Swim Instructor

Willamalane Park and Recreation District•Springfield, OR

17d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Swim Instructor teaches swimming classes for beginner to advanced students, monitors student and community-member safety at swim center facilities, and performs related duties. The position requires flexible availability to work assigned shifts across facilities based on operational needs, as well as active, responsive communication with Aquatics leadership. Work is supervised by an Aquatics Supervisor, who reviews performance through direct observation and feedback from the Aquatics Programming Coordinator, participants, and/or parents. Supervising other employees is not normally part of the position. The role includes responding to parent or guardian inquiries about student progress and Aquatics programs, maintaining participation and progress records, and administering First Aid during emergencies until a Lifeguard takes over care. In-service training attendance and participation are required. The employee must maintain availability for at least one consistent session per term and collaborate with teammates to support shift coverage. Schedules are generally set before each school term and may be modified by management. This is a part-time, non-exempt, non-benefitted position. Shifts may include weekday afternoons and evenings, Saturday mornings, seasonal summer weekday mornings, and various morning shifts depending on the season. A drug screen is required before employment because the position is considered safety sensitive. The anticipated start date is December 18, 2026.

Requirements

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties.
Knowledge of water safety, swim instruction, basic lifesaving methods, First Aid, and emergency procedures.
Swimming skills and techniques, including the ability to teach and demonstrate them.
Ability to communicate directions verbally and by demonstration; work effectively with people of all ages; create a positive learning environment; respond calmly and effectively in emergencies; interpret and implement swim center policies; and monitor facility safety.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
Successful completion of Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s internal swim instructor training is required; reciprocity is available for current ARC Water Safety Instructors.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for the entire work period, frequent bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, pushing or pulling the tot dock, lifting and towing participants weighing 20–100 pounds, frequently lifting participants ages 3–8 weighing 20–80 pounds from the pool deck into the water, and moving materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds or significantly more when wet.
A pre-employment drug screen is required.
Availability to work at least one consistent session per term and flexibility to work shifts based on department operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking is preferred; a bilingual rate adjustment is contingent upon passing a proficiency test.

Responsibilities

Teach swimming classes using appropriate lesson plans for beginner to advanced students.
Demonstrate swimming skills and monitor that techniques are performed properly and safely.
Monitor the safety of students and other community members using swim center facilities.
Respond to parents’ and guardians’ questions about students’ progress and Aquatics programs or activities.
Read and stay current on departmental communications and directives from Aquatics leadership, and respond promptly to calls and text messages about shifts, facility updates, and scheduling.
Maintain records regarding class participation and student progress.
Administer First Aid in an emergency until a Lifeguard takes over care.
Attend and participate in all in-service trainings.
Maintain active communication with peers and collaborate to ensure shift coverage, including filling in for open shifts when needed.
Perform other job-related duties or tasks as required.

Benefits

Paid sick leave accrual of one hour for every 30 hours worked, beginning on the date of hire; part-time staff may use accrued leave beginning on their 91st day of employment.
Annual cost-of-living increase of up to 4%, as approved by the Board.
Merit increase of 3% after successful completion of the initial probationary period, with increases of up to 3% annually thereafter as approved by the Board.
Additional $1 per hour for passing a Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) competency test.
Discount on selected childcare programs, subject to restrictions in the Policy Manual.
25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
Free lap and recreational swim pool use for the employee; household-member discount.
Free fitness center use for the employee; household-member discount.
Free wellness programs for the employee.
Payroll direct deposit is available.