Aquatics Unit Job Descriptions
Level 1 – Lifeguard
Level 2 – Aquatics Manager (Promotional Opportunity)
Level 3 – Student Supervisor, Aquatics (Promotional Opportunity)
_______________________________________________________
Level 1 - Swim Instructor
Level 2 – Swim Instructor
Level 1: Lifeguard Job Description
• Under general supervision, ensures the safety of patrons of aquatic facility by preventing and
responding to emergencies. Applies constant lifeguarding surveillance of patrons; acts
immediately and appropriately utilizing rescue techniques to secure safety of patrons in the
event of emergency.
• Provides emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical
services.
• Presents professional appearance and attitude at all times and maintains a high standard of
customer service.
• Performs various cleaning and maintenance duties as directed to ensure a clean and safe facility.
• Prepares and maintains various reports (e.g., head counts).
• May require the application of basic organizational or technical knowledge, operation of simple
equipment or performing routine tasks
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Very little independent decision making with regular supervision
• Attends all mandatory in-services as scheduled.
Required Job Qualifications
• Entry level position requires basic skills attained through on the job training. No previous work
experience or coursework required.
• All aquatics staff must have current Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED Certification from one of
the following nationally recognized organizations or other organization approved by Campus
Recreation:
o American Red Cross
o Ellis and Associates
o YMCA
• Ability to pass a pre-employment lifeguard physical skills evaluation as stipulated by the
department.
• Current University of Pittsburgh undergraduate or graduate student
Additional Information
• Position Type: Entry Level
• Pay Rate: $12.00 per hour
• Certifications: Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED certification cost range is $250-$350;
maintaining certification requires bi-yearly exam or completion of continuing education credits
• Work Schedule: Not to exceed 20 hours a week; minimum requirements of 6 hours per week;
days/times TBD based on facility hours
• Required Documents: Resume
• Optional Documents: Cover Letter – Strongly Encouraged
• Does this position require FWS award? No
• Application Instructions: All applications must be submitted through Pitt Talent System
Level 2 – Aquatic Manager Job Description
• Completes all lifeguard responsibilities as listed above.
• During Aquatic Manager shifts, acts as head lifeguard demonstrating leadership qualities
overseeing lifeguard staff in the completion of their duties. For example, ensures cleaning and
maintenance duties are completed and/or reports issues to Aquatic Coordinator.
• Assists with staff recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating.
• Coordinates and manages shift coverage of Lifeguards and Aquatic Managers for daily
operations and special events.
• Assists with event planning, set-up, tear down, and debrief.
• Assists the Aquatic Coordinator in the various day to day activities of the pool operations.
• Assists with development and implementation of aquatic programs and events.
• Assists in planning and delivering mandatory in-services.
Job Qualifications
• All aquatics staff must have current Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
• Current University of Pittsburgh undergraduate or graduate student AND current campus
recreation lifeguard for at least one semester
• Prefer employment experience as head lifeguard, team lead, and/or leadership experience in
aquatics operation.
• Preferred Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and or willing to obtain LGI within 6 months of employment
Additional Information
• Position Type: Promotional Opportunity for current campus recreation Lifeguards
• Pay Rate: $14.00 per hour
• Work Schedule: Not to exceed 20 hours a week; minimum requirements of 6 hours per week;
days/times TBD based on facility hours
• Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter
• Does this position require FWS award? No
• Application Instructions: Must submit all required documents to the Aquatics Coordinator.
Internal applicants only.
Level 3: Aquatic Student Supervisor Job Description
The Aquatic Student Supervisors serve in an administrative capacity providing leadership to front line
student employees in the Aquatic Manager and Lifeguard roles. Student Supervisors maintain staff
schedules, assist with hiring, and lead training of new student staff members.
Aquatic Student Supervisor Job Responsibilities
• Create and maintain student staff schedules
• Assist with hiring, interviewing, and onboarding new Lifeguards and Aquatic Managers
• Lead on site training of new Lifeguards and Aquatic Managers
• Assist with developing and facilitating on going meetings and trainings for all Aquatic Staff
• Coordinate risk management procedures and trainings for all Aquatics and Facilities Staff
• Maintain inventory of first aid supplies, various aquatic equipment, and staff supplies
• Maintain 1-2 shifts per week as an Aquatic Manager
Professional Skills to be gained:
• Leadership
• Time Management
• Organization
• Professionalism
• Adaptability
Job Qualifications
• All aquatics staff must have current Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
• Current University of Pittsburgh undergraduate or graduate student AND current campus
recreation aquatics manager for at least one semester
Additional Information
• Position Type: Promotional Opportunity for current Aquatics Managers
• Pay Rate: TBA
• Work Schedule: Not to exceed 20 hours a week; days/times TBD
• Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter
• Does this position require FWS award? No
• Application Instructions: Must submit all required documents to the Aquatics Coordinator.
Internal applicants only.
Level 1 – Swim Instructor Job Description
• Responsible for organizing, leading, instructing, and motivating students in exercise activities
including swimming techniques, shallow and deep-water swimming, aquatic fitness, and
conditioning
• Prepare pool and pool deck for class
• Must adhere to University Campus Recreation policy for teaching, attendance, and student-
instructor conduct
Class Designation
• Beginner and Intermediate Swimming
• Swimming for Fitness
Required Job Qualifications
• All instructors must have current CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or obtain within 3 months of
hire
• Swim Instruction Certification from Red Cross or other certification approved by Campus
Recreation – examples include:
o Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
o USA Swimming
o Safety Training for Swim Coaches (STSC)
o Star Guard
o YMCA Swim Instructor
• All instructors must meet instructional standards demonstrated through sample lesson plans
and review of previous instructional experience
• Preferred but not required: Swim lesson experience greater than 6-months
• Instructors must present complete lesson plan structured for the duration of the assigned
classes
• Applicants will be asked for job references related to previous teaching experience
Additional Notes:
• Position Type: Previous experience required
• Pay Rate: TBA
• Lifeguard Certifications: Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED certification cost range is $250-$350;
maintaining certification requires bi-yearly exam or completion of continuing education credits
• Swim Instructor Certification: Certification exam cost range is $200-$300. Maintaining
certification requires bi-yearly renewal or in some cases instructor can submit proof they are
currently teaching a swim curriculum which may fulfil re-certification requirements
• Work Schedule: Not to exceed 20 hours a week; minimum requirements of 6 hours per week;
days/times TBD based on facility hours
• Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter and List of References
• Does this position require FWS award? No
• Application Instructions: All applications must be submitted through Pitt Talent System
Level 2 – Swim Instructor Job Description
• Responsible for organizing, leading, instructing, and motivating students in exercise activities
including swimming techniques, shallow and deep-water swimming, aquatic fitness, and
conditioning
• Prepare pool and pool deck for class
• Must adhere to University Campus Recreation policy for teaching, attendance, and student-
instructor conduct
Class Designation
• Advanced Swimming
Required Job Qualifications
• All instructors must have current CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or obtain within 3 months of
hire
• Swim Instruction Certification from Red Cross or other certification approved by Campus
Recreation – examples include:
o Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
o USA Swimming
o Safety Training for Swim Coaches (STSC)
o Star Guard
o YMCA Swim Instructor
• All instructors must meet instructional standards demonstrated through sample lesson plans
and review of previous instructional experience
• Preferred but not required: Swim lesson experience greater than 6-months
• Instructors must present complete lesson plan structured for the duration of the assigned
classes
• Applicants will be asked for job references related to previous teaching experience
Additional Notes:
• Position Type: Previous experience required
• Pay Rate: TBA
• Lifeguard Certifications: Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid/AED certification cost range is $250-$350;
maintaining certification requires bi-yearly exam or completion of continuing education credits
• Swim Instructor Certification: Certification exam cost range is $200-$300. Maintaining
certification requires bi-yearly renewal or in some cases instructor can submit proof they are
currently teaching a swim curriculum which may fulfil re-certification requirements
• Work Schedule: Not to exceed 20 hours a week; minimum requirements of 6 hours per week;
days/times TBD based on facility hours
• Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter and List of References
• Does this position require FWS award? No
• Application Instructions: All applications must be submitted through Pitt Talent System
For more information regarding student employment in aquatics or as a swim instructor contact
Alycia Miller, Aquatic Coordinator at anmiller@pitt.edu.
