Lifeguard / Instructor

Company Description

Merritt is surrounded by a spectacular sprawling rugged landscape, nestled in the stunning Nicola Valley at the hub of the Coquihalla highway mountain pass. We are a small, caring and resilient city featuring short commutes, big-city amenities and an abundance of outdoor recreation and leisure amenities to keep the whole family entertained.

The City of Merritt's strategic orientation is to grow as a progressive, attractive, economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable city. Our strength comes from our skilled and dedicated employees. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to the community we serve.

We're looking for Lifeguard and Instructors to join our team on a fulltime or casual basis:

Job Description

Join a great team at the City of Merritt!

As a Lifeguard Instructor, you will ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants in aquatic classes and activities at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Center (NVAC). You will work in a team environment, practice your leadership skills, enthusiasm, and positive attitude as you create and maintain a safe and friendly environment for all ages.

In this role, you'll take the initiative to prevent and respond to emergencies and you will plan, teach and evaluate lessons for the public (children, youth and adults). You will also help people, provide guidance and assistance for customers and monitor activities at the NVAC. In addition, you'll care for the NVAC facility and the pools so they are in great order for public enjoyment.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Conscientiously performs lifeguard duties.
• Observes and identify hazards to apply safe practices to ensure safety and enjoyment by patrons.
• Applies a positive approach to educate the public and enforce established rules and policies for the safety and enjoyment of the facility.
• Responds to emergencies in accordance with established procedures and training (e.g. rescuing bathers in distress) and provides emergency care (e.g. administers first aid, CPR) as appropriate for the situation.
• Teaches, instructs and evaluates various aquatic and recreation activities or programs such as water safety, swim lessons, lifesaving, and babysitting for all ages. Acts as a positive role model for patrons by demonstrating respectful behaviors. 
• Provides relief for the front counter, including accepting admissions, preparing and selling concession items, cashier, answering telephones, and other similar duties.
• Routinely checks equipment to ensure it is in safe working condition, including but not limited to instructional, leisure, first aid, and rescue equipment.
• Performs routine water chemistry duties and cleans, monitors, and adjusts water treatment equipment as required.
• Maintains the NVAC facility and amenities, so they are in good working order for public use by performing routine custodial duties such as cleaning and disinfecting areas such as counters, bathrooms, lockers, surfaces, etc., monitoring and adjusting water treatment equipment.
• Conducts self in a professional manner that promotes a comfortable, professional, respectful work atmosphere, positive communication, cooperation and a positive team environment.
• Demonstrates positive, pleasant, helpful, courteous, respectful and compassionate in dealings with other staff, patrons, the general public and others you may encounter.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records related to the work.
• Assists in the planning and coordinating a variety of special events and programs.
• Participates in regular training as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

All required qualifications must be, where applicable, registered with the respective authority and maintained current and in good standing:

• National Lifeguard Service (Pool Option) Certification
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C/AED
• Lifesaving Society -  Swim for Life Instructor or willingness to obtain
• Additional related certifications are an asset to your application: Lifesaving Instructor, Lifesaving Society Instructor/Trainer, Pool Operations Level I and/or II

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A safety-first mindset and knowledge of safe work procedures.
• Experience providing lifeguarding or relevant related services.
• Experience providing courteous and tactful customer service.
• Able to work cooperatively and amicably in a team environment with a willingness to learn.
• Physical ability to carry out the work.

New hires and those working in designated positions of trust, including those working directly with vulnerable persons, will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Information Check as a condition of employment.

Additional Information

It is an exciting time to be a part of our team! At the City of Merritt, you will find a diverse and forward-thinking team committed to inclusive, collaborative, and innovative approaches to meet challenges, achieve our mission, and make a difference in the community.

This position is within the bargaining unit with a pay range (dependent on Position)  of $22.17 to 26.29 per hour (2023 rates) plus an amount in lieu of benefits for casual employees and a an extensive benefit package for full time employees. 

Casual lifeguards are scheduled on an as-needed basis to provide relief for leaves, vacation, and peak periods; there are no guaranteed hours or schedules.

If you are a safety-minded individual with a strong work ethic and customer service orientation who takes pride in contributing to a team's success, we invite you to apply.

We are actively recruiting for this position. For full consideration, please apply today. The City of Merritt is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting an inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve; we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information and how to apply please visit: https://www.merritt.ca/careers/