Aquatics Head Lifeguard

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

Student Experience fosters equitable learning environments in which all students can thrive to their full potential. Through our commitment to integrating research, theory, and practice across all of the programs, resources, and supports we provide, Student Experience leads an ecosystem of people, places, and spaces that empower student thriving. Our vision is for all Mustangs to discover their personalized pathway through Western's rich, wholistic learning environment; engage in brave conversations with our diverse community on and off campus, and develop the courage to be uncomfortable without fear of failure in order to thrive throughout their degree and after graduation. At Western, the Student Experience portfolio is organized into three inter-dependent pillars that provide the programmes and supports that inspire Western Students to discover themselves; engage with their communities and thrive as learners. These pillars are: Wellness & Wellbeing (comprised of the following departments: Health & Wellness, Student Support & Case Management and Wellness & Equity Education), Sport & Recreation (comprised of the following departments: Recreation & Active Well-being, Sport and Spirit & Connection), and Leadership & Learning (comprised of the following departments: Academic Support & Engagement and Careers & Experience). Professional and student staff working across these three pillars collaborate with student organizations and academic and administrative leaders throughout campus to foster inclusive and wholistic learning environments that maximize the potential of each student.

The Sport & Recreation pillar collectively works to enrich student thriving through a focus on developing leadership and success in sport and recreation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion we engage Mustangs in active-wellbeing and inspire spirit and tradition in order to strengthen the bonds of the Western community. Our vision is for students to discover balance in their lives and pursue challenges without fear of failure, ultimately enhancing their ability to thrive.

Recreation & Active Well-being includes facilities, programming, and services that promote emotional, mental, physical, social and overall wellbeing through the participation in active living. By participating in programming, students will be encouraged to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle, will have increased self-confidence, improved stress management, and will have enhanced social connections within our community. Recreation also offers experiential experiences for students through our many leadership opportunities. Participation in recreation improves the quality of life and helps to develop a thriving lifestyle for students, staff and faculty during their time on campus and throughout their lives.

Purpose of Role:

Western Sports & Recreation is looking for passionate and motivated leaders to play a pivotal leadership role in the Aquatics team by providing supervision, development and mentorship to the Instructor/Lifeguard team. We seek leaders who exemplify excellent customer service, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to ensure sport & recreation policies and safety procedures are implemented and adhered to. The Head Guard will report to the Program Coordinator- Aquatics and work to support the daily operations of the Aquatics department while acting as the first point of contact for facility emergencies or incident management. The ideal candidate will be a positive and responsive individual with a professional demeanor who is dedicated to providing the best possible aquatic experience to the Western community while modeling appropriate behaviours essential to fostering an inclusive and equitable community at Western.

Responsibilities:

• Supervising, training, scheduling and evaluating lifeguards within the Campus Recreation swimming facility, including a leadership presence when professional full-time staff are not in the facility.
• Develop staff schedules, fill shift vacancies and adjust work schedules and assignment of extra tasks as necessary.
• Ensure the safety of all swimmers within the facility by monitoring the activities of the swimming pools, responding as the first point of contact to all emergency situations and administering first aid as required.
• Assist in the instruction of Advanced Aquatic and Standard First Aid courses.
• Support the operations of the pool and complete all required reports and records in a timely manner.
• Lead the instruction of both individual and group swimming lessons.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to lifeguards including performance management and providing constructive feedback

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Certification
• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Instructor Certification an asset
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Instructor Certification
• Current Canadian Red Cross Instructor and/or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification
• Current Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor Certification an asset
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR
• Meets the visual acuity criterion of 20/25 vision when on duty (this can be met using corrective lenses) (Must be MD verified at point of offer)
• Must be committed to working 12-24 hours per week within a flexible schedule
• Current full-time student at Western (enrolled in minimum 3.5 courses), and expect to retain full-time student status for the duration of this appointment preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with team members, students and the public
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to be a productive team player who enjoys contributing to team goals
• experience working successfully within a team environment
• Independent decision-making and problem-solving skills

Experience:

• Prior lifeguarding and swim instruction experience
• Prior customer service experience
• Familiarity with Campus Recreation programs, services, and facilities preferred

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record and police information) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone

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