Aquatic Staff III (full-time)

OPEN DATE:        Tuesday, October 20, 2026

CLOSING DATE:  Friday, October 30, 2026

DEPARTMENT:    Parks, Recreation and Culture

DIVISION:          Recreation

SECTION:            Aquatics 

REPORTS TO:      Aquatic Coordinator

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About The Organization:

Powell River is where coastal living, community connection, and career opportunity come together. Nestled on the northern Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, this vibrant coastal city offers an increasingly rare combination of exceptional quality of life, access to nature, and attainable homeownership compared to many communities across the province.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, pristine lakes, lush forests, and rugged mountains, Powell River blends the amenities of an urban centre with the warmth and sense of belonging of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy world-class hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, diving, and camping, all just minutes from their own front door. Home to the renowned Sunshine Coast Trail and the qathet Canoe Route, Powell River is a destination where outdoor adventure is part of everyday life.

Beyond its natural beauty, Powell River is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Designated a Cultural Capital of Canada, the community offers a rich array of festivals, galleries, and cultural experiences that contribute to its distinct character and strong sense of place.

Rich in history and heritage, Powell River's Townsite Historic District reflects the community's forestry roots and unique architectural legacy. Today, that heritage is complemented by a diverse economy supported by forestry, tourism, healthcare, education, technology, and professional services.

For professionals and families seeking meaningful opportunities without compromising lifestyle, Powell River offers an exceptional place to live and work. With a strong sense of community, short commutes, diverse housing options, and unparalleled access to recreation, Powell River provides a compelling balance of career and quality of life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Aquatic Staff III organizes and delivers aquatic programs and special events while ensuring the supervision and safety of participants. The incumbent teaches swimming and lifesaving skills, supports aquatic facility operations, responds to emergencies, delivers a high level of customer services, and performs light maintenance. This role trains and recertifies Aquatic Staff and provides program information to participants, staff, and facility users. Performs related duties.

The work requires the incumbent to work in a high humidity environment and perform physically strenuous work with regular exposure to bodily fluids, biohazards and chemicals.  Employment involves morning, afternoon, evening and weekend shifts. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:

Grade 12 diploma. Lifesaving Trainer – Swim Instructor Trainer OR National Lifeguard Instructor Certificate. National Lifeguard Pool Certificate. Lifesaving Instructors Certificate. Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certificate. Standard First Aid certificate. Pool Operator 1. WHMIS certificate.

This position is designated by the City of Powell River as a position of trust. A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, is a condition of employment.

Experience: One (1) year as Aquatic Staff II, concurrent with the experience requirements necessary for attaining Instructor certifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Considerable knowledge of aquatic programming, swimming instruction, lifesaving standards and public pool safety practices. Demonstrated skill in teaching swimming and lifesaving skills, observing participant performance and providing clear feedback. Ability to evaluate participant progress and prepare accurate records or reports. Working knowledge of pool water chemistry, filtration systems, water treatment equipment and related facility maintenance requirements.  Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully, both verbally and in writing, with participants, facility users, staff and the public. Demonstrated sound judgment when supervising aquatic activities, responding to emergencies and recognizing when referral or escalation is required. Knowledge of WorkSafe BC regulations, occupational hazards and safe work procedures as they relate to the position. Demonstrated ability to follow safe work procedures. Ability to recognize, report and/or rectify actual and potential safety hazards. Demonstrated skill in providing first aid and supporting safe use of the Recreation Complex. Ability to work within, and contribute to, a high-functioning team environment.  Ability to train, instruct and recertify Aquatic Staff in accordance with required standards. Ability to act as a resource to Aquatic Staff I and II during public swimming sessions and special events. Ability to organize programs, maintain equipment and complete light maintenance duties within required timelines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support service consistency, staff coordination and productive working relationships. Ability to learn and apply changing regulations, procedures, systems and policy requirements, support service continuity and approach work and relationships in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.

PAY RATE:

This is a union position with the current pay rate of $37.03 per hour as outlined in the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 798 Collective Agreement.

HOURS OF WORK:

Varied schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Full Job Description Here

How To Apply:

If you are interested in this position:

1. Complete the questions contained in the application below.  NOTE: CUPE members must use their correct seniority date.  After completing the questions, click "Next".
2. Attach a cover letter and a resume as separate PDF or Word documents.  This is a mandatory requirement of the application process. 
3. Attach copies of degrees, diplomas, and certifications if applicable in one single PDF or Word document.
4. IMPORTANT: Each applicant must use an email address unique to them.

 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, we may choose to only acknowledge those applicants selected for interview.

The City of Powell River is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may be required to participate in formal testing and interviews and to provide documentation to demonstrate and support their qualifications.