Water Safety Instructor I

The Salvation Army; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center in Salem is seeking a Water Safety Instructor-1 to teach swim lessons to children, provide aquatic education, and uphold safety standards in a busy community setting.

Ideal candidates will be at least 16 and possess a Water Safety Instructor certification (or be in process). The role requires strong customer service, teamwork, and the ability to manage stressful situations with professionalism.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Water Safety Instructor certification strongly desired.
• Certification in water exercise instruction is strongly preferred.
• Employee to maintain and keep certifications current.

Responsibilities

• Teach swim lessons to preschool and school age children (levels 1–6).
• Provide aquatic education to patrons.
• Maintain safety and assist in emergencies as needed.
• Complete applicable reports and records.

Skills

Customer service

Team player

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety consciousness

Education

Water Safety Instructor certification

First Aid/CPR/AED

Job description

Kroc Center - Salem
Salvation Army Kroc Community Center
Salem, OR 97301, USA

• Travel Required : No

Description

Recruiting Opportunity Closes: 11.01.2026

Hourly Wage: $17.98

Status: Non-Exempt / Part Time

Number of Positions: 4

Department: Programs

Position Title: Water Safety Instructor 1

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Questions, contact Hanna Starr at [e-mail] or call 503-798-4794. Ms. Starr is the sole point of contact for questions regarding this position.

To obtain assistance with accommodations related to the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning your application process, please contact 1-888-887-6528 or email [e-mail] , attention Donna Campagnolo.

Scope of Position

The Water Safety Instructor-1 will be responsible for providing aquatic education to patrons.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Create a positive experience for patrons through professional and courteous behavior.
• Teach swim lessons to preschool and school age children, levels 1-6.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service. Create a positive experience for patrons through professional and courteous behavior.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Practice safe work habits and contribute to the safety of self, co-workers, and the general public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• May be asked to teach aquatic exercise programs in deep and shallow water.
• Provide a program/class atmosphere that promotes and encourages inclusion and satisfaction to all participants.
• Participate in in-service training, orientations and other staff meetings as requested.
• Complete applicable reports and records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Regular and punctual attendance are essential job requirements.
• Assume a schedule of flexible working hours, including weekends and evenings.
• Maintain a neat, professional appearance.
• Tools, materials, and equipment needed to maintain swimming pools.
• Emergency procedures and accident site management.
• The person in this position must have the ability to interact with co-workers and the public in a positive, professional manner in conformity with The Salvation Army Mission Statement. They must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Must be able to exercise good judgment and be comfortable taking initiative with projects.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equipment Used:

The following equipment is used on either a daily, weekly, or monthly basis: janitorial supplies, hoses, computer/fax/copy machines, aquatic safety equipment and other pool equipment such as lane lines, and pool lifts.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Must be able to be in a chlorinated environment for a long period of time.
• While being in a chlorinated environment you may experience breathing issues, irritation of the eyes and skin.
• If you are sensitive to these issues, you are encouraged to wear goggles when needed.
• Must be able to perform tasks of a repetitive nature without diminished performance.
• Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat, twist body, stand for short/long periods of time, kneel push, pull, have sense of touch, reach, grasp with hands and fingers, climb stairs, close vision, distance vision, smell, talk, hear, have eye-hand coordination, have manual dexterity, speak, and read English and work in noisy areas.
• Must be able to perform tasks of a repetitive nature without diminished performance.
• Must be physically able to give emergency care if a situation arises.

This position has access to confidential and private information. It is essential that confidentiality and privacy be observed.

Working Conditions:

This position may have frequent in person contact with people from diverse backgrounds who may be angry, hostile, confused or frustrated. This position will work with minimum supervision and that work involves a high volume of customers coming in and out.

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to pass a criminal history information check. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude employment. The circumstances involved in the conviction(s) will be considered.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Education and Work Experience:

Must be at least 16 years old. Water Safety Instructor certification strongly desired. Certification in water exercise instruction is strongly preferred. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain and keep certifications current.

License and Certifications:

First Aid/CPR/AED required. Certification accepted from American Red Cross or Ellis & Associates. Water Safety instructor certification strongly preferred. Water exercise instruction strongly preferred. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain and keep certifications current.

Travel Required

No .

Travel Required

No .

Experience

Preferred

Water Safety Instructor certification strongly desired. Certification in Water Exercise Instruction is strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.