Water Safety Swim Instructor (Part-Time, Year-Round)

WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE—AND DREAMS BECOME REALITY

At Mountain Recreation, we believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life—and that includes our employees. Join a team that dares to dream big and envisions a stronger, more connected community every single day.

No matter what your role, you’ll be part of a dynamic team redefining what recreation, community, and service can look like. We’re elevating experiences, building partnerships, and making meaningful change—and we’re just getting started.

Come grow with us as we continue to dream boldly and build a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Mountain Recreation is seeking a responsible and enthusiastic Swim Instructor to provide high-quality swim instruction and support the safety and development of all patrons at our aquatic facilities. This role is responsible for teaching swim lessons, assessing swimmer progress, providing constructive feedback, and assisting with water safety education in accordance with American Red Cross standards. Ideal candidates are patient, skilled in swimming techniques, capable of engaging learners of all ages and abilities, and committed to creating a positive, encouraging, and safe environment for every participant.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Water Safety Swim Instructor 

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO), Gypsum Creek Pool (Gypsum, CO), Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (Eagle, CO)

Employment Type: Part-Time, Year-Round

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible) 

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round 

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

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

Supervision Exercised: None

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor aquatic environments. The conditions and physical demands described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Frequent exposure to sun, water, wet and/or humid conditions, and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and pool chemicals, including chlorine and other disinfectants.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 100 pounds (e.g., during emergency response or rescue situations).
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, standing for extended periods, bending, and swimming.

This position requires the ability to maintain continuous surveillance of the aquatic environment, including strong visual and auditory awareness, and to recognize and respond to emergencies in a timely manner. Duties require sustained mental focus, situational awareness, and the ability to remain alert for extended periods, often in sunny, hot, or humid conditions. Job stress may include monitoring large groups, responding to emergency situations, managing difficult or uncooperative individuals, and maintaining performance during periods of continuous demand.

Salary: $20.50 - $24.65/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.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to mental health resources, life coaching, financial and legal consultation, and more through AllOne Health. 
• 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.
• 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 support advanced swim team programs by creating a safe, progressive, and enjoyable learning environment for all participants. Promote skill development, water safety, and confidence in swimmers of all ages and abilities. Work is performed under direct supervision with some independent judgment. 

Essential Functions: 

• Deliver swim instruction in accordance with American Red Cross or approved teaching standards. 
• Plan and lead swim lessons and novice practices, developing and implementing age- and skill-appropriate curriculum. 
• Assess swimmer skill levels and provide constructive feedback to help participants improve. 
• Supervise participants in swim programs, ensuring their safety, progress, comfort, and enjoyment. 
• Maintain continuous awareness of the pool and lesson participants to ensure safety. 
• Communicate effectively with participants, parents, and staff, providing clear guidance and accurate information. 
• Remain alert and attentive during lessons to respond to emergencies or unsafe behavior. 
• Participate in required trainings, in-services, and maintain all required certifications.

Other Duties:

• Assist with the setup and breakdown of instructional equipment and facilities. 
• Complete required records, attendance sheets, and lesson documentation accurately. 
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of pools, locker rooms, and instructional equipment. 
• Respond promptly to accidents or incidents, following established safety procedures. 
• Serve as a Mandatory Reporter and report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect in accordance with policy. 
• Support additional swim-related activities and programs, including coaching, special events, and swim initiatives. 
• Assist lifeguards and other staff to ensure safe and efficient facility operations. 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

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COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor program, including learning development, stroke technique, water safety principles, program levels, teaching methods, lesson planning, and skill progressions

Skills and abilities: 

• Strong personal swimming skills and proficiency in multiple strokes. 
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead swim classes that achieve established learning goals. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage participants of all ages and abilities, particularly children. 
• Physical capability to perform all duties required for safe and effective instruction. 
• Exceptional teamwork skills, including the ability to follow direction, collaborate with colleagues, and foster positive, respectful relationships with staff, participants, and the public. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, manage lesson flow, and engage effectively 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
• Possess, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Colorado driver’s license; AND
• Minimum one-year previous work-related experience with swimming instructional programs or coaching; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training.

Certifications:

• Possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
• American Red Cross WSI Certification (preferred, but not required)

FORWARD TOGETHER

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountain Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Mountain Recreation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

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.