What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Recreation Leader III-WSI position at City of Alexandria, Virginia?
Temporary Recreation Leader III
WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.
As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.
Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
About You
You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.
By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.
As Part Of RPCA, You Will Be Expected To
The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor provides American Red Cross Learn to Swim classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children and adults. The leader provides water safety skills and awareness to our community residents. The City's aquatics program is extremely popular, especially with preschool age children.
The Opportunity
The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor plans and teaches a variety of swim lessons for all ages and abilities, coordinated by the Recreation Department, which occur on weekday evenings and weekend mornings year-round, and also during the day in the summer. Swim lessons are held at indoor and outdoor pools. The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor will perform related duties as required.
Your Impact
As a Water Safety Instructor, You Will
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to instructional excellence, demonstrate strong customer service skills, and be available for lesson assignments occurring on evenings and/or weekends.
Candidates With And Without a Valid Rec Cross Water Safety Instructor Certifications Are Encouraged To Apply. Paid Training And Certification Are Provided For Successful Job Candidates Who Can Demonstrate The Water Safety Instructor Prerequisites
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.
Preferred Qualifications
Valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. Previous experience leading aquatic programs and water safety instruction. Excellent communication skills.
Notes
This position requires pre-employment background checks which include, but are not limited to, a criminal records check and drug screening.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.
As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.
Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
About You
You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.
By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.
As Part Of RPCA, You Will Be Expected To
- Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
- Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
- Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
- Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
- Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service
The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor provides American Red Cross Learn to Swim classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children and adults. The leader provides water safety skills and awareness to our community residents. The City's aquatics program is extremely popular, especially with preschool age children.
The Opportunity
The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor plans and teaches a variety of swim lessons for all ages and abilities, coordinated by the Recreation Department, which occur on weekday evenings and weekend mornings year-round, and also during the day in the summer. Swim lessons are held at indoor and outdoor pools. The Recreation Leader III-Water Safety Instructor will perform related duties as required.
Your Impact
As a Water Safety Instructor, You Will
- Plan and lead engaging swim classes that enhance physical health, emotional well-being, and confidence in the water.
- Facilitate a welcoming environment that promotes safety, learning, inclusivity, and participation.
- Work collaboratively with City staff and utilize department resources for program success.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to instructional excellence, demonstrate strong customer service skills, and be available for lesson assignments occurring on evenings and/or weekends.
Candidates With And Without a Valid Rec Cross Water Safety Instructor Certifications Are Encouraged To Apply. Paid Training And Certification Are Provided For Successful Job Candidates Who Can Demonstrate The Water Safety Instructor Prerequisites
- Swim the following strokes consistent with American Red Cross Level 4 stroke performance criteria:
- Front crawl—25 yards
- Back crawl—25 yards
- Breaststroke—25 yards
- Elementary backstroke—25 yards
- Sidestroke—25 yards
- Butterfly—15 yards
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
- Tread water for 1 minute
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.
Preferred Qualifications
Valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. Previous experience leading aquatic programs and water safety instruction. Excellent communication skills.
Notes
This position requires pre-employment background checks which include, but are not limited to, a criminal records check and drug screening.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.