Love dogs and staying active? Doggy Paddle Chicago is hiring full- and part-time Aquatic Instructors to lead fun, low-impact fitness swims for dogs in our indoor pool. You’ll rotate between pool sessions and indoor play in a hands-on, team-oriented role that keeps every day moving.
LOCATION
Bucktown, Chicago
SCHEDULE
Full-Time or Part-Time, Monday–Friday
Must be available for daytime shifts starting between 8 AM–11 AM and ending as late as 7 PM
Additional flexibility for evenings or weekends is a plus
COMPENSATION
Competitive hourly pay + Tips. Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Matching 401(k).
ABOUT US
Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center for Dogs helps Chicago’s pups live longer, healthier lives through low-impact aquatic exercise in our warm indoor saltwater pools. We provide a clean, energetic, and supportive environment where dogs swim for fitness — and our team takes pride in every wagging tail.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Work hands-on with dogs in and around the water — encouraging, guiding, and celebrating every swim
- Supervise and engage dogs in our indoor play environment
- Communicate confidently with clients about their dog’s progress and experience
- Maintain a spotless, safe, and professional environment — cleaning, sanitizing, and resetting between sessions
- Stay active and on your feet all day — this is a movement-based, physically engaging role
- Opportunity to assist with dog transportation as part of team rotations (not required)
WHO YOU ARE
- Energetic and reliable — you take pride in showing up ready to work
- Athletic or outdoorsy — you enjoy movement and hands-on work
- Motivated by purpose — you want your work to matter and see real results
- Detail-oriented and accountable — you notice the small things and take pride in doing them right
- Comfortable around dogs (experience not required — we’ll train you)
- Consistent, reliable availability during weekday daytime hours (8 AM–5 PM+)
- Live in Chicago
- Valid driver’s license is preferred for those interested in expanded responsibilities over time
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE
- Work that’s active, meaningful, and varied — pool and play (no sitting around)
- A supportive, quality-focused culture that values initiative and teamwork
- A balanced, engaging workday — not stuck doing the same thing for hours
- Dogs that genuinely love what you help them do
TO APPLY
Include a short note telling us why you’re excited about working at Doggy Paddle and what makes you a great fit for this role.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $16.60 - $17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
Application Question(s):
- This job involves standing, lifting, and staying active for most of the day. Are you comfortable with this?
- Are you confident interacting with large, energetic dogs in and around a pool environment?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and are you comfortable driving dogs in company vehicles throughout Chicago?
- Tell us about any past work, sports, or activities that kept you on your feet or required teamwork and physical movement.
- What makes you excited to join Doggy Paddle, and what makes you a great fit for this role?
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60642 (Required)
Work Location: In person
