Summer 2026 - Swim Instructor

NOW HIRING

Swim Instructor

The swim lesson instructor is responsible for conducting swim lessons during the indoor or outdoor pool season and helping swimmers achieve their swim goals.

INCENTIVES:  Part time employees receive 25% off general programs with the exception of PDNA, contracted, trips and private lessons. In order to encourage a healthy lifestyle for our staff members, the Park District provides all staff with the opportunity to use our fitness facilities at the Community Pavilion and the Racquet, Fitness and Gymnastics Center free of charge.

ABOUT US: The Oak Lawn Park District, incorporated in 1944, has a long and proud history of serving the recreational needs of our 56,000 residents with a myriad of recreational programs and services. We operate under the state tax cap as a municipal corporation, meaning we are our own taxing body. Overseen by a Board of five elected officials, the District manages a combination of 34 parks and facilities which cover over 280 acres. In addition, we manage a Special Recreation Cooperative that offers recreational programs and services to individuals with disabilities in 9 municipalities.

*The Oak Lawn Park District is an equal opportunity employer. Equal access to programs, services and employment is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Personnel Department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
• Possess the ability to swim and teach others how to swim.
• Knowledge of Red Cross swim program and curriculum preferred.
• Strong communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to lead groups in instruction and activity
• Ability to work with staff and patrons in friendly manner
• Must be able to work independently
• Must be able to multi-task
• Ability to relate to staff and patrons in a positive manner that represents our agency.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relationships with both internal and external customers.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Aquatics Manager, Aquatics Supervisor, Ice & Aquatics GM, Lesson Coordinator, Pool Manager

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Present oneself in a professional manner at all times.
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in curriculum.
• Provide customer service and assistance to parents and participants when needed
• Must wear appropriate attire such as swimsuit, t-shirt, sun block, eyewear or any other attire or equipment needed to perform job effectively and professionally.
• Attend all staff meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
• Make sure all swim lesson equipment is in good working order and report any problems to the Swim Lesson Coordinator.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned by supervisor to ensure the facility is clean and safe for the patrons and staff.
• Responsible for Oak Lawn Park District equipment and ensure it is available for programs and patrons.
• Perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the District’s safety programs.
• Participate in community activities and work aquatic events as assigned.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor as deemed necessary and appropriate under your position.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Must be able to work in environments with various temperatures including high heat and high humidity
• Must be able to work a minimum 5 hours per week
• To be able to sub or work longer shifts when necessary
• Must be able to stand, swim and move from variety of locations at pools as needed during work.
• Must be able to be in the pool for long periods of time

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Ability to work a varied schedule as required
• Ability to work with children and adults of all ages, staff and patrons in a relaxed and friendly manner.
• Ability to stay attentive for long periods of time.
• Capacity to be self-motivated and achieve goals with minimal supervision or direction.
• Capacity to proactively troubleshoot, problem solve and make sound judgments with respect to confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff and the public both verbally and in writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Worker performs activities outdoors and indoors. Outdoor environmental conditions will include weather, insects, sun and temperature. Indoors, work will be performed with humidity, water and in sometimes severe weather.
• Worker must be able to work indoor and outdoors on occasion in weather conditions (heat, cold, Wind, and rain).

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
• Employee must have the ability to follow and give directions
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Employee must possess time management and organization skills to effectively perform his/her job.
• Employee must use good safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of this position.