Aquatics Lead Instructor

Classification: Regular, Full-Time OPSEU Bargaining Unit

Weekly Hours: 35 hours per week

Number of Existing Vacancies: 1

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Wellness and Aquatics Coordinator or designate, the Aquatics Lead Instructor is responsible maintaining a safe and welcoming aquatic environment by providing quality programs such as recreational swims, swim lessons, and aqua fitness. The Aquatics Lead Instructor is responsible for conducting mentoring and training part-time staff, as well as performing lifeguarding and swim instructing duties.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs lifeguard duties and instructs swimming lessons.
2. Maintains high aquatic safety standards at all times, including checking all safety equipment before each shift and maintaining alertness while supervising swim lessons, public swims or private rentals with the appropriate safety equipment available.
3. Assists Recreation Programmer with the planning, organizing and delivery of high quality safe and stimulating swimming lessons, according to the Lifesaving Society’s (LSS) Swim for Life curriculum and program standards, and completes evaluation and progress report cards of swimmers.
4. In collaboration with the Recreation Programmer, supervises staff to ensure LSS aquatic lifesaving standards of effective lifeguarding are being achieved. Utilizes evaluative tools, such as the LSS SEE Evaluation, to continually evaluate lifeguard rescue readiness and overall performance.
5. Teaches Leadership programming including Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, National Lifeguard and Swim Instructors as operationally required.
6. Supports and mentors Swim Instructors and Assistant Swim Instructor/Waterslide Attendants in completing progress report cards and evaluation of swimmers, ensuring they are completed accurately and thoroughly.
7. In collaboration with the Recreation Programmer, designs, implements and delivers staff training, and coaches staff and volunteers to improve competency in key areas including aquatic lifesaving and leadership, customer service, and program delivery.
8. Assists Recreation Programmer with onboarding and scheduling of staff and volunteers.
9. Performs administrative tasks to support the safe and effective operation of the pool including, maintenance requests, cleaning logs, Quest 2 evaluations, data entry and other record keeping, and coaches staff to complete reporting as required.
10. Promotes timely and effective communication and positive workplace engagement among the team, motivating staff and volunteers to achieve their best.
11. Works with the Recreation Programmer to ensure all health and safety and public health regulations are implemented and upheld as per the Town’s Health and Safety Policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
12. Maintains a high level of cleanliness within the work area and the facility.
13. Assists with general cleanliness of the pool deck, pool and changerooms. Responds to and mediates in-person customer questions, comments or concerns, escalating to Recreation Programmer, if required.
14. Assists with and promotes facility events and programs.
15. Supports and promotes a collaborative internal and external customer service focused environment.
16. Demonstrates a commitment to professional development and maintains relevant certifications.
17. Responds to all incidents, accidents, and emergency situations, including assisting with directing patrons to safety.
18. Ensures that the facility is accessible and clear of obstacles to allow for use of mobility devices and patron safety.
19. Communicates safety protocols, guidelines, and rules to patrons and user groups and ensures that they are enforced, including correcting inappropriate or unsafe behaviours with patrons where required.
20. Champions the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development and Principles of Healthy Aging whenever possible, understanding their theoretical and practical significance as it relates to delivering high quality and transformative programming to individuals and the community.
21. Serves as a positive role model and leader. Models appropriate problem-solving techniques, providing opportunities for patrons to problem solve.
22. Provides an environment and activities that foster healthy relationships, celebrates individuals’ successes, and remains engaged and attentive to participant’s needs and requests during all programs engaging them to create a sense of community. Provides an opportunity for participants to be creative, competent, and confident.
23. Follows all Town policies and procedures and ensures all health and safety regulations are upheld.
24. Provides backup assistance to other staff in the Recreation Department, as required.
25. Maintains files in accordance with the Town’s Records Management By-law, Policies and Procedures and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
26. Works in a respectful, friendly and courteous manner and communicates effectively with coworkers, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.
27. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviours, and proactively managing bias.
28. Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental or corporate objectives.

Qualifications Required:

1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, or in the process of obtaining.
2. Minimum one (1) year of progressive, related experience in an aquatic and recreation operation.
3. Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Service (NLS), Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor, Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Aquatic Supervisor certifications, required.
4. Demonstrated experience instructing advanced aquatic and first aid courses and completing HIGH FIVE Quest 2 assessments, an asset.
5. Lifesaving Instructor, National Lifeguard Instructor, Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid Instructor, Lifesaving Swim Instructor Trainer, HIGH FIVE Quest 2, Lifesaving Examiners, Lifesaving Coach 1, Aquafit Instructor certifications, and Aquatic Management, or willingness to obtain.
6. HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development and HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Aging certification or willingness to obtain, an asset.
7. Good working knowledge of the O. Reg 565: Public Pools, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times.
9. Good written and verbal communication, administrative, customer service, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
10. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint. Experience using Xplore Recreation software, an asset.
11. Ability to provide a current and acceptable vulnerable sector police record check.
12. Possess the physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

1. Extended periods of standing, sitting, computer usage, walking, swimming, removal of patrons from the water, bending and lifting up to 40 lbs.
2. Conditions vary from an indoor humid environment, inclement weather conditions, near open bodies of water, bodily fluids, verbal and physical behaviour from patrons and public criticism.
3. Ability to work schedule and shifts as stated. Work outside normal working hours may be required occasionally.