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Temporary Surf Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$22.66 - $23.79 Hourly This a part-time, temporary position. ABOUT THE POSITION: We are now taking ... in the surf. As our Lifeguard Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to organize instructors ...

Beach Lifeguard

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$1.57K - $2.63K/wk

Intermittent Temporary Job Number: 13032 Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Aquatics Opening ... Operation and use of beach specific rescue equipment to include surf rescue boards, elevated ...

Temporary Surf Instructor information

See salary details

$9

$21

$36

How much do temporary surf instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary surf instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Surf Instructor, you need strong swimming ability, surf proficiency, and a basic instructor certification such as from the International Surfing Association (ISA) or equivalent. Familiarity with first aid, CPR, and surf safety equipment is also typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and support students of varying abilities. These skills and qualities ensure both the safety and enjoyment of participants, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting surf education.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary surf instructors, and how can they be managed?

Temporary surf instructors often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to different group sizes, varying skill levels, and rapidly changing weather or surf conditions. Building rapport with students in a short period and ensuring safety while delivering an engaging lesson are also key concerns. To manage these challenges, instructors should focus on clear communication, maintain flexibility in lesson plans, and stay updated on local surf conditions. Collaborating closely with other instructors and staff can also ensure smooth class transitions and a supportive work environment.

What are temporary surf instructors?

Temporary surf instructors are individuals hired on a short-term or seasonal basis to teach surfing lessons to beginners or intermediate surfers. They typically work at surf schools, resorts, or camps during peak surfing seasons or special events. Their responsibilities include instructing students on surfing techniques, safety procedures, and ocean awareness. Temporary surf instructors are usually skilled surfers with good communication abilities and may hold certifications in water safety or first aid. This position is ideal for those seeking flexible, outdoor work and sharing their passion for surfing.

What is the difference between Temporary Surf Instructor vs Full-Time Surf Instructor?

AspectTemporary Surf InstructorFull-Time Surf Instructor
CertificationsRequired (e.g., Lifeguard, Surf Instructor certifications)Required (same certifications as temporary, plus possibly advanced certifications)
Work EnvironmentSeasonal or short-term surf schools, beaches, resortsYear-round surf schools, resorts, private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in seasonal tourism, surf campsFull-time employment in surf industry
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for seasonal vs permanent roles

Temporary Surf Instructors typically work seasonally or for short periods, often in surf camps or seasonal resorts, requiring similar certifications as full-time instructors. Full-Time Surf Instructors work year-round, often with additional responsibilities and certifications. Both roles are essential in the surf industry, but differ mainly in duration and employment stability.

More about Temporary Surf Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Surf Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Surf Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surf Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Surf Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Surf Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Surf Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Surf Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 21% Physical, 24% Hybrid, and 55% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Surf n' Slide Water Park Lifeguard (Seasonal 2026) (2)

City of Moses Lake

Moses Lake, WA โ€ข On-site

$17.38 - $20.38/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor, employee will oversee public safety at the Surf 'n Slide Water Park and other duties as advised by the Surf 'n Slide Lead and Surf 'n Slide Assistant Lead. This temporary seasonal position will assist in operations of the facility with other temporary lifeguard staff and reports directly to the Recreation Supervisor or their delegate.

Essential Functions

  • Lifeguard as needed in a conscientious manner while attempting to improve the quality of the aquatic program.
  • Completion of daily and monthly in-service training/training material for aquatic positions.
  • Respond quickly, effectively and efficiently to all emergency situations in accordance with American Red Cross training.
  • Communicate with lifeguards and the public.
  • Maintain a safe environment by enforcing facility rules and water safety policies to prevent accidents.
  • Report fully all accidents/concerns involving any aspect of the facility to the Recreation Supervisor or their delegate.
  • Process incident reports promptly and accurately.
  • Teach lessons as needed in a conscientious manner while attempting to improve the quality of the aquatic program.
  • Ensure that each customer receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment.
  • Answer customers' questions and provide information on procedures or policies.
  • Assists with maintenance standards to present a desirable image.
  • Maintain an orderly appearance of the lifeguard break area, locker room and kitchen.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Water Safety Instructor Certified Representative Additional Duties:

  • Teach material to the standard of the American Red Cross.
  • Plan and teach swimming lessons and water safety courses for people of all ages and abilities.
  • Demonstrate skills and explain them to students.
  • Evaluate student achievement using established standards.
  • Prepare lesson plans and ensure skills are covered in a timely manner.
  • Submit course record sheets and class reports.

Lifeguard Instructor Certified Representative Additional Duties:

  • Teach material to the standard of the American Red Cross.
  • Ensure that all students are registered and have completed all course prerequisites.
  • Maintain communication with students prior and throughout the course.
  • Develop lesson plans to adapt methods to participant abilities.
  • Submit course records to the American Red Cross.
  • Assist in auditing lifeguards on a regular basis.
  • Assist in conducting daily and monthly in-services.
  • Assist in the development and training of our Safety & Accident Prevention Program.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of in-service training program and training material.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position

  • Knowledge of water safety procedures and lifeguarding techniques (CPRFPR, first Aid) according to current American Red Cross standards.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical functions.
  • The ability to interact with the general public in a manner consistent with providing high quality customer service.
  • The ability to enforce regulations in a fair, impartial and polite manner.
  • The ability to deal with staff and public in a professional, team-oriented manner.
  • The ability to anticipate and prevent accidents.
  • The ability to work cooperatively with others.

Supervisory Controls

The Recreation Supervisor or their delegate assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions. The Recreation Supervisor, Surf 'n Slide Lead or Surf 'n Slide Assistant Lead may spot check completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature of the propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

  • Guidelines include City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretations.
  • Follow all guidelines according to the American Red Cross certification(s) held.

Complexity/Scope of Work

  • The work consists of related customer service duties. Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position.
  • The purpose of this position is to prevent aquatic related accidents at the Surf 'n Slide Water Park.
  • The purpose of this position is to perform customer service by communicating to and educating the public in a professional manner. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.
  • The work schedule for this position includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Contacts

  • Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City employees, and members of the general public.
  • Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services, alert the public of safety precautions, and respond to aquatic and non-aquatic related emergencies.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

  • This work is performed while sitting or standing for extended periods of time in exposure to heat.
  • The employee may occasionally lift light and heavy objects weighing fifty (50) pounds, climbing ladders, walking up and down stairs, kneeling or crouching and reaching overhead and above shoulders.
  • This position requires the lifeguard certification prerequisites to swim 150 meters using crawl and/or breaststroke, tread water using only legs for 2 minutes, swim 50 yards using crawl and/or breaststroke and all combined into one continuous activity.
  • This position requires the lifeguard certification prerequisites to swim 20 yards and retrieve a 1O lb. brick from the bottom of the diving tank and return in less than 1 minute 40 seconds.
  • This position requires exposure to body fluids and distressed, non-swimming, and ill people.
  • This position requires exposure to pool related chemicals and cleaning materials.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None

Minimum Qualifications

  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification required.
  • Must be at least fifteen (15) years old by completion of your last day of the lifeguard class per American Red Cross standards.
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instruction certification highly desirable.
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification highly desirable.
  • All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.
Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities.

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision.

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations.

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

This seasonal position does not receive any city-sponsored benefits but does receive state-mandated sick leave.