The award-winning Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for team-oriented individuals to help us create quality experiences for every participant in our aquatics program. A Water Safety Instructor is responsible for instructing the curriculum of group and private swimming lessons for individuals of all ages and abilities following the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim guidelines.
 
A Water Safety Instructor is a member of the Recreation and Parks staff team that works together to develop aquatics programming for infants through adults of all ages and abilities. The goal of Brooklyn Park aquatics is to make swimming lessons accessible and ensure water safety throughout the community.
 
NOTE:  This job posting will be open until all positions are filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
 
Love the water but don’t have a certification? All certifications and trainings are provided for free upon hire!

• Obtain & maintain the required Water Safety Instructor certification through the American Red Cross within 2-months of hire. 
• Maintain a safe environment for all participants.
• Maintain a positive attitude and help ensure a fun learning experience.
• Prepare lesson plans to correlate with participant level and level being taught.
• Fill out progress reports properly prior to last day of lessons including positive/encouraging comments.
• Help set up/put away equipment and maintain an organized pool environment.
• Enforce all established pool rules during and in-between lessons.
• Follow established emergency procedures and respond appropriately in an emergency.
• Attend all required training.
• Effectively communicate with parents/guardians/adults of participants, supervisors, and hiring manager(s).
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education/Experience

• 16 years of age or older
• Current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification OR ability to obtain within first 2 months of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of stroke mechanics and ability to correct participants strokes.
• Knowledge of established pool rules and emergency procedures
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with supervisors and coworkers in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties.
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement.

Desired Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience teaching Red Cross Learn to Swim program.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Competitive swim experience.
• Completion of Red Cross Swimming Level 5 or higher.
• Previous exposure to City of Brooklyn Park Aquatics Program.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali of Vietnamese language(s).

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered
Background Checks
The City has determined that a criminal background check, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN BCA) and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 6th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.
Our Vision, Values and Goals Work Environment:
Work is performed in several types of environments that may involve extended periods of standing, and moving about, facilitating a variety of recreational activities during the day, evenings, or weekends in aquatic environments. Traveling between two pool facilities in the Brooklyn Park area may be required. Water Safety Instructors may need to be able to lift objects weighing up to 30lbs.
We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Janis Lajon at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at Janis.lajon@brooklynpark.org.