Benefit type: Part time- non benefited

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

About the job:

Make a difference in lifelong safety by teaching community members to swim. Everyone starts somewhere with a new skill and this position plays a big role for new swimmers of all ages. Teach basic and assist with other levels of the BPRD and Red Cross learn-to-swim program, providing a safe, progressive and fun learning experience for participants.

Work with age groups from 6 months through 15 years of age and even adults. No experience necessary - we offer a great training class that will teach you how to communicate with children, child development and of course teaching strategies!

A day in the life:

• Plan and instruct basic swim and water safety programs in accordance with BPRD and Red Cross standards and procedures.
• Assist with advanced swim levels.
• Provide for the progress, safety, comfort and enjoyment of class participants.
• Evaluate participants and complete progress reports and cards.
• Maintain required BPRD and Red Cross course records.
• Communicate with lesson participants and parents concerning specific lesson and related program information.
• Participate in regular swim instructor in-service training.

Preliminary swim test:

• 50 m swim freestyle
• 50 m swim backstroke
• 50 m swim breaststroke (this style is not mandatory to know)

Swim instructors can work up to 6 days a week.

Paid training and certification help are provided to those willing to learn, grow skills and seek certification.

Swim Instructor course (paid time)

In-Person Class Schedule: Mandatory to attend all class times. Classroom portion is approximately 24hrs in length. You will then complete 6hours of shadow teaching before you are ready to teach on your own.

What you'll need for success:

Strong knowledge of:

Strong knowledge of Red Cross WSI (water safety instructor) program, including learning development, stroke technique, water safety, program levels and teaching methods, practices and progressions.

Skills, and abilities to:

Strong personal swimming skills; plan, organize and lead classes toward determined goals; communicate effectively with and to motivate people of all ages and abilities, particularly children; physically perform the duties associated with this position; work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive relationship with staff and the general public.

What we're looking for:

Education, Experience and Training:

1. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND
2. Currently attending high school or high school diploma or equivalent; college coursework with emphasis in a swimming/fitness related field, preferred; AND
3. Current Red Cross Basic Swim Instructor certification; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the above described duties.
5. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

License and Certifications:

Swim Instructor - Red Cross Water Safety Instruction (WSI) Certification (paid training on the job)

Working Conditions:

Work schedule and number of hours varies. Position requires being in and out of water continuously and constantly using the voice in an often-noisy environment.

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application and submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the information we use for our evaluation.

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.

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