Water Safety Instructor, PT; continuous

Overview

Continuous Recruitment. Recruitment may close at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. 2026 OAKLAND PARKS, RECREATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone.

Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland s Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Department?

With an emphasis on Oakland’s youth, the Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) Department, and its partners will provide best-in-class, relevant, and equitable programs and services, while meeting the specific needs of people and communities both at the neighborhood level and regionally throughout the City of Oakland. We achieve this mission through intentional engagement and by removing the barriers that prohibit equitable opportunities for all.

OPRYD believes that communities thrive when they play with a purpose. Our purpose is to Expose, Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage Educational Excellence through recreational experiences.

The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill multiple part-time Water Safety Instructor positions in the Oakland Parks and Recreation Aquatic Centers for both seasonal and year-round employment. Working hours will vary from week to week. Water Safety Instructors perform a variety of duties at the City s pools including swimming instruction, coordination of the Water Safety Instruction (WSI) program, and other aquatic activities.

A list of all OPRYD pools is available via the department pages of the City.

• Ensuring pool patrons  safety and well-being by enforcing rules, preventing accidents, and administering first aid
• Providing swimming lessons to all ages and abilities, following American Red Cross guidelines
• Supervising and directing Water Safety Aides in the Learn-to-swim program
• Assisting the Pool Manager in coordinating and implementing water safety instruction
• Completing all necessary records, including accident reports, and time slips
• Aiding in patron registration for swim classes and maintaining positive community relations

• Experience: One year of aquatics experience. Previous experience as a swim coach or competitive swimmer is highly desirable.
• Certifications: Current Red Cross certifications in Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for Lifeguards with AED or CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED
• Other Requirements: Candidates must be at least seventeen (17) years or older. Candidates who receive offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance and have a physical examination including a TB screening.
• Work Permits: Minors will be subject to state guidelines and restrictions governing their employment. When applicable, work permits must be obtained prior to beginning employment.

Note: This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages bilingual candidates to apply. Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. If a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who indicate they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates may be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable:
One year of aquatics experience. Previous experience as a swim coach or competitive swimmer is highly desirable.

How…