Jr. Head Instructor

Position Title: Jr. Head Instructor - Swim Camp

Reports to: Head Instructor - Swim Camp

Job Type: Temporary Contract, Summer

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Variety Village, Scarborough ON

Rate: $19.00-$22.50 per hour based on experience and qualifications

Who we are:

Located in southwestern Scarborough, Ontario, Variety Village is an inclusive, adaptive, and family friendly facility serving more than 30,000 individuals each year. Variety Village has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through adaptive sport and recreation programming, outreach and education, Variety promotes inclusion and healthy living through adapted physical activity.

Summary:

The Junior Head Instructor – Swim Camp supports the Head Instructor in planning, delivering, and supervising inclusive aquatic programming at Variety Village. This role provides leadership and mentorship to swim instructors, support staff, 1:1 staff, and volunteers, ensuring safe, engaging, and high-quality experiences for all campers. The Junior Head Instructor assists with staff training, evaluations, and daily program problem-solving, while modeling best practices in aquatic instruction, safety, and inclusion. This position may assume Head Instructor responsibilities during breaks or assigned coverage periods.

• Support the Head Instructor in planning and delivering inclusive swim camp programming.
  
• Supervise swim instructors, support staff, 1:1 staff, and volunteers on deck.
• Adapt swim activities to meet the individual needs and abilities of participants.
• Monitor instruction to ensure safety, ratios, and program expectations are met.
• Provide on-deck coaching and feedback to swim instructors to support instructional quality.
• Assist with staff evaluations, documentation, and ongoing development throughout the summer.
• Support in-service training sessions and weekly staff meetings.
• Assign and coordinate volunteer and support staff roles during programming.
• Lead swim and water-based activities in an organized, engaging, and inclusive manner.
• Model positive behavior, professionalism, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Communicate effectively with families and caregivers regarding participant experiences and progress.
• Maintain knowledge of facility operations, schedules, and aquatic policies.
• Step into Head Instructor duties during breaks or assigned coverage periods.
• Coordinate and respond to emergency situations following facility safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Qualifications and Key Competencies:

• Previous experience in swim instruction, aquatic programs, or camp settings.

• Strong knowledge of disabilities and adaptive strategies in aquatic environments.

• Ability to manage challenging behavior using inclusive, participant-centered approaches.
• Experience in integrated or adaptive programming.
• Valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C (required).
• Valid Lifesaving Swim Instructor, Bronze Cross, and/or National Lifeguard certifications (required).
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Reliable, organized, and confident in fast-paced aquatic settings.
• Previous experience supervising staff, co-op students, or volunteers is an asset.
• Knowledge of accessibility, adapted equipment, and inclusive aquatic programming.

Interested applicants must complete an Application Form by January 23, 2026. Please note that selected applicants will be required to participate in a multi-step interview process. A criminal check will also be required.

Application Form:

Variety Village is committed to building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity, values differences, and supports the full participation of all employees. We welcome applications from those who are passionate about contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included. We welcome applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, 2S & LGBTQIA+ persons, and anyone who can add to the diversity of our team. We offer accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process, upon request.

Vacancy and AI Disclosure:

This position is a current, active vacancy. We are actively recruiting to fill this role.

Variety Village does not use artificial intelligence (AI) in any part of our recruitment or hiring process. All applications, interviews, and notes are reviewed and conducted by our recruitment team.

We thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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