Water Safety Swim Instructor

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction. 

The purpose of a Swim Instructor is to facilitate and teach group and/or private swim lessons at the Gypsum Recreation Center, Eagle Pool & Ice Rink, and Gypsum Creek Pool, as assigned, following the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum. Swim Instructors teach individuals of various abilities and needs, including infants, preschoolers, children, youth, individuals with disabilities, adult beginners, and older adults—how to swim and stay safe in, on, and around the water.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Water Safety Swim Instructor 

Location: District-wide • Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO), Gypsum Creek Pool (Gypsum, CO), Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (Eagle, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round 

Work Environment: Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. Hours vary depending upon specific program needs. 

Duties may be performed indoors or outdoors; the work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent exposure to the sun, wet and/or humid conditions, or other outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic, or caustic chemicals (such as chlorine).
• Exposure to moderate levels of noise.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and standing for long durations. Must be able to see, sit, stoop, kneel, stand, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. Must be proficient swimmers and be able to assist in rescues, first aid, and emergencies as needed. This position also requires the ability to maintain focus for multiple hours at a time in sunny, hot, humid conditions.

The flow of work and character of duties require high levels of mental and visual attention, much or all of the time. This position also requires the ability to maintain focus for multiple hours at a time in sunny, hot, and humid conditions. Job stress may include dealing with crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, emergency response, sun exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Directly supervised by Aquatics Specialists, and Aquatics Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $20.50 - $23.47/hour; DOE; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test. 

Benefits: 

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

General Statement of Duties: Teach basic swimming levels and assist with other swim team levels by creating a safe, progressive, and enjoyable learning experience for participants. 

Examples of Duties:

• Plans and leads novice swim practices, developing and implementing age- and skill-appropriate curriculum.
• Supervises participants in swim programs, ensuring their progress, safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
• Assists with the setup and breakdown of equipment and facilities.
• Completes required records and documentation.
• Maintains the cleanliness and organization of facilities and equipment.
• Responds to accidents and incidents following established procedures.
• Communicate effectively with participants, parents, and staff, providing accurate information related to assignments.
• Acts as a Mandatory Reporter and reports incidents of child abuse or neglect.
• Supports swim-related activities and programs, including coaching and other swim initiatives.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: Red Cross Water Safety Instructor program, including learning development, stroke technique, water safety, program levels, teaching methods, practices, and progressions.

Skills and abilities: 

• Strong personal swimming skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead classes to achieve established goals.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to motivate individuals of all ages and abilities, particularly children.
• Physical capability to perform the duties required for this position.
• Exceptional teamwork skills, with the ability to follow directions, collaborate with others, and foster positive, respectful relationships with staff and the public.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and effectively engage with both parents and participants.

Tools and Equipment Used: Safety and rescue equipment, small hand tools for minor pool maintenance, phone/walkie - talkie, chemical test kit, pool vacuum, brushes, pressure washer, and various pool cleaning materials.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Be at least 16 years of age or older; AND
• One-year previous work-related experience with swimming instructional programs or coaching; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training.

Certifications:

• Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
• WSI Certification (preferred, but not required)

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 16 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.