Aquatic Leader I/II (RNB)

Aquatic Leader

Join our dynamic team as an Aquatic Leader, where your passion for aquatic recreation meets the thrill of ensuring safety and fun! In this vital role, you'll interact with pool patrons and students and providing top-notch customer service. Dive into this rewarding opportunity and make a splash in our community!

This is an ongoing recruitment to fill current and future staffing needs throughout the year based on departmental needs. The initial application review will begin on April 13, 2026. This recruitment may be closed at any time.

JOB SUMMARY: The Aquatic Leader performs a variety of duties in aquatic recreation including public interaction with pool patrons and students, providing customer service, team leadership, lifeguarding, swimming and aerobic instruction, first aid, and general aquatic facility custodial services. May be responsible for facility supervision at the Aquatic Center and City-owned beaches in the absence of full-time staff and the Aquatic Program Leader.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION: Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

• Aquatic Leader I: This position will start at Step 1 ($21.08/hour). The full hourly range for this position is $21.08 - $27.49.
• Aquatic Leader II: This position will start at Step 1 ($22.34/hour). The full hourly range for this position is $22.34 - $29.14.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.

This position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law. This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

The City is also recruiting for Lifeguards, please apply for the appropriate position based on your experience and training as they correlate to the position. An individual in this position will move through the series in non-competitive promotions upon completing the necessary requirements and certifications for each Level. A person with the requisite experience and training may be hired at the Aquatic Leader II level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lifeguards facility, program and patrons, identifying potential safety concerns and preventing accidents. Provides lifesaving measures including, first aid, and CPR when necessary.
2. Leads high-quality swim lessons, American Red Cross training courses, and aerobic classes to all levels and age groups.
3. Ensures that all areas of the facilities are limited to authorized users. Recognizes and acts immediately to address inappropriate and unsafe behavior. Responds to safety or security situations and contacts appropriate staff, law enforcement, or other emergency personnel as appropriate.
4. Cleans locker rooms, staff areas, beaches, and natatorium. Conducts chemical tests and sanitizes facilities after contamination incidents.
5. Attends monthly in-service trainings and assists with those trainings as needed.
6. Completes all paperwork related to swim lessons, lifeguarding duties, and other assigned duties.
7. Provides supervision of the facility and leads staff in the absence of the Aquatics Manager, Aquatic Supervisor, Recreation Coordinators, and Aquatic Program Leader.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. May assist Aquatic Program Leader, Recreation Coordinators, or Aquatic Supervisor with planning programs and activities.
2. Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.
3. May assist with training and evaluating temporary and regular non-benefited staff.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed year-round in a humid indoor Aquatics Center and outdoors during the summer months at City-owned beaches. Employees often walk on wet or slick surfaces around pool area and waterfront areas. Frequently interacts with the public in the field, which may include exposure to hostile, offensive language, or interactions with angry or volatile individuals. Frequent exposure to pool chemicals and cleaning agents. Occasional exposure to hazardous materials such as blood. General safety precautions are taken into consideration for the majority of these hazards. Exposed to outside weather conditions. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including:

• Meet standards required for American Red Cross Pre-test for Lifeguarding and Waterfront certifications
• Meet department standards required for Aquatics Practice Assessment.
• Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time; ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to conduct tests or lift patrons.
• Frequently lift and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs., and occasionally transport weights of up to approximately 100lbs.
• Hear, communicate, and see sufficiently to receive and provide instructions in a noisy fast-paced environment while meeting mandated safety standards.
• Operate pool maintenance equipment of varying weight, lengths, and width and aid distressed swimmers of varying sizes.
• Occasionally travel between indoor and outdoor locations; ability to be exposed to outdoor weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Experience and Training

Aquatics Leader I:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Minimum of 3 months lifeguarding experience.
• Minimum of 3 months experience supporting Learn to Swim.
• Demonstrated ability communicating and working effectively with patrons of all ages.
• Customer Service experience preferred.

Aquatics Leader II:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 6 months lifeguarding experience.
• Minimum of 6 months experience instructing American Red Cross training courses such as Water Safety.
• Water Aerobics Instruction experience preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment skills test, including but not limited to:
  • American Red Cross Pre-test for Lifeguarding and Waterfront Certification
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen prior to hire. (This position is considered a safety sensitive position; therefore, the pre-employment drug test includes testing for cannabis. Positive test results will exclude an applicant from being hired)
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends with a minimum availability of 1 shift per week.

Aquatics Leader I:

• Current Lifeguarding American Red Cross certification.
  • First Aid
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers
• Must obtain within two weeks the following American Red Cross certifications and maintain throughout duration of employment:
  • Administering Emergency Oxygen
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Water Safety and Lifeguard Training Instructor Certifications preferred.

Aquatics Leader II:

• Ability to maintain current American Red Cross certifications throughout the duration of employment in the following:
  • Lifeguarding
  • First Aid
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers