The City of Orillia is hiring a
Senior Coach - Orillia Lifesaving Team
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of Orillia is seeking a dynamic Senior Coach – Orillia Lifesaving Team to join our team in the Parks and Recreation Division of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. The OLT Senior Coach will follow City of Orillia policies and procedures while delivering safe, inclusive and effective lifesaving sport training sessions for Orillia Lifesaving Team participants. This position is responsible for the safety, supervision and well-being of participants, while coaching athletes to improve their skills and abilities and supporting the planning and delivery of practices, training plans and competition preparation. Shifts include evenings and weekends and may be in pool and open water environments.
The City does not use artificial intelligence in the hiring process. All job applications are reviewed personally by the appropriate Department/Division. This position is for an existing vacancy.
DUTIES
- Coach and train athletes to participate in Lifesaving Society Sport programs and sanctioned competition.
- Supervise, coach and evaluate OLT Lifesaving Sport Coaches.
- Assist with in-water and/or land demonstrations, coaching and training of athletes participating in Lifesaving Society Sport programs and in-house competitions.
- Plan, create and implement practices, workouts and individualized training plans that align with participant needs, training goals and long-range or seasonal plans set by the Head Coach or Program Lead.
- Prepare participants for competitions and evaluations by teaching competition rules, event expectations, lifesaving sport skills and performance strategies.
- Create an inclusive, fair and positive training environment while independently managing practices with minimal supervision.
- Establish a reliable and professional on-deck presence, providing strong front-line customer service when engaging with athletes and parents.
- Implement athlete evaluation, goal-setting and development strategies to support ongoing skill progression and positive mentorship.
- Apply knowledge of swimming, lifesaving skills and the Long-Term Athlete Development model to support effective lifesaving sport instruction.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, parents, neighbouring clubs, coaches, officials and the broader lifesaving sport community.
- Support competitions and local meets as required, including full weekend availability when assigned to coach or assist a division.
- Continue to develop coaching knowledge and best practices through meetings, training, professional learning opportunities and involvement in lifesaving sport events.
- Maintain complete vigilance while on duty and be prepared to respond to emergencies.
- Complete administrative duties in a timely manner, including attendance, incident/accident reports and program documentation.
- Maintain a safe, tidy and organized program space, ensuring equipment is set up, used and stored appropriately.
- Report all concerns, accidents and incidents to immediate supervisors and take appropriate action.
- Understand, adhere to and enforce Corporate Policies and Procedures, Confidentiality Guidelines, Emergency Procedures and Health and Safety Standards for all participants and staff.
- Attend mandatory pre- and in-season trainings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently enrolled or completed post-secondary education.
- Current LSS National Lifeguard Pool and Waterfront (or willing to obtain).
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience as a lifeguard/instructor working with children.
- One (1) year of experience working in a leadership role within an aquatic environment is considered an asset.
- Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Pool is required.
- Current Lifesaving Sport Coach Level 1 is required.
- Current Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor is required.
- Current Standard/Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C dated within three (3) years is required.
- Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Waterfront is considered an asset.
- NCCP Coach certification and/or prior experience with Lifesaving Sport, Triathlon, Competitive Swimming or Kayak Racing is considered an asset.
- Ability to independently plan, create and implement training plans and workouts.
- Ability to reference, apply and demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in Lifesaving Sport events as described in the sporting rulebooks.
- Exceptional customer service, verbal, written and communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
- Previous leadership experience working with and managing youth and adults, particularly in a sporting environment, with professional maturity and a positive, responsible attitude.
- A current and acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (if 18 years of age) must be provided prior to the employment commencement date, at the incumbent’s expense.
Work hours vary up to 35 hours per week and include daytime, evening and weekend shifts, as well as some holidays. Work may take place in pool and open water environments. Occasional attendance at full-day or weekend competitions may be discussed and requested by the Program Lead to support athletes beyond regularly scheduled coaching shifts
Compensation for this position is $23.94/hour (2026 rate). Following successful completion of a probationary period, the hourly rate will increase to $28.69 per hour.
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by August 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Applications will only be accepted by applying online. Please click the "Apply Now" button below.
Note: The City of Orillia is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Please advise the City of Orillia Human Resources Department if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants that apply and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001,S.O. 2001, c. 25., and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, City of Orillia, 50 Andrew St. S., Orillia ON L3V 7T5.
