Swim Instructor

Join the Parks & Recreation aquatics team and help members of the community build confidence and skills in the water.

The City of Missoula is hiring Swim Instructors to lead swim lessons and water safety education as part of the Missoula Learn to Swim program at Currents Aquatics Center and Splash Montana.

Swim Instructors create a welcoming and safe learning environment while teaching essential swimming techniques and water safety habits. This role requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with both youth and adults while supporting a fun, engaging, and safety-focused aquatics program.

• Plan and implement a progressive swim lesson and water safety schedule, according to program guidelines for both Currents and Splash Montana.
• Teach swimming skills and safety techniques to patrons of the Missoula Learn to Swim program.
• Create an environment of learning within the pool area, including an increasing level of comfort, technique, and safety for all lesson participants.
• Collaborate with various Aquatic Program Staff to ensure proper placement of students based on their ability level.
• Perform record keeping duties, including completing paperwork in a timely methodical manner, etc.
• Observe the behavior of pool patrons to maintain order and safety.
• Maintain and inspect all instructional equipment and facilities for cleanliness and safety.
• Serve as a member of the Emergency Action Plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

• Knowledge of waterpark and pool facility safety procedures, policies, and practices with the ability to instruct on water safety and enforce rules firmly with tact.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of facilitating swim lessons, including program planning and development, staff management, training, risk mitigation, etc.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, Missoula Swim Academy programs and other seasonal aquatics programming.

• Knowledge of and ability to promote department safety considerations, City safety policies, OSHA standards and guidelines, and the Americans for Disabilities Act.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions.
• Skill in multitasking in a fast-paced environment, while providing effective customer service.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to effectively break instructions down to specific skills and techniques with patience and tact.
• Ability to stay alert and identify potential and/or actual emergency situations.
• Ability to lead and work with both adults and youth of all ages.
• Ability to participate in a customer focused and team-oriented environment, contributing as lead and collaborator, when necessary.
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.

• Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures.

• Position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. or less.

• Duties are frequently performed under conditions where noise, heat, dampness, or cold are unavoidable.
• Work environment may involve occasional exposure to occupational hazards, biohazards, and physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

• Must be of legal age to perform the duties of the positions.
• Must be able to pass a fingerprint background check. (if 18 years old or older)

• Any combination of training and experience with aquatics programming, instruction, or another relevant field.
• Must have Basic Swim Instructor (BSI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and CPR/First Aid/AED certifications.