Aquatics Instructor

Make a splash in your community! The City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation Department is hiring a Part-Time Swim Instructor to join our Aquatics team. If you're passionate about water safety, enjoy working with kids and families, and want a fun, active job where you truly make a difference, this is the opportunity for you. Swim Instructors provide safe, engaging, and effective lessons to participants of all ages and abilities, helping build confidence, teach lifelong skills, and create a positive experience in and around the water. You'll remain in the water during lessons, actively supervise participants, and communicate progress with families — all while being part of a supportive and energetic team. This position is open to applicants 15 years and older and is perfect for students, aspiring teachers or coaches, or anyone looking for meaningful part-time work with flexible scheduling, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ideal candidates are dependable, enthusiastic, and committed to safety and customer service. In return, you'll gain valuable teaching experience, leadership skills, and the rewarding opportunity to help keep our community safe. If you're ready to dive in and make an impact, apply today and join the team that keeps Gunnison swimming strong!

General Purpose:

The Swim Instructor is responsible for providing safe, engaging, and effective swim instruction to participants of all ages and abilities. This position plans and delivers structured swim lessons in accordance with established curriculum and safety standards, maintains active supervision of participants during instructional periods, and supports a positive learning environment. The Swim Instructor communicates professionally with participants and parents/guardians, remains in the water for the duration of assigned classes, and is expected to be present before and after lessons as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide swim instruction to individuals and groups using the City of Gunnison's approved swim lesson curriculum. Maintain the safety of all participants through active supervision and adherence to aquatic safety standards and facility rules. Plan and deliver engaging, age- and skill-appropriate swim lessons that promote skill development and water safety. Communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, with participants and parents/guardians to support learning and provide feedback. Complete lesson plans, attendance records, and participant progress documentation as required. Remain in the water for the duration of assigned classes and be present before and after lessons as required. Provide courteous and professional customer service to participants, families, and coworkers. Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and in-service sessions.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for setting an example of positive customer service and professionalism in the workplace. Anticipates and meets the needs of the community, its citizens and guests, and the aquatic staff. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Job Qualifications Required Education and Experience:

Required:

Must be at least 15 years old.

Preferred but not required:

Experience in working with kids and/or teaching/coaching individuals.

Other Necessary Requirements:

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and City-recognized holidays, based on program needs. Ability to remain in the water for extended periods of time and perform physical duties associated with swim instruction. Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic swim instruction techniques, water safety principles, and participant supervision practices. Ability to work effectively with participants of varying ages, abilities, and skill levels in a group instructional setting. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and non-verbally, with participants, parents/guardians, and coworkers. Ability to maintain a safe and positive learning environment while enforcing facility rules and program guidelines. Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency or stressful situations. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow established curriculum, lesson plans, and City policies while adapting instruction to meet participant needs. English Language Comprehension - Ability to listen to, read, understand, and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand, both orally and in writing, at a level appropriate for the position.

Working Conditions Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually relatively loud. This position requires continual public interaction and communication including advanced customer service relations with patrons of all ages (including minors). The work environment is in and around water and slippery surfaces with exposure to noise, fumes, hazardous chemicals (including chlorine & muriatic acid), and cleaning chemicals. This position requires being in and around water on a regular basis and in a humid/warm facility.

Physical Activities:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis. It will be necessary at times to perform physical activities requiring continual walking, standing, and sitting. May be required to perform physical recreational activities such as swimming, running, jumping, climbing stairs, crawling, bending, and reaching. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Supervision Received:

Works under the General Supervision of the Aquatics Manager. Works closely with the Aquatics Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and in conjunction with the Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, Rec Center Manager, and Recreation Assistant.

Supervision Provided:

None.