Description

Summer Camp at Stevens Cooperative is seeking Swimming Specialists to support our programs for PreK 3 through middle school, based on skills and experience, at our Jersey City and Hoboken campuses for the summer of 2026. This is a temporary position from June 15 - August 14, 2026. While teaching all weeks is preferred, it is not required.

Reports to: Aquatics Programs Director

The Candidate

The Swimming Specialist is responsible for providing campers ages three through thirteen how to swim and improve their swimming skills. They will work with children of all skill levels while fostering a positive, fun, and motivating environment that helps swimmers develop confidence and enjoyment in swimming. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for swimming, a love for teaching, and a commitment to promoting water safety.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct Swimming Lessons

• Plan, organize, and teach swimming lessons according to the level of the participants
• Tailor lessons to meet the needs of individuals or groups
• Provide instruction in basic swimming techniques (e.g., floating, breathing, stroke techniques) and advanced swimming skills
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child development in the primary years
• Collaborate with other Swimming Specialists and the Aquatics Program Director to create consistency in the program

Safety & Supervision

• Ensure the safety of all swimmers by maintaining a vigilant presence in and around the pool area
• Maintain and update a list of campers needing floatation devices
• Enforce pool safety rules and regulations
• Perform basic first aid and CPR if necessary
• Participate in the life of the camp and be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Summer Camp Director
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness
• Communicate with colleagues about camper issues and needs

Qualifications

• Lifeguard certification preferred (not required)
• CPR and First Aid certified, or able to complete certification before camp begins
• Minimum 1 year as a swim instructor or 3 years total teaching experience
• Strong knowledge of swimming techniques, water safety, and aquatic instruction
• Ability to demonstrate skills and stay active in the water for extended periods
• Experience working with children and managing groups of various ages from 3 years old - 12 years old
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with campers, staff, and parents
• Confident leading large groups and speaking in front of others
• Strong problem-solving, crisis management, and safety awareness skills
• Maintains ongoing evaluation process of camp programs, staff, site and facilities and makes recommendations for improvements
• Positive, collaborative attitude with flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor
• Commitment to creating a safe, fun, and inclusive camp environment aligned with camp values

Position Requirements

• Must attend Summer Staff Orientation on May 16, 2026
• Monday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
• Must attend weekly staff meetings

Salary & Benefits

Compensation is $23.25 per hour.

Stevens Cooperative School

Stevens Cooperative School fosters curiosity, compassion and confidence in students who think deeply, act ethically and lead by example.

Stevens Cooperative School is the only nonsectarian independent school with campuses in Hoboken and Jersey City. Founded in 1949, Stevens is the oldest parent cooperative school in New Jersey, and an excellent model of progressive education in action. Stevens serves 430 students from PreK 3 through 8th grade, of which 46% are ethnic minorities. Stevens is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and staff body and is eager to consider applications from traditionally underrepresented groups. We are committed to ongoing curricular and pedagogical anti-racist work, and we seek a candidate who shares that commitment and who can contribute to our efforts. We search out opportunities for professional growth and encourage reflection on our own practices.

Stevens does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, or national origin in the administration of its hiring and admission policies, financial aid program, or other school-administered programs.