all facility policies, safety procedures, and guidelines are established in accordance with American Red Cross standards. Communicate effectively with participants, parents or guardians, and staff regarding progress and class expectations.

• Provide emergency response as needed and report any incidents or accidents to the Aquatics Director immediately.

• Attend training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification required

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience as a certified swim coach and/or swim instructor working with children and adults in an instructional setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Swimming Expertise: A thorough knowledge of swimming techniques, strokes, and water safety is essential. Skilled in various swimming styles, such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, and be capable of teaching these techniques effectively.

• Instructional Skills: Ability to plan and deliver practical swimming lessons to individuals or groups of different skill level and age within diverse populations. Possess excellent communication skills to explain and demonstrate techniques to participants.

• Safety Awareness: A strong emphasis on water safety and ensuring a safe environment for all participants. This includes knowledge of CPR, first aid, and being vigilant and proactive in preventing accidents or injuries.

• Interpersonal Skills: Approachable, patient, and able to motivate and encourage participants positively. Excellent communication skills when interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds is crucial in this role.

• Physical Fitness: Demonstrate a good level of physical fitness and be able to perform the exercises and routines you are teaching.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt teaching strategies to accommodate participants with different learning styles or physical abilities.

• Organizational Skills: Being well-organized to plan and schedule classes effectively and keep track of participants' progress. Dependable and punctual in reporting to scheduled shifts.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

Certification:

• Current certification in American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI), YMCA Swim Instructor, or equivalent (preferred)

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Part-time | Temp
• This is a temporary part-time role that runs from June to August 2025. Days and hours may vary depending on assigned programs and classes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in and around a pool environment with exposure to chemicals, humidity, and varying temperatures. Frequent exposure to noise.
• Physical requirements also include standing for extended periods, lifting and moving equipment, and assisting swimmers in distress as necessary.
• Technical Skills - Must have a strong knowledge of swimming and water aerobics techniques and be able to teach these skills effectively. They must also be able to evaluate participants' abilities and adjust instruction accordingly.
  
• Physical Fitness - Must be physically fit and able to perform the exercises they are teaching, as well as demonstrate proper technique and form. They must also be able to lead classes for extended periods without becoming fatigued.

What You Get in Return
The Program Department’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and access to opportunity for all residents by providing an array of programming that is: Innovative, Equitable, and Collaborative. You will be surrounded by coworkers who bring their best to work each day. Passionate people who want to make a difference in the communities Precinct One serves along with Harris County as a whole.

Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick time and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.



Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.