Swim Instructor

JobID: 17207

Position Type:
Non-Benefitted Positions

Date Posted:
1/1/2026

Location:
Central Maintenance and Operations

Date Available:
On-Going

Closing Date:
01/31/2026

Work Year Calendar and Hours

• Non-benefited
• Daily work hours: May vary

Salary

• Non-Benefited Salary Grade S04: $18.88 per hour

Role

The FCPS Swim Instructor role teaches swimming and water safety skills to children and adults in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. Instructors design and deliver lessons that help participants develop the fundamental swimming and water safety abilities necessary for safety in and around water. Swim Instructors play a key role in ensuring program quality, participant growth, and community well-being through safe, structured aquatic instruction. The position supports the department's mission to promote aquatic safety, physical literacy, and lifelong fitness for all learners.

Instructors receive training in instructional methods, class management, and safety protocols through FCPS Supervisory Staff. Certification requires annual reviews and hands-on training with a certified instructor to maintain instructional and safety standards.

Essential Functions

Instruction

• Deliver swimming and water safety lessons using FCPS-approved lesson plans and instructional guidelines.
• Adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of participants with varying health, fitness, cognitive, mobility, and communication abilities.
• Modify activities and teaching techniques, such as using visual cues, additional demonstrations, or flexible grouping, to support inclusion and success for all participants.
• Prepare all necessary equipment and materials before class begins and ensure lessons start and end on time.
• Plan backup activities (e.g., land-based or classroom lessons) in case the pool becomes temporarily unavailable.
• Foster a positive learning environment that encourages confidence, skill development, and enjoyment of physical activity.

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain participant safety as the highest priority during all classes and activities.
• Work collaboratively with lifeguards, facility staff, and management to identify and eliminate potential hazards.
• Enforce facility rules consistently and educate participants and patrons on safe behavior and water safety practices.
• Ensure vigilant supervision, including maintaining visibility of all swimmers at all times, especially during preschool sessions at the toddler table.
• Adhere to appropriate instructor-to-student ratios as outlined for each class level to maintain safety and instructional quality.
• Assist with emergency response as needed in coordination with certified lifeguards and supervisory staff.

Assessment

• Evaluate participants' swimming and water safety skills based on established FCPS advancement criteria for each level.
• Use the station method collaboratively with other instructors to assess readiness for progression.
• Record skill achievement throughout the session to track individual progress accurately.
• Complete progress reports jointly with other instructors and distribute them to participants and parents on the final day.
• Provide constructive feedback to participants and families to support continued skill development.
• Communicate advancement recommendations clearly and align them with FCPS swimming level standards.

Communication

• Maintain professional, positive communication with participants, parents, and team members.
• Begin and end classes punctually to allow time for brief discussions with parents regarding progress and upcoming levels.
• Use progress reports to note accomplishments, provide "next steps," and recommend appropriate placement for future sessions.
• Inform supervisory staff promptly of any safety concerns, facility issues, or participant needs.
• Encourage open dialogue that fosters trust, understanding, and continuous improvement in the program.

Other

• Accurately complete and submit attendance rosters and skill sheets at the end of each session.
• Indicate clearly which participants are recommended to advance to the next level and which should repeat current skills.
• Ensure proper distribution of documentation: one copy stays with the pool records and another is sent to Parks and Recreation.
• Maintain organized records to support program evaluation and compliance with FCPS reporting procedures.
• Assist with general facility upkeep, including reporting maintenance issues and ensuring equipment is stored properly after use.
• Support program leadership by contributing to continuous improvement efforts and operational efficiency.

The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Required Qualifications

Education/Training/Experience:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Some sort of swimming experience: Swim team, a level 5 or higher of American Red Cross Swimming class are examples of previous experience.

Certification/License:

• A swim Instructor must be able to demonstrate competency in basic swimming skills as well as well defined strokes; Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, Breaststroke, and possibly sidestroke and butterfly - depending on the levels that are being taught.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work with co workers, staff, community members, and children in a professional manner.
• Ability to carry out instructions, both oral and written.
• Functional capability computer skills to utilize FCPS email, and google suite (e.g. schedules, calendars, etc.).
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/Training/Experience:

• 1 year active Lifeguarding.

Certification/License:

• Prefer Lifeguard Certification as an American Red Cross lifeguard.

Physical Requirements

• The physical requirements of this position include sitting, walking, standing, bending or twisting, squatting or kneeling, reaching above shoulder level, reaching below shoulder level, climbing stairs, balancing on slippery surfaces, seeing objects at a distance, seeing objects peripherally, using depth perception, seeing close work (e.g., typed print), distinguishing colors, hearing conversations or sounds, hearing via radio or telephone, and communicating through speech.
• The work environment requirements of this position include work in/exposure to inclement weather, work in/exposure to cold water, work on slippery or uneven surfaces, exposure to high noise levels, and exposure to blood, body fluid, or materials potentially contaminated by blood or body fluids (e.g., hospital, lab, clinic, public protection environment).
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.