Lead Water Skills Coach

T3i Inc.•San Diego, CA

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Water Skills Coach supports aquatic performance and water confidence training activities associated with a customer at Camp Pendleton, California. This position provides subject matter expertise in aquatic performance, water confidence development, and maritime operational preparation for candidates transitioning from infantry units into the training continuum prior to attending formal combat diver training. The Lead Water Skills Coach assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of aquatic events designed to prepare candidates for the physical and psychological demands of combat diver training. Activities may include pool-based and open-water evolutions focused on water confidence, fin swimming, drown-proofing, underwater problem-solving, equipment management in the water, and endurance-based aquatic conditioning. This role works closely with government training cadre and other contractor personnel to ensure aquatic training is conducted safely, effectively, and in accordance with established Programs of Instruction (POIs), safety procedures, and operational risk management requirements. The Lead Water Skills Coach also provides technical oversight and mentorship to additional water skills coaches supporting the program.

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in military, tactical, or professional aquatic training environments
Prior experience in maritime special operations, reconnaissance, combat diving, naval special warfare, or similar operational communities preferred
Demonstrated experience instructing or coaching advanced aquatic skills such as fin swimming, underwater swimming, water confidence drills, or aquatic endurance conditioning
Experience supervising water-based training activities in high-risk training environments
Current lifeguard certification or equivalent professional water rescue certification
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
Experience conducting operational risk management and safety oversight during aquatic training evolutions
Strong understanding of aquatic physiology, fatigue management, hypoxic stress, and water confidence development
Ability to swim long distances using fins and perform underwater swimming evolutions consistent with military aquatic training standards
Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance
Ability to support extended duty days and non-standard work schedules as required by training cycles

Nice To Haves

Former U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance Marine (MOS 0321) or Marine Raider (MARSOC)
Former Naval Special Warfare operator, Combat Diver, or Special Operations Corpsman (SARC)
Graduate of a military combat diver qualification course or equivalent professional diving program
Professional dive certification such as Divemaster, Rescue Diver, or equivalent from a nationally or internationally recognized diving organization
Experience supporting military reconnaissance, amphibious operations, or maritime special operations training programs
Strength and conditioning certifications such as CSCS, TSAC-F, or equivalent tactical athlete performance certification
Experience developing or implementing aquatic training programs for military or tactical populations
Experience conducting open-ocean training operations including surf zone movement and maritime navigation events
Experience supporting training programs designed to prepare candidates for military selection pipelines

Responsibilities

Support planning and execution of aquatic training events designed to prepare candidates for training pipeline requirements
Provide subject matter expertise in swimming performance, water confidence development, fin swimming efficiency, aquatic endurance conditioning, and maritime operational preparation
Lead and supervise pool-based and open-water training evolutions including water confidence drills, underwater tasks, drown-proofing exercises, and long-duration swimming events
Coordinate aquatic training support with government instructors, safety personnel, and training cadre to ensure safe and effective execution of training activities
Ensure all aquatic training activities are conducted in compliance with established safety standards, operational risk management procedures, and governing directives
Provide mentorship and oversight to Line Water Skills Coaches supporting training operations
Conduct pre-training safety checks, equipment inspections, and risk mitigation procedures prior to water-based training activities
Assist in development or refinement of aquatic training methodologies designed to reduce attrition associated with water confidence and aquatic performance challenges
Respond to water-related emergencies and coordinate with lifeguards, safety personnel, and medical staff as required
Maintain required training records, safety documentation, and equipment readiness logs
Support high-tempo training cycles that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended training days
Maintain personal readiness, certifications, and physical capability necessary to support demanding aquatic training environments