Senior Lifeguard/Instructor

PURPOSE:The Senior Lifeguard/instructor is responsible for water safety education, teaching swimming skills, ensuring accident prevention and rescue, as and when required, for patrons at the swimming pool. 

SCOPE: The position of Senior Lifeguard/Instructor reports to the Aquatics Supervisor and works to uphold a culture of water safety, fitness, and enjoyment. The incumbent works to make the Don Stewart Aquatic Centre an attractive, welcoming, and inviting place, with safe and responsive programming, appropriate lessons, and quality service. RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintains a culture of safety and enjoyment at the Aquatic Centre. This includes but is not limited to:

• Informing the public of potential hazards near/around water and in the pool area through proper supervision & appropriate information sharing.
• Monitoring and enforcing safe actions and behaviour near and around the pool by patrons.
• Promoting safety in and out of the water at the pool as well as in the great outdoors.
• Performing rescues as required.
• Examining injured persons & administering first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training methods, medical supplies, and equipment.
• Performs the role of on-deck supervisor to junior and intermediate lifeguards, providing direction as required.

Instructs swimming skills to clients of all ages and skill levels

• Teach in a manner that is appropriate to the client/group.
• Fill in report cards.
• Set up and instruct lessons for school groups.

 Maintains the facility to ensure the swimming pool is safe and clean. This includes but is not limited to:

• Working with the Facilities and Parks Supervisor, Facility Maintainers and Public Works staff as needed to ensure the safety and maintenance of the Don Stewart Aquatic Centre.
• Conducting water chemistry tests and adjust as required.
• Conducting water sample testing for bacteriology reporting.
• Checking filters and backwash as needed.
• Checking and changing caustic soda barrels.
• Supporting Aquatics Supervisor in monitoring and maintaining supplies inventory required for swim programs, chemicals, first aid & cleaning.
• Ensuring floors, mirrors, counters, sinks, toilets, etc. are cleaned and sanitized in the bathroom as per procedural documents and training provided.
• Cleaning deck, steam room, viewing windows, doors, staff change room, supply closet, slide, and other areas as per procedural documents and training provided.
• Inspecting facilities daily to ensure safety standards as per NWT Public Pool Regulations. Vacuuming pool as and when required. 
• Perform other related duties as required.

 COMPETENCIES:Competencies are the attitudes, attributes, behaviors, or other personal characteristics that are needed in order to perform a job well.  Competencies are intended to complement the credentials, education, and technical proficiency that an individual typically brings to a position.  The Town will support staff in enhancing their competencies and learning to apply competencies to their daily work.

The following core competencies are expected of all employees of the Town:

• Organizational awareness – understands big picture of issues facing the Town and community; aware of community events and occurrences; values the place of the Town within the community, understands the connection between his/her role and the vision and mission of the Town.
• Customer Service – balances the interests of clients; re-adjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing client needs. Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; committed to continuous improvement of services; ambassador for the Town to customers and clients.
• Manage Resources Wisely –recognizes the value of resources - whether they are financial, human, information, material, assets, etc. and strives to use these prudently and sustainably, in the best interests of the Town. 
• Interpersonal skills – considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings and capabilities of different people in different situations; tactful, compassionate and sensitive; treats others with respect.
• Oral Communication – makes clear and convincing points to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
• Written Communication – expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear and organized manner
• Problem Solving – identifies and analyzes problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make informed decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.
• Continual Learning - grasps new information; recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development, seeks feedback from others and welcomes opportunities to learn new things.
• Flexibility – open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information; adjusts to new situations warranting attention and resolution.
• Sound Decision-making– exercises good judgment in making decisions; seeks all the information to make informed decisions; perceives the impact and implication of decisions, even when data is limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences.

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS: The following knowledge and skills are required for an individual to be able to perform the duties of this position: 

• Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communications skills.
• Instructor courses (Swim & Lifesaving Instructor course).
• Must be able to use the Strantrol system and know how to backwash systems.
• Must know how to increase and decrease chlorine. 

QUALIFICATIONS:The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor would normally attain the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes through completion of a high school diploma, along with a certification in the following. (Equivalencies will be considered):  

• Aquatic Emergency Care (Standard First Aid & CPR C).
• National Lifeguard Certification – Pool.
• Swim Instructor / Examiner.
• WHMIS training, emergency procedures training.
• Lifesaving Instructor / Examiner.
• Fitness Certification / Aqua-fitness Certification would be considered an asset.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:Physical Demands:The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor is expected to supervise, oversee and monitor swimming programs. The incumbent will be expected to lift, carry and manage equipment and supplies and may be required to practice lifesaving techniques. The incumbent is expected to perform guarding and instructor duties. The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor will be participating in and leading strenuous physical activities.
Environmental Conditions:The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor may find the environments to be busy, noisy and will need excellent organizational, time, and stress management skills to complete the required tasks. The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor must be prepared to deal with injuries and accidents. He/she must also handle various chemicals including chlorine. 
Sensory Demands:Sensory demands can include reading and use of the computer when completing administrative responsibilities which may cause eye strain and occasional headaches.  The incumbent must also handle various chemicals such as chlorine, which have powerful odors. 
Mental Demands:The Senior Lifeguard/Instructor will manage a number of requests and situations at one time.  Stress may be caused by the need to multi-task. Ensuring safety vigilance can be draining.  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Position of Trust – criminal record check required including vulnerable sector.

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