Employment Status: Contract >6 months (FT)
✓ Pension
✓ Weekdays ✓ Weekends ✓ Afternoons ✓ Evenings
Aquatics Specialist
Competition Number: 26057
Primary Work Location: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
Posting Status: Internal / External Job Posting
Hourly Range: $36.17 - $45.22 (Band I)
Number of Positions: 1 (Current Vacancy)
Employment Group: Staff Association
Job Status: Temporary, Full-Time (up to 20 months)
Posting Release Date: July 23, 2026
Hours of Work: 35 hours / week*
Posting Closing Date: August 5, 2026
Why work with us:
The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.
Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.
For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
What we offer:
- Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
- Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
- Certification as a Living Wage Champion.
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
- Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
- Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities.
- Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
- Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.
…And so much more!
What you will do:
Reporting to the Manager of Aquatics, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist in planning, organizing and ensuring the delivery of swim lessons and pay as you come programs that meet the standards of the Lifesaving Society as set out by the City of Waterloo and the needs of the community.
- Ensures effective delivery, planning, supervision and evaluation of programs and services.
- Assist the Manager of Aquatics in the recruitment process for part time aquatics staff which includes skill screening, interviews, references and overall orientation/training of new hires.
- Assist in overall staffing scheduling of part-time aquatic staff members.
- Oversee outdoor facility during the summer months (June-September).
- Plan, organize and deliver aquatic staff training.
- Plan, organize and implement material for advanced aquatic leadership courses.
- Plan, organize and implement material for the learn to swim programs which includes development of core lesson plans for instructor use and on-line report cards.
- Assist in the organization of special event days at both the indoor and outdoor facilities.
- Respond to inquiries from customers in a timely manner.
- Maintain statistics including staff qualifications and perform various duties related to payroll.
- Ensure inventories of aquatic supplies, manuals and uniforms are maintained at satisfactory levels.
- Ensure that all relevant employment and workplace health and safety standards are met and enforced.
- Head Instructor/Guard duties as assigned a minimum of two shifts per week. Swim lesson and/or advanced leadership instructing as required.
What you will bring:
- College diploma in Recreation and Leisure services or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Minimum of two (2) years aquatic head guard/supervisor and/or aquatics programming experience.
- Current LSS/Swim Instructors; National Lifeguard Service; Intermediate First Aid and CPR C; Bronze Examiner along with one advanced leadership qualification (NLS Instructor, First Aid Instructor or Instructor Trainer at minimum).
- Excellent knowledge of relevant aquatics legislation.
- CALA or Water Art certification will be considered an asset.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and public relations skills.
- Able to function well under pressure, and to respond to frequently changing demands and priorities.
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with ActiveNet is considered an asset.
- Successful candidate must be able to complete and pass a City of Waterloo Aquatics Skill’s Screening deck evaluation.
- A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
- Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.
What we will require:
- A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City.
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications, if applicable.
- Access to reliable transportation as work hours may be outside of public transportation operations.
35 hours/week schedule that will include evenings and weekends to support aquatics programming and events. Typical work schedule September to June is Tuesday to Saturday (afternoons, evenings) with changes during the summer months to support the outdoor aquatic facility. During the time frame from September to May the position is supporting programs up to 10 hours per week and admin 25 hours a week. Summer months at the outdoor pool this role is fully admin work and trainings.
Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):
The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.
Our use of AI during recruitment:
Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.
Staff Association:
Qualified and eligible City of Waterloo Staff Association applicants will be considered first for this posting.
