Lead Swim Instructor / Aquatics Trainer
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Part-time or Full-time, hourly
Pay: $18–$20 per hour, depending on experience
Reports To: General Manager
About the Position
SwimWorks is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Swim Instructor to support instructor training, staff development, swim lesson quality, and daily aquatic operations.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys teaching swimmers while also helping other instructors become confident, consistent, and effective coaches. The Lead Swim Instructor will work closely with the Aquatics Manager to ensure lessons are delivered safely and consistently according to the SwimWorks curriculum.
This full-time position includes approximately 3–4 consistent in-water teaching shifts each week, with additional hours dedicated to instructor training, deck supervision, facility oversight, staff development, and community outreach.
The ideal candidate is an experienced swim professional who leads by example, communicates clearly, stays organized, and is passionate about developing both swimmers and instructors.
Schedule Requirements
Candidates must be available for:
- Full-time, hourly employment
- At least one weekend day
- Afternoon and evening shifts during the week
- Approximately 3–4 consistent in-water teaching shifts each week
- Additional training, supervisory, outreach, and facility-support hours
Primary Responsibilities
Instructor Training and Development
- Conduct classroom and in-water training for newly hired swim instructors.
- Train instructors across all SwimWorks curriculum levels, including Water Babies, children’s learn-to-swim, advanced swimming, adaptive aquatics, and adult lessons.
- Guide new instructors through observation, assisted teaching, directed practice, and independent instruction.
- Model proper lesson structure, pacing, swimmer engagement, technical instruction, and safety procedures.
- Provide timely, constructive, and actionable feedback.
- Complete training checklists and participate in final instructor evaluations.
- Help determine when instructors are ready to teach independently.
- Conduct regular observations of current instructors.
- Provide refresher training and targeted support when instructors need help with safety, lesson structure, pacing, engagement, or technical skills.
- Promote consistency across instructors and curriculum levels.
- Share best practices for teaching infants, children, adults, advanced swimmers, and swimmers with special needs.
Staff Development and Leadership
- Co-lead monthly staff in-service meetings with the Aquatics Manager.
- Support the continued professional development of swim instructors.
- Participate in employee performance reviews by providing instructional observations and feedback.
- Assist with interviews and hiring decisions when requested.
- Meet regularly with the Aquatics Manager to discuss instructor progress, training needs, staffing concerns, and development goals.
- Communicate concerns, resource needs, and performance issues proactively.
- Help maintain clear expectations and consistent performance standards across the aquatic team.
Swim Instruction
- Teach approximately 3–4 consistent in-water shifts each week.
- Deliver safe, engaging, and effective swim lessons for swimmers of varying ages and abilities.
- Model SwimWorks teaching standards and curriculum expectations.
- Maintain strong communication with swimmers, families, and team members.
- Provide a positive and professional experience for every family.
Deck Supervision and Safety
- Support and maintain performance expectations for Deck Supervisors and Water Watchers.
- Ensure deck staff remain attentive, engaged, and actively complete assigned responsibilities.
- Reinforce safety awareness, professionalism, and consistent supervision.
- Assist with swimmer evaluations and lesson-quality oversight as needed.
- Respond appropriately to safety concerns and operational issues.
Pool and Facility Oversight
- Monitor pool conditions and assist with troubleshooting pool equipment when needed.
- Ensure chemical and water-temperature logs are completed accurately.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized pump room.
- Oversee the cleanliness and upkeep of pools, decks, showers, and other wet-side areas.
- Ensure daily wet-side cleaning and maintenance checklists are completed.
- Train instructors on facility-cleanliness expectations and productive use of downtime.
- Assist with inventory and organization of pool equipment, teaching supplies, shower supplies, and cleaning products.
Documentation and Communication
- Complete and maintain instructor training checklists, observation forms, and feedback documentation.
- Track instructor progress and contribute to employee reviews.
- Maintain accurate records of evaluations, development plans, corrective-action plans, and follow-up training.
- Communicate professionally and consistently with management and staff.
Required Qualifications
- At least three years of swim-instruction experience with a variety of ages and skill levels, from infants through adults.
- Strong knowledge of swim curriculum progression, lesson structure, water safety, and stroke development.
- Competitive swimming background and the technical knowledge required to coach advanced swimmers.
- Demonstrated ability to train, coach, or mentor swim instructors.
- Ability and willingness to work in both classroom and in-water environments.
- Strong observation, communication, and coaching skills.
- Reliable transportation and consistent attendance.
- Availability for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous competitive swim coaching experience at the club, high school, collegiate, or equivalent level.
- Experience coaching triathletes, water polo players, or other performance-focused swimmers.
- Previous experience in an aquatic leadership, supervisory, or instructor-training position.
- Experience teaching adaptive aquatics or working with swimmers with special needs.
Skills and Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- A supportive and accountable leadership style
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Excellent organization and time-management skills
- Professionalism, dependability, and initiative
- The ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- A team-focused attitude
- Strong attention to safety and detail
- A passion for developing swimmers and swim instructors
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Work in and around a warm, humid pool environment
- Remain in the water for extended periods
- Demonstrate swimming skills and instructional techniques
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move around the pool deck
- Assist swimmers in and out of the water when necessary
- Lift and move aquatic equipment and supplies
Apply Today
Join SwimWorks and help us build confident swimmers, strong instructors, and a safe, supportive aquatic community.
Please submit your resume and a brief description of your swim-instruction, competitive swimming, coaching, and leadership experience.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
