Adapted Aquatics Instructor

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Applications are now being accepted for the Adapted Swim Instructor position in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online by August 1, 2026.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

JOB SUMMARY

The Adapted Swimming Instructor effectively supports swimming instruction across the range of abilities and ages for individuals with mild to moderate learning and/or physical disabilities. Supports swimmers in all ways necessary to ensure that they meet their goals, both socially and recreationally. Exercises sensitivity to the needs of patrons during transitions (arrival, departure) and during difficult behavioural and emotional times. 

The Adapted Swimming Instructor also plays an advocacy role to support the City’s diverse community. They assist in strengthening the values and commitment of the City to promote a welcoming and inclusive community as outlined in the City’s Inclusion Charter and Diversity Action Plan.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets with the Co-ordinator, Program Supervisor or designate prior to program session at each participating pool to become familiar with swim area, the special needs of program participants, intake forms, supplies etc. This position requires work at multiple pools.
• Provides quality customer service to customers by answering inquiries while on duty.
• In accordance with the needs of individual participant, develops customized program plans and makes program adaptations as needed so all participants can participate. Prepares weekly lesson plans for volunteers and / or staff to teach from. Prepares worksheets, certificates of progress and report cards as required.
• Based on the customized plan, provides guidance and direction to Assistant Instructors orienting them to the pool, program and level, and the assistance/support that will be required. Provides teaching tips and hints to assist them to teach more proficiently.  Ensures that participant progress has been recorded following each lesson.
• Maintains information previously collected on the intake form to ensure safety and optimum improvement and obtains additional information where required.
• Checks and ensures all participant emergency and medical information is accurate on the class list.
• Prepares and presents a swimming orientation to patrons/participants, volunteers and/or staff at the beginning of each program session including: 
  1. General pool rules and procedures for swimming.  
  2. Safety measures to be followed
• Keeps attendance records and checks with participants who have extended absences.  Calls all participants who do not attend the first class. 
• Ensures all program participants/patrons, Assistant Instructors are aware of any program changes or cancellations. 
• Returns all lesson plans and worksheets to file in the event that a substitute instructor is directing the class and/or ensures that information is on file for next class.
• May be required to assist volunteers / swimmers with specialized pool lifts.
• Competently administers emergency procedures for the facility; applies basic life support and/or first aid should the need arise according to training, and assists staff in the evacuation of the facility if required.
• May be assigned other related duties.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Individual must have a strong desire to work with children with disabilities in a recreational setting.
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is an asset.
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications:
  1. Current Lifesaving Society Instructor, Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor
  2. Current National Lifeguard 
  3. Current Standard First Aid or Intermediate First Aid with CPR C and AED
  4. Current Airway Management
  5. Inclusion Clinic Recommended
  6. Behaviour Management Training Recommended
  7. Crisis Prevention Intervention Training Recommended
• Good customer service and communication (written, verbal and non-verbal) skills to instruct and re-assure a wide variety of patrons in a pleasant and effective manner, some of whom may be apprehensive of water.
• Effective computer skills an asset.
• Ability to work tactfully with other staff as part of a team.
• Positive attitude.
• Enjoy working with individuals with special needs of all ages.
• Ability and fitness level to perform aquatics instruction and rescue skills to standard.

CORE BEHAVIOURS 

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization. 
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change. 
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships. 
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening. 
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation. 
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example. 

*Please include your Lifesaving ID number on your resume. Certifications that will expire during your work term must be re-certified prior to your start date. If you are registered for an applicable course, please list it on your resume along with the registration dates. 

 *All applicants are required to submit a valid Vulnerable Sector Check, (completed within 6 months) upon hiring. 

Note: All qualifications must be current from the beginning to the last day of each session. Qualifications that are due to expire during a session must be re-certified prior to the start of the season and staff will be required to provide proof of registration for the re-certification. 

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve.  Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.  

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.

We thank all applicants, however only those who meet the required qualifications will be considered for an interview.