Lifeguard/Instructor III

Lifeguard / Instructor III

The Community

Sparwood is a friendly and welcoming community of about 4,100 people, nestled in the heart of the Elk Valley in the Southeast Kootenays. As an “Active Community” we have great indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, trails and a world class ski hill just 30 minutes away.

The Opportunity

The District of Sparwood has an excellent employment opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated individual to join the Community Services team in the full-time role of Lifeguard / Instructor III.

Reporting to the Aquatics Supervisor, the Lifeguard / Instructor III is responsible for providing ongoing monitoring of public swims, providing swimming lesson instruction and leading aquafit classes. The Lifeguard / Instructor III acts as a lead lifeguard ensuring the pool area and related facilities are safe for public usage and that patrons are abiding by facility rules. The incumbent will have a solid understanding of pool filtration systems and water chemistry and assist the Aquatic Supervisor in the maintenance of these systems. The Lifeguard / Instructor III will be assigned administrative duties including assisting with the planning and organizing of events, programs and lessons, as well as assisting in leading aquatic in-services as needed. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lifeguarding & Instruction
• Leads Aquafit Classes
• Monitors aquatic activities, ensures adherence and enforcement of pool rules and safety regulations
• Performs the duties of a lead lifeguard
• Custodial and maintenance duties
• Tests backwashes filters, adds chemicals, and maintains the chlorination system
• Inspects pool and aquatic centre facilities such as change rooms, lockers, etc.
• Assists the Aquatic Supervisor in the planning and organizing of lessons and special events
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of certificates, records, reports, staff schedules etc. as required or assigned
• Administration and other duties as assigned

Required Education and Qualifications

• National Lifeguard Certification
• Swim Instructor
• Intermediate First Aid / OFA 2 equivalent with CPR C/AED

Preferred Education and Qualifications

• Pool Operator Level 1
• Lifesaving Instructor Recognized fitness knowledge certification and/or Aquafit Instructor
• First Aid Instructor/Examiner would be considered an asset
• Additional Trainer and Aquatic Safety Management courses will be considered an asset

All applicants who hold Lifesaving Certifications are encouraged to apply (certifications are transferrable to BC) or who have expired certifications as the District may support recertification. 

Salary

This position is a full-time unionized position under CUPE local 2698. The hourly wage rate is $33.11 per hour as per the current collective agreement and includes a full range of benefits.

Apply Now! Closing date for applications is November 3, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received.

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Aquatics Supervisor, Lifeguard / Instructor III is responsible for providing ongoing monitoring of public swims, providing swimming lesson instruction, and leading aquafit classes. The Lifeguard / Instructor III acts as a lead lifeguard ensuring the pool area and related facilities are safe for public usage and that patrons are abiding by facility rules. The incumbent will have a solid understanding of pool filtration systems and water chemistry and assist the Aquatic Supervisor in the maintenance of these systems. The Lifeguard / Instructor III will be assigned administrative duties including assisting with the planning and organizing of events, programs and lessons, as well as assist in leading aquatic in-services as needed. Primary responsibilities will be providing lifeguarding services, teaching swimming lessons, instructing aquafit classes and providing custodial services ensuring the pool and related facilities are maintained at the highest level of cleanliness.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication
• Conflict management
• Critical thinking
• Instruction and Training
• Decision making
• Safety Leadership
• Leadership
• Integrity
• Organization
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and collaboration

Job Duties

Lifeguarding & Instruction

• Leads Aquafit Classes
• Monitors aquatic activities, ensures adherence and enforcement of pool rules and safety regulations
• Performs the duties of a lead lifeguard
• Supervises and ensures the safety of pool users in accordance with established lifesaving, safety and health guidelines
• Instructs, tests, and certifies or assists in the instruction, testing and certification of Lifesaving, first aid and other aquatic programs as assigned
• Plans, organizes, and leads events and instructional classes

Custodial and Maintenance

• Tests backwashes filters, handles chemicals, and maintains the chlorination system
• Inspects pool and aquatic centre facilities such as change rooms, lockers, etc.
• Conducts custodial/cleaning and minor maintenance service and ensures safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained
• Performs regular maintenance duties on the pool filtration and chlorination systems

Administration

• Assists the Aquatic Supervisor in the planning and organizing of lessons and special events
• Assists the Aquatic Supervisor with the planning of, organizing, and leading of in-services
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of certificates, records, reports, staff schedules etc. as required or assigned
• Provides coverage for office staff as needed or assigned
• Assists the Aquatic Supervisor in administrative duties as may be assigned

Other

• Fills in for the Aquatic Supervisor in their absence
• Provides information to and assists the public with facility & program information
• Promotes and practices good public relations with user groups, fellow employees, and the general public
• All persons employed by the District of Sparwood will be required to assist the municipality in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education and Qualifications

• National Lifeguard Certification
• Swim Instructor
• Intermediate First Aid / OFA 2 equivalent with CPR C/AED

Preferred Education and Qualifications

• Pool Operator Level 1
• Lifesaving Instructor
• Recognized fitness knowledge certification and/or Aquafit Instructor
• First Aid Instructor/Examiner would be considered an asset
• Additional Trainer and Aquatic Safety Management courses will be considered an asset

Job Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective leadership skills, with a strong focus on mentoring and motivation of employees
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Able to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations
• Sound understanding of event and scheduling management
• Professional and able to provide a high level of customer service
• Able to handle confidential information and documentation
• A positive, energetic approach to work
• Demonstrated competence in the maintaining of pool chemical and mechanical systems
• Advanced understanding and ability to instruct aquatic based classes including lifeguarding techniques
• Advanced lifeguarding skills and abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work with the public in a positive and effective manner
• Ability to educate the public on facility rules and affect discipline positively
• Be able to perform labor-intensive tasks
• Demonstrated ability to be a leader
• Has exceptional customer service skills
• Advanced knowledge of pool filtration systems, water treatment of pool operations
• Demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and tactfully with the public and staff

Work Conditions

• This position is scheduled to work Monday through Friday; however, hours of work may be scheduled or transition into a rotation at any time between Monday and Sunday, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., based on operational requirements, with appropriate notice.
• Interaction with employees, management, and the public
• Operation of desktop computer and peripherals
• Extended periods of standing