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Head Instructor Jobs in Arlington, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard: Weekends

Everett, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

This position may require completing YMCA Swim Instructor Certification to support lesson ... with head out of the water * 50 yards inverted breast-stroke kick with arms on the stomach

Head Instructor information

See Arlington, WA salary details

$13

$24

$38

How much do head instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for head instructor in Arlington, WA is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $29.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head instructor do?

A Head Instructor is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational or training programs within an organization or institution. They supervise other instructors, develop curriculum, ensure teaching standards are met, and often teach advanced classes themselves. Additionally, Head Instructors may be involved in evaluating student progress, mentoring staff, and addressing any issues that arise within their team. Their leadership ensures that the learning environment is effective and that educational objectives are achieved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Instructor, you need extensive subject matter expertise, teaching experience, and relevant educational credentials, often including advanced degrees or certifications in your field. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, learning management systems (LMS), and assessment software is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to mentor others are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective instruction, foster team development, and maintain high educational standards within an institution.

What are some common challenges faced by a head instructor and how can they be addressed?

Head Instructors often face the challenge of balancing administrative duties with hands-on teaching. Managing a diverse team of instructors, addressing student needs, and updating curriculum to meet industry standards can be demanding. Effective time management, clear communication, and staying current with best practices are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with staff and seeking regular feedback from both students and instructors can also enhance program quality and team morale.

What is the difference between Head Instructor vs Assistant Instructor?

AspectHead InstructorAssistant Instructor
Required CredentialsCertifications in teaching, leadership experienceBasic teaching certifications, training
Work EnvironmentLeads classes, manages curriculum, supervises staffSupports lead instructor, assists with classes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, martial arts, fitnessCommon in similar settings, supporting roles
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for leadership roles, advanced responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level support roles

The main difference between a Head Instructor and an Assistant Instructor lies in their responsibilities and experience. The Head Instructor leads classes, manages curriculum, and supervises staff, requiring more certifications and leadership skills. The Assistant Instructor supports the lead, assists with classes, and typically has fewer certifications. Both roles are common in educational, fitness, and martial arts industries, but the Head Instructor holds a more senior, leadership position.

What are the responsibilities of a Head Instructor?

A Head Instructor is responsible for overseeing training sessions, developing lesson plans, mentoring instructors, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining a positive learning environment. They often evaluate instructor performance, coordinate schedules, and may hold certifications relevant to their field. Strong leadership, communication skills, and subject matter expertise are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor jobs in Arlington, WA?

The most popular types of Instructor jobs in Arlington, WA are:

What cities near Arlington, WA are hiring for Head Instructor jobs?

Cities near Arlington, WA with the most Head Instructor job openings:

Lifeguard: Weekends

Everett, WA • On-site

Ymca Of Snohomish County
Fitness and Sports Centers • 501 - 1,000 employees

$22.50 - $23.68/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description
The YMCA of Snohomish County provides jobs and careers with a cause. Every day, the Y makes a lasting impression in our communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our unique work environment constantly changes to adapt to the needs of our communities. We are a non-profit, in the people business. This means that we help members meet a fitness or ability goal, see that children thrive in our child care programs, encourage family togetherness, and give youth an opportunity to learn life skills through water safety, sports, and teen programming.
Our Commitment to Inclusion:
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility-they guide everything we do.
We look forward to having you on our YMCA team!
*The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity at all levels of our organization!
Position Summary:
Maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Create a safe, positive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies, practices and procedures. This position may require completing YMCA Swim Instructor Certification to support lesson programming.
Schedule:
Saturdays 12:00pm - 5:00pm and Sundays 10:00am - 5:00pm.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Maintain constant surveillance of the pool area
  • Know, review, and follow all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, practices and procedures, complete related reports as required
  • Develop and maintain positive effective relationships with all including our diverse members, participants and other staff
  • Know, understand, and consistently apply safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool/aquatic area
  • Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code
  • Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed
  • Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving
  • Perform chemical testing at appropriate times of the day, as required, and take appropriate action
  • Actively prevent and address suspected abuse
  • Must be able to remain alert with no lapses in attentiveness
  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, able to move about including in/out of elevated chair
  • Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals
  • Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision
  • Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Minimum age 16
  • Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards
  • Current First Aid, CPRPRO (BLS), AED and O2 certifications
  • Current YMCA Lifeguard or RLSS, CRC, ARC Lifeguard
  • Ability to pass lifeguard water test:
    • Swim 350 yards including
      • 100 yards front crawl
      • 100 yards breast-stroke
      • 50 yards front crawl with head out of the water
      • 50 yards breast-stroke with head out of the water
      • 50 yards inverted breast-stroke kick with arms on the stomach
      • Treading water hands-free for 2 minutes
      • Submerge and swim under water for 15 feet
      • Retrieve a dive toy off the bottom of the pool without goggles
      • Perform continuous CPR for at least 2 minutes
      • Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue
    • Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness
  • Fluency in second language desired

Y Culture:
  • Build relationships with a diverse membership base in culturally responsive ways, connect members with one another and to the YMCA
  • Exhibit Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
  • Complete required training and certifications within established guidelines
  • Arrive on time ready for shift, clock in/out within timekeeping system

Embrace Leader Core Competencies:
Mission Advancement:
  • Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values
  • Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs
  • Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them
  • Supports fundraising

Collaboration:
  • Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinion, and perceptions
  • Builds rapport and relates well to others
  • Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations
  • Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively
  • Takes initiative to assist in developing others

Operational Effectiveness:
  • Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another
  • Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience
  • Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings
  • Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately
  • Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members

Personal Growth:
  • Pursues self-development that enhances job performance
  • Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process
  • Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships
  • Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-the-date knowledge and skills in technology

Job descriptions represent a general outline of job duties, functions and qualifications. They are not intended to be comprehensive in nature. In addition, jobs evolve over time and therefore their description may not reflect the precise nature of the position at a given point in time.