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Winter Guard Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LIFEGUARD

Homewood, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

He/she/they is a part-time employee working swim lessons each week during the Fall, Winter, and ... Lifeguard will also be expected to teach swim lessons on days they are not scheduled to guard.

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Winter Guard Instructor information

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$9

$17

$24

How much do winter guard instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for winter guard instructor in the United States is $17.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Winter Guard Instructor, you need a strong background in dance, choreography, and equipment handling, often supported by experience in performance and instruction. Familiarity with music editing software, drill design programs, and safety protocols is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for motivating students and fostering teamwork. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing engaging routines, ensuring safety, and achieving high performance standards in competitive environments.

What are some common challenges Winter Guard Instructors face when leading a team, and how can they be addressed?

Winter Guard Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing varying skill levels among team members, maintaining motivation during long rehearsal seasons, and ensuring creative choreography aligns with competition standards. Addressing these challenges involves clear communication, setting achievable goals, and fostering a supportive team environment. Regular feedback sessions and collaboration with other staff can also help instructors adapt their approach and keep performers engaged throughout the season.

What are Winter Guard Instructors?

Winter Guard Instructors are professionals who teach and coach performance groups that combine dance, flag, rifle, and sabre routines set to music, typically performed indoors during the winter season. They create choreography, instruct members on technique, and help students develop skills in movement, equipment handling, and showmanship. Instructors are responsible for organizing rehearsals, selecting music and costumes, and preparing the team for competitions. Their role is crucial in fostering teamwork, discipline, and creativity among participants.

What is the difference between Winter Guard Instructor vs Marching Band Instructor?

AspectWinter Guard InstructorMarching Band Instructor
CertificationsTypically requires teaching or arts certifications, sometimes specific to color guard or danceOften requires music education or band director certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor winter season, gymnasiums, indoor arenasOutdoor during fall and sometimes spring, stadiums, fields
Industry UsageColor guard, indoor winter guard teamsHigh school, college, or community marching bands
Common Search/ComparisonWinter Guard Instructor vs Marching Band Instructor

The main difference between a Winter Guard Instructor and a Marching Band Instructor lies in their work environment and focus. Winter Guard Instructors specialize in indoor color guard performances, often during the winter season, while Marching Band Instructors work primarily outdoors during marching season. Both roles may require related certifications and are integral to school or community music and arts programs.

More about Winter Guard Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Winter Guard Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Winter Guard Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Winter Guard Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Winter Guard Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Winter Guard Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,719 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
2026/2027 Aquatics - Lifeguards, Instructors, Head Guards

2026/2027 Aquatics - Lifeguards, Instructors, Head Guards

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$20.77 - $22.90/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Salary: $20.77 - $22.90 Hourly
Location : Multiple pool locations - Beaverton, OR
Job Type: Part-time and Seasonal
Job Number: 26-00081
Department: Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (Multiple Departments)
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 2/28/2027 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
2026/2027 Aquatics - Lifeguards, Instructors, Head Guards
Aquatics professionals report to the pool! The Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD) is seeking team members to support our Aquatics Program in the Beaverton area. This is a great opportunity to use your aquatic training and leadership skills to help others stay safe and enjoy being in the pool. All aquatic positions are eligible for a bilingual pay incentive to staff who regularly use their bilingual or multilingual skills!
Scheduling:
We're hiring for multiple roles across various facilities, with hours based on program needs.
  • Part-time employees work fewer than 1,560 hours annually.
  • Seasonal staff work up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of six consecutive months.
  • Shifts vary from 2-29 hours per week, between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, with weekend shifts available.

Aquatics Positions:
duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Providing lifeguard services such as responding to emergencies, and administering CPR/First Aid when necessary
  • Providing a program/class atmosphere that promotes and encourages inclusion and satisfaction of all participants
  • Training as an aide in lessons and teaching basic swim lessons
  • Assisting at the front desk as needed

Pay rate: $20.77 hourly
The hiring rate for this position is $20.77. The full hourly range for this job classification is $20.77 to $23.41. Staff may be eligible for a merit increase at the end of September.
duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Teaching swimming techniques, swimming strokes, and water safety rules to students with varying swimming abilities
  • Planning swimming lessons that consider students' abilities and progressive development
  • Providing a program/class atmosphere that promotes and encourages inclusion and satisfaction of all participants
  • Preferred skill: Spanish instruction (3% pay premium on top of hourly rate - bilingual pay incentive)

Pay rate: $21.81 hourly
The hiring rate for this position is $21.81. The full hourly range for this job classification is $21.81 to $24.59. Staff may be eligible for a merit increase at the end of September.
Lifeguard III (Head Guard) duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Assigning duties to part-time staff, and ensuring lifeguards perform in accordance with established work safety regulations and guidelines
  • Providing lifeguard services, responding to emergencies, and administering CPR/First Aid
  • when necessary
  • Assisting at the front desk as needed
  • Monitoring water chemistry (every two hours at indoor facilities; hourly at outdoor pools).
  • Opening and closing procedures, including facility inspections

Pay rate: $22.90 hourly (Must be at least 18 years of age)
The hiring rate for this position is $22.90. The full hourly range for this job classification is $22.90 to $25.82. Staff may be eligible for a merit increase at the end of September.
Click the hyperlinked job titles to view the full job description.
** Employees receive free drop-in access to all THPRD recreation facilities for their household. Be sure to check out the "Benefits" tab to see what the district offers you! **
Application Review
The hiring team will review applications as they are received to assess fitness for the role. If your qualifications align with our needs, we will contact you directly to discuss the next steps. Please note, this recruitment process will be used to fill multiple openings and will continue until all positions are filled.
Accommodations
THPRD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, THPRD will ensure that people experiencing disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr
Connect with THPRD
Please follow THPRD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about our organization.
What We Offer You
Enjoy comprehensive benefits as a part-time employee, including access to a confidential Employee Assistant Program, complimentary drop-in visits to THPRD recreation facilities, discounts on various class offerings and more! THPRD is committed to providing flexible part-time employment options tailored to your individual needs.
PART-TIME VARIABLE (PT): Part-time variable (PT) employees work less than 29 hours per week on average annually. However, they have the option of working additional hours during periods like summer or winter months. PT are eligible to receive benefits such as Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Pay, Compassionate Leave, and Inclement Weather Pay (if required to work).
SEASONAL: Seasonal employment is temporary and allows employees to work only during certain times of the year, up to 40 hours per week for a maximum duration of six (6) consecutive months. Seasonal employees are eligible to receive benefits such as Holiday Pay, Compassionate Leave, and Inclement Weather Pay (if required to work). Effective February 15, 2026, seasonal employees will also be eligible to accrue Paid Time Off (PTO)!
Available to all classifications:
Great Place to Work
  • THPRD is a certified as of June 2024!
  • THPRD offers opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups, including employee-led affinity groups, a Transformation & Allyship Group, or the district's Welcoming & Inclusive Committee. These groups each support equity and justice-based work within the district. Participation is included as regular paid time for part-time or full-time employees. To learn more, visit THPRD's webpage.
  • Bilingual employees who utilize their language skills in the workplace up to 10% of the time, can earn an additional 5% pay incentive.
  • Employee appreciation events, employee recognition programs and more!
Health & Wellness
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes, legal consultations and mediation, wellness and gym discounts, up to six (6) free counseling sessions, per counseling issue, life and career coaching, home ownership and housing support program and much more! All members of the employee's household are covered and may use EAP services.
  • An Employee Wellness Program (EWP), allowing free drop-in access to all THPRD recreation facilities for you and your household
  • Employees and their household can register for camps and classes during in-district registration and receive a 20% discount
Leave
  • Paid Time Off - Paid leave type for part-time variable employees. Paid Time Off (PTO), will accrue at a rate of one (1) hour earned for every 30 hours worked. This is in addition to Sick leave and may be scheduled by employees for any reason! Effective February 15, 2026 the accrual rate for PTO will increase to one (1) hour earned for every 23 hours worked and will include seasonal employees!
  • The ability to accrue paid sick leave at a rate of one (1) hour earned for every 30 hours worked
  • Family Medical Leave eligibility for qualified family and medical related reasons
  • Paid compassionate leave is available to all part-time employees to grieve the loss of an immediate family member, to make arrangements (if necessary), and to attend memorial services. Employees are eligible for paid compassionate leave for up to the hours scheduled in their average work week.
Retirement
  • Available savings for retirement through a 457(b)-deferred compensation plan by contributing pre-tax dollars from your paycheck
Local Government
  • An opportunity to make a difference within your community through public service
  • A variety of opportunities within local government that support your professional development and evolving interests! Opportunities to apply for internal positions, explore a variety of park and recreation careers, and gain meaningful experience.
  • THPRD is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For eligibility requirements and information, please visit the website
Community Partnerships
  • Seasonal discounts to community partners such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear

01
Which position(s) interest you? Select all that apply.
  • Lifeguard I
  • Lifeguard II (Swim Instructor)
  • Lifeguard III (Head Guard)

02
Please select any of the following certifications that you currently hold (if any). Be aware that if you hold a certification, but is has expired, you should not indicate that you currently hold that certification.
  • First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (or equivalent)
  • None

03
Please select your preferred work location:
  • Aloha Swim Center
  • Aquatic Center - 50M
  • Beaverton Swim Center
  • Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center
  • Harman Swim Center
  • Sunset Swim Center

04
Please choose any additional centers you're interested in working at, or select N/A if none
  • Aloha Swim Center
  • Aquatic Center - 50M
  • Beaverton Swim Center
  • Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center
  • Harman Swim Center
  • Sunset Swim Center
  • N/A

05
If your preferred location is not available, are you willing to work at other locations?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Briefly tell us about your aquatic work experience, leadership roles (if any) and what unique skills you will bring to theTHPRD Aquatics team.
07
The district offers a pay incentive for staff who regularly use bilingual or multilingual skills at work. Are you fluent inSpanish (speaking, reading, and writing)?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Will you be claiming Veterans Preference?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question