Head Lifeguard/Head Instructor

PURPOSEAs one of Ottawa’s largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, BGC Ottawa provides FREE, subsidized, and cost saving community-based services, and life-changing programs to an annual average of 4,500 young Members each year. We provide safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. From anti-Racism to Reconciliation to LGBTQ2S+, food security to scholarships to job readiness, our programs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions—equity, acceptance, support, opportunity.
As a growing team that embraces different ways of thinking, abilities, and experiences we aim to make our staff feel safe. We want you to feel heard, respected, and empowered. We believe in our diverse shared power as being the key to serving our members, volunteers, community, and each other with the utmost care.
GENERAL SUMMARY BGC Ottawa is seeking an experienced Aquatics Leader (Lifeguard/Instructor Supervisor) to join our aquatics team. Reporting directly to the Aquatics Coordinator, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring safe aquatic operations, providing leadership to staff, supporting program delivery, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
RESPONSIBILITIES / ACTIVITIESSafety and Supervision

• Ensure admission and shower policies are enforced
• Ensure consistent rule enforcement
• Report any known or potential hazards immediately
• Involvement and follow-up in any incidents including rescues and the use of first aid necessary for the preservation of life
• Ensure correct guarding ratios, positioning, and scanning
• Ensure deck and pool are prepared before swims and tidied up afterwards
• Ensure teamwork and staff motivation
• Plan, teach, and supervise Red Cross Swim programs
• Ensure a safe aquatic environment during all programs

Administration / Public Relations

• Act as a reference person for all aquatic programs
• Assist with staff scheduling and sign off on payroll timesheets
• Ensure instructional line-ups are up-to-date and reflect program needs and changes
• Ensure all records including daily maintenance checklists, pool tests, and attendance are completed
• Assist with program registration and advertising
• Provide regular feedback to instructors and communicate with parents
• Assist with planning and running staff trainings

General / Maintenance

• Ensure maintenance checklist items and laundry are completed
• Ensure the pool deck and change rooms are kept tidy and hazard-free
• Complete pool tests and pool maintenance tasks as needed
• Inventory and re-stock first aid supplies, pool chemicals and reagents, and program materials
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Coordinator and Clubhouse Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: Required Education, Training and Experience

• Minimum 1 year of lifeguarding and teaching/examining aquatics courses.
• National Lifeguard Certificate (required).
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate (required).
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certificate (required).
• Lifesaving Instructor (required).
• First Aid Instructor (required).
• Experience teaching/examining advanced aquatics courses.

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities

• Sensitivity to and awareness of diversity issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated aquatic leadership skills.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and within a team.
• Genuine interest in working with people of all ages.

Please note the following are required for this position:

• Police Record Check (vulnerable sector, for candidates 19 years of age and older)
• HIGH FIVE certification
• Minimum 18 years of age

WORKING CONDITIONSThese are the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.Example: The majority of the work is performed in an environment that is mostly, clean and comfortable. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision on a computer screen for a large part of the working day. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. BGC Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.