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Safety Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Water Safety Instructor is responsible for the instruction, development, and evaluation of swim class participants. Must be able to proficiently demonstrate all swimming skills and techniques ...

The Water Safety Instructor is responsible for the instruction, development, and evaluation of swim class participants. Must be able to proficiently demonstrate all swimming skills and techniques ...

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred) Experience * 1 year Instructor Experience (Preferred) Licenses and Certifications * Water Safety Instruct Trainer (WSI) - American Red Cross (ARC) within 30 ...

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred) Experience * 1 year Instructor Experience (Preferred) Licenses and Certifications * Water Safety Instruct Trainer (WSI) - American Red Cross (ARC) within 30 ...

Water Safety Instructor I position duties include, but are not limited to: * Lesson Planning: Creates safe, engaging lesson activities prior to the class in accordance with the guidelines created by ...

Water Safety Instructor I

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$18.39 - $29.42/hr

Water Safety Instructor I position duties include, but are not limited to: * Lesson Planning: Creates safe, engaging lesson activities prior to the class in accordance with the guidelines created by ...

Swim Instructor

Culpeper, VA

$18.59 - $24.63/hr

Has a current or the ability to obtain an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. Supports Culpeper County Parks & Recreation's mission while maintaining professionalism with staff ...

Swim Instructor

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Water Safety Instructor- Aqua-Tots Swim School (Indoor Pool Instructor | WSI | Swim Coach) Location : 6349 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 Job Type : Part time Pay : $18-$20 Schedule : Flexible ...

Swim Instructor

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Water Safety Instructor- Aqua-Tots Swim School (Indoor Pool Instructor, WSI, Swim Coach) Location : 1104b W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Job Type : Part time Pay : $15-$17 Schedule : Flexible ...

Swim Instructor

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$18.59 - $24.63/hr

Has a current or the ability to obtain an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. Supports Culpeper County Parks & Recreation's mission while maintaining professionalism with staff ...

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Safety Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$28

$56

How much do safety instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for safety instructor in Virginia is $28.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Safety Instructor Do?

As a safety instructor, you teach people how to comply with OSHA workplace standards. As part of your responsibilities and duties, you may review potential threats in a given area, help create countermeasures to minimize potential risks, and assess the training needs of employees. You often attend meetings, must keep up with changing safety laws, evaluate employee compliance, and otherwise help make each work area as safe as possible. Many details of this job vary based on the work environment. For example, medical laboratories often have very different safety needs than construction sites, so it’s essential to adapt your techniques with each employer.

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

To thrive as a Safety Instructor, you need thorough knowledge of safety regulations, risk assessment, and instructional design, often supported by certifications such as OSHA or First Aid/CPR instructor credentials. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), presentation software, and safety equipment is commonly required. Strong communication, public speaking, and the ability to engage diverse learners are vital soft skills that distinguish effective instructors. These skills and qualifications ensure safety instructors can deliver impactful training, promote compliance, and create safer work environments.

What is the difference between Safety Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSafety InstructorLifeguard
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Safety Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, training centers, corporate safety programsPools, beaches, water parks
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, safety training providersPublic pools, beaches, aquatic facilities

Safety Instructors and Lifeguards both require CPR and First Aid certifications, but Safety Instructors focus on teaching safety protocols in various settings, while Lifeguards primarily monitor water areas to prevent and respond to emergencies. Their work environments and employer types overlap somewhat, but their roles differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges Safety Instructors face when training diverse groups, and how can they effectively address them?

Safety Instructors often work with trainees from various backgrounds, experience levels, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone understands and retains critical safety information. To address this, instructors should use a mix of teaching methods—such as demonstrations, hands-on activities, and visual aids—to cater to different learning preferences. Creating an inclusive environment, encouraging questions, and checking for understanding through practical assessments help ensure all participants are engaged and competent. Regularly updating training materials to reflect current regulations and industry best practices is also essential.

What are Safety Instructors?

Safety Instructors are professionals who educate individuals or groups on safety protocols, procedures, and regulations in various environments such as workplaces, schools, or industrial settings. They design and deliver training sessions on topics like emergency response, equipment use, and hazard prevention. Safety Instructors ensure that trainees understand and can apply safety standards to minimize risks and prevent accidents. Their role is crucial in fostering a culture of safety and compliance within organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Safety Instructor jobs in Virginia? For Safety Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Safety Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Safety Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Safety Instructor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Safety Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Safety Instructor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,454 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Water Safety Instructor

Water Safety Instructor

NOVA Parks

Arlington, VA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


NOVA Parks rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

567th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Water Safety Instructor is responsible for the instruction, development, and evaluation of swim class participants. Must be able to proficiently demonstrate all swimming skills and techniques required for lessons.

Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour


Major Duties/Specific Tasks

  • Adhere to NOVA Parks guidelines and methods for teaching swimming skills and lessons.
  • Develop daily written lesson plans for each swim class to accomplish all skills by the last class.
  • Take attendance at each class and record on the roster.
  • Update the skill sheet for each class at the conclusion of each class.
  • Along with the Swim Class Coordinator, at the conclusion of each session, complete and distribute student certificates, complete NOVA Parks course records and paperwork.
  • Responsible to find a substitute WSI if unable to teach a class.
  • Be prepared to teach make-up classes or to make alternate arrangements with a substitute WSI or parents of students.
  • Instruct assisting Lifeguards in daily lesson plan, expectations for the students, and specific activities for the Lifeguard.
  • Spend time in the water with each class.

 Minimum Qualifications

  • Hold a current Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certificate or equivalent experience teaching swim lessons.
  • Required to purchase and wear a standard uniform.

What NOVA Parks employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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