The Position
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants to one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Do you want to teach someone a lifelong skill they will never forget? Become a Water Safety Instructor and teach the Oakland community how to swim! The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill part-time Water Safety Instructor/Competitive Swimming Coach positions in Oakland Parks and Recreation Aquatic Centers for both seasonal and year-round employment. Work hours will vary from week to week.
Under direction in Oakland Parks and Recreation, incumbents perform a variety of duties at the City's pools including swimming instruction, coordination of the Water Safety Instruction (WSI) program, and other aquatic activities; and perform related duties as assigned. Provide swim instruction to all ages and ability levels using the American Red Cross water safety guidelines for the Oakland community. Coordinate day-of swim lesson program and provide direction to non-Water Safety Instructors. Lifeguarding duties apply. Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are required.
Selective certification may apply for some positions that may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. The hiring list established from this recruitment may be used to fill all vacancies (those that require bilingual skills as well as those that do not) in this classification.
Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland
Examples of Duties
- Ensure the safety and well-being of pool patrons.
- Enforce all pool rules.
- Prevent accidents and render first aid as necessary.
- Give swimming lessons to all ages and ability levels.
- Review, evaluate, and direct Water Safety Aides in the "Learn-to-swim" program.
- Provide swimming instruction to participants as outlined by the American Red Cross.
- Assist Pool Manager in the coordination and implementation of the Water Safety Instruction program.
- Complete all records and reports including accidents, control and discipline, time slips, and leaves of absence.
- Assume custodial duties as assigned.
- Assist in the registration of patrons for swim classes and lessons.
- Maintain good public relations with the community.
Minimum Requirements for Application
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable:
Education:None required.
Experience:One year of aquatics experience. Previous experience as a swim coach or competitive swimmer is highly desirable.
Certifications: Current Red Cross certifications in Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for Lifeguards with AED or CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED.
Please scan and attach these required certifications to your online application. Failure to submit all required certifications may result in disqualification from the selection process. Other Requirements: Candidates must be at least seventeen (17) years old or older. Candidates who receive conditional offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance, have drug testing and a TB screening.
Additional Qualifications: Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin are highly desirable for certain positions.
Work Permits:Minors will be subject to state guidelines and restrictions governing their employment while employed with the City of Oakland. This shall include work permits, records, hours worked, and time reporting guidelines. Minors seeking information regarding work permits should contact their local school district. When applicable, work permits must be obtained prior to beginning employment.
Working knowledge of:- Lifeguarding skills.
- Rules and regulations of pools.
- Stroke and swimming techniques.
- Water Safety Instruction levels of ability.
- Specific instructional techniques for competitive swimming.
- First aid, CPR, and basic life support techniques.
Ability to:- Oversee safety of patrons.
- Perform first aid and CPR procedures.
- Learn and enforce rules and regulations.
- Conduct and implement group and individual swimming lessons.
- Work effectively with other aquatics staff.
- Write reports as required.
- Maintain harmonious relations with the public.
- Follow oral and written directions.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Supplemental Information
The Selection ProcessStage I: The first stage in the selection process will consist of a review of each applicant's employment application, attachments of the required Red Cross certifications, and a signed supplemental questionnaire for minimum qualifications (weighted pass/fail).
Applications submitted without all required materials will not be given further consideration. Be sure to scan and attach the required certifications to your online application. Stage II: The second stage will consist of an on-the-spot water test and an oral interview that will test the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the qualifications section. The list of candidates to be further considered will be developed directly from the results of Stage II.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
Next tentative Oral Interview and Water Test Date: Friday, June 16, 2023 Candidates will be required to provide their original current Red Cross certifications in Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED at the time of the scheduled oral interview/water test.
*Note: Subsequent Oral Interviews and Water Tests will be scheduled periodically.How to ApplyApply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least an hour to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Department of Human Resources Management, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
You may also call the City of Oakland Department of Human Resources Management at (510) 238-3112 for information.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration.The City of Oakland is an EEO/ADA Employer. The City complies with all Federal, State, and local laws mandating Equal Employment Opportunities. All qualified applicants will be considered in accordance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements
