Aquatics Water Safety Instructor Job Description

• Schedules are assigned based on your availability.  We appreciate that you are a student first.
• A set schedule will be created and shared at the beginning of the semester.  
• Picking up shifts to help others is required when able.  
• Student employees can work a maximum of 28 hours (domestic) and 20 hours (international) for all campus jobs.   

The WSI/LGI will be attired in a one-piece swimsuit, lifeguard tank top, shorts and nametag when teaching classes. FA/CPR/AED Instructors will be attired in a departmental shirt, khaki shorts/pants, and nametag. Instructors may not work in street clothes while teaching any departmental programs. 

 Assistant Director, Aquatics and Adventure Programs.

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification or have appropriate water competency to obtain one within 2 weeks of hiring. 
• Must possess strong customer service skills. 
• Work both independently and collaboratively with others in various working groups to achieve common goals. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with coworkers, supervisors, and all RecWell patrons and guests.  
• Ability to positively create a welcoming environment for all and maintain a positive attitude at work. 
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully with all people.  
• Demonstrating an articulation of one’s own personal and professional goals, strengths, and weaknesses, and how this work experience will be a growth opportunity.  
• Ability to address conflict in a professional manner through problem-solving and critical thinking.  

Interested candidates must apply through Handshake.

Contact Lizzy Buckholt at dbuckhol@kent.edu.

This area is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Natatorium. Informal recreation and events/reservations, such as open swim, lap swimming, and pool parties, fall under the purview of Aquatics. Staff provides excellent customer service, recognizes and responds to emergencies, and provides a safe, clean environment. Aquatics works closely with all other areas during emergency response. Programs in this area include safety certification courses, swim lessons, and youth swim team.

• Background Check: Must obtain a background check outlined by the department prior to employment. All offers of employment at RecWell are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check (will be provided upon hire at no cost). A plea of guilty to, a finding of guilty by a referee, jury or court of, or a conviction of any of the following shall disqualify an individual from being eligible for employment with Recreation and Wellness Services.
  • (1) A felony. (2) A sexual offense, as defined in chapter 2907 of the revised code. (3) An offense of violence, as defined in section 2901.01(A) (9)(a) of the revised code. (4) A theft offense, as defined in section 2913.01(K)(1) of the revised code. (5) A drug abuse offense, as defined in section 2925.01(G) of the revised code. o (6) Substantially comparable conduct to (1) through (5) above, occurring in a jurisdiction outside the state of Ohio.
• Standard Trainings: Become certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED / FA for the Professional Rescuer, Fraud Training, Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and other trainings as assigned (will be provided upon hire at no cost).
• Department Trainings: Attend all new hire orientation trainings, department (semesterly) and area trainings (monthly), and other trainings (in person and online) as needed.
• Certifications: Maintain all valid certifications that are required of your position and abide by FERPA / HIPPA.
• Community Expectations: Adhere to communication deadlines and expectations set forth by your area supervisor or other professional staff members, including answering emails, text messages, and phone calls in a timely manner (24-48 hours).
• Work Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including non-traditional work hours, and practice good time management skills.
• Working Week Limit: Abide by the hourly work week limit of 28 hours maximum per week in all on campus jobs combined. For international students, this number is 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and 28 hours per week when classes are not in session (summer, spring break, and winter break).
• Emergency Response: Ability to respond to an emergency, as outlined in the Emergency Action Plan.
• Clean, Safe, Organized Workstation: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation and environment for student employees, patrons, and all others.
• Policies and Procedures: Abide by all other policies and procedures outlined by Recreation and Wellness Services, the Division of Student Life, and Kent State University.
• Commitment and Congruency: Commitment to Recreation and Wellness Services’ mission, team culture, and values and aligning oneself with them.

• MISSION STATEMENT (describes who we are): We build communities of belonging by encouraging well-being through inclusive leadership, recreation, and wellness experiences.
• VALUES (describes what guides our practice): Sustainability, Belonging, and Excellence.
• VISION STATEMENTS (describes our purpose): Connecting people through Recreation and Wellness experiences to support lifelong well-being. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Kent State University Career Exploration and Development (website)
• How to Write a Resume (website)
• How to Write a Cover Letter (website)

The National Association of Colleges and Employers developed a definition for career readiness and identified key components to prepare college students for a successful transition into the workplace. These are some more examples of how this position will allow you to grow in each of these competencies. Some examples are “Professionalism” and “Critical Thinking”. This position’s job responsibilities will allow you to grow in each of these competencies. Please see below.