City of Piedmont is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The city, which is virtually built out, consists of established residences on quiet tree-lined streets. Within Piedmont's 1.8 square-mile area there are five city parks and numerous landscaped areas which offer wooded paths, tennis courts, children's playgrounds and picnic facilities. The city will be opening a new all electric Community Pool featuring a state-of-the-art competition pool, activity pool and bathhouse facility.
DEFINITION
Head Swim Instructors provide planning and instruction for aquatic programs, lessons and camps within the guidelines of the City of Piedmont's comprehensive aquatics program. They are responsible for assuring that swim lesson sessions are conducted effectively, efficiently and safely. They make sure Swim Instructors are ready and have what they need to conduct classes, intervene, as needed, to address concerns, and act as the main point of contact for parent communication.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics, Head Swim Instructors are distinguished by their ability to handle emergency situations, their level of expertise in swim instruction, swim strokes proficiency and knowledge, their ability to demonstrate and break down the stroke mechanics and communicate well with children and adults.
In addition to an emphasis on foundational swim stroke proficiency, a Head Swim Instructor will oversee the entire session on swim lessons, mentor and provide guidance to all Swim Instructors.
A Head Swim Instructor must :
- Be at least 18 years old or complete high school / GED
- Possess a work permit required if under 18
- Have extensive swim experience, such as participation in swim teams or clubs
- Have at least two years of experience successfully teaching or coaching swim lessons
- Possess leadership capabilities and be able to oversee swim lesson sessions or aquatic programs
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Teach swim and water safety lessons to participants of all ages-from six months to adult-following the established program curriculum and progressionDemonstrate proper swim stroke mechanics and techniques, providing clear, age-appropriate instruction and individualized feedback to both children and adultsCollaborate with the aquatics team to help design lesson plans and participate in pre-registration activities, including assessing participant skill levelsMaintain a safe and welcoming learning environment during all lessons. Monitor participant behavior, adjust activities as needed, and communicate progress and assessments to participants and their parents / guardiansPrepare, inspect, and safely store all instructional equipment before and after each lesson to ensure readiness and proper useAccurately record attendance, participant progress reports, and any incidents in accordance with program procedures and timelinesAssist in planning and executing special aquatic events, such as swim meets, safety demonstrations, and community outreach programsEncourage continued participation in aquatic programming by providing guidance in lesson progression and upcoming opportunitiesMonitor pool deck and water conditions, correcting or reporting any safety or maintenance concerns to appropriate staff promptlyMentorship : Provide guidance and support to all Swim Instructors, fostering skill development and confidenceAssist in expanding, developing and executing new aquatic classes and programsAttempt to resolve any concerns, issues or skill level discrepancies within the same class period, or make plans to follow up with student / parent and Instructor, as appropriateReport concerns to Coordinator or Supervisor in an appropriate amount of time so that concerns beyond the scope of the Head Swim Instructor's position can be addressedMonitor session attendance and prepare rosters for each assigned sessionAssign classes to Instructors and assure that they are prepared for each of their classesWelcome participants and provide a brief orientation to parentsPrepare pre-session (5 minute) trainings to help Instructors learn skills or tips for conducting classesObserve Instructors and provide regular feedback and coaching to help them improveCo-teach with Instructors who need assistance to model class management or skill developmentWork with participants who need occasional one-on-one help that the Instructor is not able to provideAssist Instructors with level / skill testingManagement reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of :
The mechanics of the four basic swim strokes : freestyle (front crawl), backstroke (back crawl), breaststroke and butterflyThe basic understanding of skill progression needed to guide swimmers to achieving proper swim techniquesStandard safety protocols required to maintain safety in an aquatic settingBest practices for customer service and excellent communicationAbility to :
Demonstrate the four basic swim strokesLearn and follow structured lesson plans and best practices in swim instructionAdapt teaching approaches to the age, experience and abilities of participants to help them meet the course objectivesMaintain the safety of all assigned studentsCommit to the session dates assigned so that continuity is maintained for studentsCommunicate effectively and work cooperatively with Recreation department personnel, volunteers, vendors representatives, school personnel, children, parents, patrons, the general public, and coworkersFollow instructions, respond to requests and follow up with supervisor as neededUnderstand and use a wide variety of resources and information, such as regulations, accident / incident reports, schedules, time sheets, patron complaints, correspondence and general operating manualsAct quickly, calmly and appropriately in emergency situations by participating and assisting Lifeguards in the Emergency Action PlanOffer feedback to Swim Instructors, students or parents that promotes growth and collaborationNavigate difficult conversations with parents, students, coworkers or patrons with professionalismREQUIREMENTS
Certifications :
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) within 6 months of hire or promotionAmerican Red Cross Lifeguarding certification if WSI is not current upon hire / promotion
First Aid / CPR with AED through American Red Cross or nationally recognized agencyPhysical and Mental Demands :
Vision (which may be corrected) and hearing must be within normal range to be able to see and hear students who may be in life and / or health and safety endangering situationsAbility to communicate clearly with aquatic patrons, students or parents in-person, via phone, or emailAbility to use a computer, phone system, copier, and other standard office equipmentCapable of sitting or standing for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 25 poundsAble to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies or urgent situationsKnowledge of basic clerical procedures and ability to follow instructions with attention to detailEnvironmental Elements :
Ability to work outdoors, including participation in required aquatic staff in-service in and out of the water for extended periods, exposed to sun, water, and varying weather conditionsAbility to dress in Swim Instructor uniform and dress code throughout scheduled shiftsAbility to work indoors in an office setting with frequent transitions to the pool deck areaExposure to noise, humidity, and chlorine-related odorsMust be comfortable working in a shared space with high public interactionAbility to work under moderately safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental or job-related factors may cause discomfort and where there is a risk of temperature variations or extremes, odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, wetness, noise, violence, disease, blood or bodily fluids while rendering first aid and CPRFirst round of interviews is planned for the week of August 25; however, this position may remain open until filled.
Successful candidates must pass a Department of Justice live fingerprint scan, background reference checks, and a Tuberculosis screening prior to start of employment.