AQUATICS INSTRUCTOR I/II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

What's The Role?
Provides aquatics instruction and safety programming by teaching American Red Cross Lifeguarding, demonstrating techniques, and supervising participants to ensure a safe and engaging environment. The role also includes monitoring participant well-being, adapting class to different skill levels, and completing required trainings and paperwork.

Aquatics Instructor I: This is the journey-level classification in the instructor series. This position can independently teach safety instruction. Leads assigned classes and is primarily responsible for delivering program content. The ideal candidate can adapt to the instruction based on participant needs and abilities, monitors participants safety, can ensure compliance with pool policy and safety guidelines, and works with minimal supervision once trained.

Aquatics Instructor II: This is the advanced journey-level, classification in the instructor series. Positions are responsible for performing the most difficult/specialized aquatics instruction, can plan and supervise swim team workouts and advance programs, leads specialized aquatics and safety classes. This position requires advanced skills, training and industry certification(s) in the related subject matter area including overall supervision and instruction in specialized aquatic classes. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Placement in position will be DOE

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads, teaches, and conducts aquatics lessons, classes, and activities for groups of youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors according to collective ability level of participants.
• Provides technical guidance to participants by demonstrating skills, methods, and techniques, ensuring proper form and safety.
• Supervises participants during instruction sessions; assists in planning/plans for specialized classes.
• Communicates with parents and other staff regarding assignments, participant progress, and upcoming events, as assigned.
• Teaches majority of Lifeguarding Classes, as assigned.
• Records and submits paperwork, as assigned.
• Provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and facilities to avoid and prevent accidents, and to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; promotes public safety at all times.
• Enforces swimming pool and aquatics facility rules and regulations.
• Provides first responder medical emergency response to water and other emergencies; administers first aid and adult, child, and/or infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as required.
• Inspects and maintains swimming and pool equipment for functionality; recommends maintenance and repairs as required; tests and monitors pool water chemistry and clarity including recording chemical levels.
• Covers and uncovers swimming pool with tarps; tightens and rearranges lane lines as required.
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties.
• Receives and responds to questions and concerns; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate; suggests program improvements.
• Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs.
• Answers telephones and performs clerical duties including data entry for the aquatics facility.
• Assists with citywide special events and recreation department activities as assigned.
• Observes and complies with all City, local, State, and Federal mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Aquatics Instructor I-II-III: Equivalent to completion of the eighth (8th) grade.

Experience:

Aquatics Instructor I: One (1) year of experience providing direct instruction/training/coaching to participants in a sport, recreation, and/or leisure program including aqua fitness classes and/or swim teams, specialized aquatic classes, including American Red Cross Lifeguarding, or equivalent.

Aquatics Instructor II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience providing direct instruction/training/coaching to participants in a sport, recreation, and/or leisure program including experience instructing classes or specialized aquatic classes.

Licenses and Certifications:

Aquatics Instructor I-II-III:

• Possession of a valid Lifeguard Training certification from the American Red Cross or equivalent agency, including current and valid First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Emergency Oxygen Administration, or equivalent, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Based on assignment, possession of advanced certification(s) of specialized class(es).

Aquatics Instructor I:

• Possession of a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification to be maintained throughout employment.

Aquatics Instructor II:

• Based on assignment, possession of a valid USA Swimming Shield Certified Coach-Head Coach certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of both a valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certifications, or similar/equivalent, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Knowledge of:

• Instructional methods and techniques applicable to the aquatics field, as applicable, which may include beginning through advanced swim strokes.
• Modern principles and practices of swimming and safety programs development and implementation.
• Operations, services, activities, and equipment of assigned class or team.
• Swimming pool, guest safety, and emergency procedures.
• Operational characteristics of water rescue safety equipment and devices.
• Methods, materials, and equipment involved in the maintenance and operation of swimming pools.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Techniques for de-escalation and providing a high level of customer service by effectively assisting with the public, vendors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Lead and teach aquatics classes and activities for various age groups
• Oversee and coordinate assigned program operations
• Design and implement aquatic classes
• Instruct and provide feedback on swim techniques and performance
• Ensure participant safety through active supervision and rule enforcement
• Respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and maintain order in busy environments
• Operate and maintain aquatic equipment and facilities in a clean, safe condition
• Maintain accurate records and perform basic calculations
• Apply relevant laws, regulations, and safety protocols
• Use basic computer systems and modern office equipment
• Communicate clearly and maintain positive working relationships
• Exercise sound judgment, tact, and professionalism in all interactions

THE COMMUNITYLocated near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

THE DEPARTMENTThe Recreation Department provides a full range of recreational and educational activities for youth and adults, facility rentals, community events, and diverse programs and services to enhance quality of life in El Cerrito.

For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page:
Human Resources
Recreation Department
Part-time Salary Schedule
Physical Demands