Greater Missoula Family YMCA·Missoula, Montana
The primary responsibility is to plan, organize, and safely lead participants through swimming classes, teaching swimming skills to participants of various ages and backgrounds while maintaining order. This role requires adherence to emergency procedures, enforcement of safety regulations, and implementation of the YMCA's mission and character development traits.
The LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR is responsible for maintaining order in swimming classes at all times. Primary responsibility is to plan, organize and safely lead participants through swimming classes, teaching swimming skills to participants of various ages and backgrounds. Must be able to thrive in an environment with the unique challenges of a non-profit community service organization. Works with limited supervision.
Part time employment benefits at the Y include a free individual membership with discounts to Y programs and classes, and retirement plan contributions after sufficient time worked.
Instructs participants in YMCA Swim Lesson programs. Take charge of group from beginning to end; learning names, talking to participants about their need, desires, and fears about the program. Attends monthly In-Service Trainings, and staff meetings with the Program Director and other management team members as requested as well as YMCA required trainings. Know and enforces emergency procedures and safety regulations in order ensure participant safety. Communicates with other Lifeguards, Instructors, and Management on any potential concerns related to the operation of the pool and Aquatics programs. Provides assistance to participants, providing information on rules and programs in a helpful and positive manner. Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe behaviors or areas. Adheres to Aquatics Department employee performance expectations. See Attached. Adheres to the Mission of the YMCA at all times and implements the Character Development traits of caring, honesty, respect & responsibility into the swim lessons program. Exemplify the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility when interacting with members, non-members, and other staff members. Smile and make connections with members and non-members Fill out roasters, lesson plans and report cards to track progress in lessons Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum age is 14 years old Required – Certification in CPR, First Aid, can be obtained at the Y Preferred – Lifeguarding experience, and swim instruction experience or willingness to be trained Preferred – Experience with children or willingness to be trained
Required – Certification in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding, can be obtained at the Y Preferrred – Lifeguarding experience, and swim instruction experience or willingness to be trained Preferred – Experience with children or willingness to be trained
Market context
In Montana, classroom teacher roles are typically driven by ongoing demand for experienced educators who can step into licensed early childhood settings and meet certification requirements. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for candidates with verified program experience, CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Infant Safety Essentials, and either 32 hours of ECP training or Level 2 registry status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and highlight your early childhood experience in your application.