Lifeguard Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.13 - $20.42 Hourly
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Temporary
Department: Public Works
Division: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 04/08/2026
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
Yakima Parks & Recreation is hiring *temporary lifeguard/instructor positions to work at Lion's Pool and/or MLK Aquatic Center. *Temporary positions are non-civil service, non-union, not eligible for benefits and are not to exceed working 866 hours in the year.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Lifeguarding and instruction experience in a public or private aquatic program, and/or customer service experience is preferred.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES: Must possess and maintain an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate, a YMCA Lifeguard Certificate or a National Pool Water Park Lifeguard Certificate. Additional Water Safety Instructor Certificate is preferred.
IF YOU POSSESS A LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION, PLEASE SUBMIT THE CERTIFICATION AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
Job Summary
Under immediate to general supervision, leads and participates in aquatic activities such as instructing swim classes, lifeguarding, cashiering and maintaining City pool facilities.
Essential Functions
Performs as a lifeguard at all times while at the facility. Maintains the safety of all patrons by enforcing rules, taking preventative measures, being aware of hazards and utilizing public and staff communications.
Teaches American Red Cross swim lessons, exercise classes, private or public organizations, etc. Sets up lesson plans; explains, demonstrates, and evaluates skills for each specific class.
Performs custodial care of facility by cleaning, hosing and disinfecting the facility, including locker rooms, pool decks, storage areas, mechanical rooms, pool bottom and walls, outside adjacent areas and grounds. Removes snow from facility entrances and sidewalks.
Greets people in a professional manner both by telephone and in person, when assisting with registration or providing information.
Receipts participant payments, records cash received and operates a cash register. Keeps daily, weekly and monthly attendance records.
Tests water, records test results and maintains chemical balance of swimming pool as required by law or health standards.
Performs in the head lifeguard/instructor capacity on an infrequent, as needed basis.
Completes mandatory and otherwise assigned trainings as required.
Contributes to and fosters an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Requires regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: applicable City of Yakima and Parks and Recreation policies and procedures; the philosophy, principles, and practices of American Red Cross aquatics instructional methods; the methods, techniques, materials, equipment, and safety precautions associated with teaching and operating aquatic program; the routine maintenance of commercial pool facilities.
Working knowledge of standard office and pool equipment, including, but not limited to: computers, copier/scanner, telephone, cash register and other point-of-sale devices. Must have knowledge and ability to access the internet and perform basic computer functions.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies to communicate with groups of people of all ages. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Must be able to respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset individuals, and respond to emergent situations in a calm manner. Ability to routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to read, interpret, and explain safety procedures and protocols.
Ability to perform or instruct swim lessons/classes for all age groups as assigned. Ability to direct the work of employees and volunteers when assigned as head lifeguard/instructor.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, participants, and the public; to continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, beliefs, economic and social backgrounds.
Ability to work with self-direction and limited direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail, and work under timeline pressures. Must possess ability to make appropriate decisions and quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to apply first-aid and/or life-saving skills under pressure. Ability to positively receive feedback, take and follow-through with direction is essential.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the division's values including, but not limited to accountability, customer focused, teamwork, professionalism and effective, positive communication.
Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and City regulations, laws, policies and standards.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including, but not limited to, City mandatory training requirements.
Ability to work irregular or extended hours as necessary with sometimes short notice to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.
Ability to work in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Will be constantly swimming and be exposed to water, chlorine, and other chemicals related to pool maintenance, cleaning agents and disinfectants, stinging insects, animals/rodents, slippery surfaces, heat, sun, and other summer weather conditions; loud noises including whistles, excited voices and children crying/yelling. Will be frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Frequently moves around pool area, enters and exits pool. Constant use of arms and hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while performing duties. Frequently ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining balance and/or assisting others. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers and/or the general public. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to process in-coming stimuli and recall complex information. May work in multiple locations inside and outside. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
May be required to work evenings, weekends, early mornings, split shifts, and/or holidays depending on the time of year and programs in progress. May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally distressed individuals. May need to provide first-aid, CPR and/or other life saving measures.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  1. Vacation - Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  2. Sick - 8 hours/month
  3. Personal holiday - 2 days
  4. Observed holiday - 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit.
01
Do you have lifeguarding and/or instruction experience in a public or private aquatic program?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a Lifeguard Certificate?

• Yes, I currently possess a Lifeguard Training Certificate
• No, but I am currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training Class
• No, I do not possess a Lifeguard Training Certificate

03
Select which lifeguard certification you possess:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate
• YMCA Lifeguard Certificate
• National Pool Water Park Lifeguard Certificate
• None of the above/not applicable

04
If you do possess a lifeguard certification, did you attach the certification with your application?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

05
If you are currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training class, please detail which class and your expected date of completion.
06
Do you possess a Water Safety Instructor Certificate?

• Yes
• No

Required Question