Aquatics Lifeguard​/Swim Instructor​/Swim Team Coach

Overview

Target hiring range: $17.13-$18.63/hourly (DOQ)

Now hiring for the 2026 pool season!

* Interviews are expected to begin in late February and continue through late April.*

The 2026 pool season is fast approaching which is an exciting time for the City of Richland. The City's Park and Recreation division is looking for well-qualified candidates to fill our Aquatics Lifeguard/ Swim Instructor/Swim Team Coach positions for the 2026 season.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Aquatics Lifeguard/Swim Instructor/Swim Team Coach positions perform support work for a variety of recreation activities, programs, events, and facility needs, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under close to moderate supervision of the Parks and Recreation Coordinator or designee (supervisor).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is required for this position. Must be 15 years old on or before the last day of class. If you have not yet signed up for a class, visit one of the following sources to see classes available in our area. Please note, you will need to submit proof of enrollment in a course to be considered for an interview.

• Pacific Clinic: COURSES | Pacific Clinic (link unavailable in current format)
• CBRC:
  Lifeguard Training - CBRC Health & Fitness (link unavailable in current format)
• YMCA of Walla Walla: AQUATICS | Walla Walla YMCA (link unavailable in current format)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification – Lifeguarding or Swim Team Coach only.

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification - Swim Instructor only.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

No experience or formal education required other than certifications listed under Special Requirements.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous public pool experience, preferably with the City of Richland.

• Previous Lifeguard/Swim Instructor/ Swim Team Coach experience.

CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland's core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The City may make reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provides customer service, answers questions, greets customers; helps with opening, closing, programs, and events; communicates issues/concerns with supervisor or Aquatics Pool Manager as they arise.

• Assists staff to maintain order during events, activities, and programs and ensures the safety of participants.

• Ensures and enforces program, facility and department/division rules.

• Performs pool maintenance, including but not limited to routine daily cleaning of locker areas, decks, and other facility areas.

• Assists in putting out or taking down equipment and pool covers.

• Performs and/or supports emergency procedures.

• Performs lifeguard duties and/or coaches/instructs/assists with swim lessons and swim team programs.

• Rescues swimmers in danger and performs situational appropriate emergency procedures.

• Provides First Aid.

• Maintains swim class records and submits appropriate paperwork.

• Assists with special events at the pool.

KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.

• Computer proficiency:
  Windows-based software, website navigation.

• Basic record-keeping principles, procedures and techniques.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Assist with a variety of recreational activities for the division.

• Learn, read, and apply laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to the public.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all…