Service Area: Public Services
Department: Culture and Recreation
Work Location: South End Community Centre (SECC), 25 Poppy Dr W
Work Mode: In Person
Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy
Position Availability: 2 existing vacant position(s)
Salary Range: $36.89 - $45.30 per hour
Affiliation: CUPE Local 973
Posting Period: May 1, 2026 to May 18, 2026 11:59 p.m.

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Facilitator and Instructor, Aquatics with the Culture and Recreation Department. Reporting to the Supervisor of Aquatics, the successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of the Aquatic program through the establishment of values and behaviors team approach with a focus on customer needs. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, excellence and wellness, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision – to be the city that makes a difference.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Work with the Aquatics Supervisor to plan, coordinate, and deliver a diverse range of aquatic programs including learn-to-swim lessons, aquatic fitness, leadership courses, and specialty events, ensuring alignment with community needs, corporate standards, and industry best practices.
• Support Aquatic Supervisor in developing and maintaining seasonal program schedules for lessons, rentals, and special events; ensure accurate data entry and updates in the recreation management system (Xplor).
• Provide on-deck oversight of aquatic programs, ensuring staff adherence to lesson plans, safety protocols, customer service standards, and act as a visible leader during program delivery.
• Deliver high-quality swim instruction and aquatic leadership courses, while mentoring swimmers to improve technique and confidence; provide on-deck coaching and guidance to part-time staff to support skill development and program excellence.
• Lead and deliver engaging swim lessons and aquatic programs, adapting instruction to meet diverse participant needs and promote water safety.
• Provide mentorship and on-deck coaching to part-time instructors, fostering skill development and consistency in program delivery.
• Support staff training initiatives by sharing best practices in instruction and supporting certification maintenance for aquatic team members.
• Provide shift leadership and mentorship to part-time aquatic staff, including on-deck coaching, performance feedback, and support during program delivery; foster a positive and professional team environment.
• Support Aquatic’s Supervisor with recruitment, onboarding, and certification tracking for part-time staff; maintain accurate records of qualifications and ensure compliance with training requirements.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and concerns, providing program information and resolving issues, act as a liaison for rentals, community groups, and special events.
• Compile program data for Aquatic Supervisor including attendance, revenue, and customer satisfaction; prepare detailed reports and recommendations to support continuous improvement and strategic planning.
• Monitor and report inventory of program supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness for scheduled activities and adherence to safety standards.
• Perform administrative tasks such as payroll verification, incident reporting, and updating program content in registration software; ensure accuracy and timeliness of documentation.
• Support aquatic leadership courses and support special events including Water Smart campaigns and drowning prevention initiatives to promote community engagement and safety awareness.
• Participate in emergency response and maintain current lifeguard and instructor certifications, demonstrating readiness and leadership during critical situations.
• Support the Aquatic Supervisor and team on special projects, staff training, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program delivery and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through the completion of a Grade 12 Diploma and a 2 year community college diploma in Recreation and Leisure Studies or a related discipline
• Minimum 2-3 years aquatic programming, and instruction roles within a recreation environment. Candidates with an equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Must currently hold and maintain throughout employment the following certifications:
  • National Lifeguard
  • Lifesaving Society Swim and Instructors
  • Standard First Aid with CPR C
  • Lifesaving Society Bronze Examiner status
  • At least one of the following: National Lifeguard Instructor and Examiner, Standard First Aid Instructor and Examiner, Swim and Lifesaving Instructor Trainer
  • Examiner Mentor considered an asset
  • Aquafit certification considered an asset
  • Certified Pool Operator considered an asset
• Ability to perform National Lifeguard fitness and rescue skills as requested to support program operations and emergency readiness.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to mentor and coach staff.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills; ability to respond professionally to inquiries and concerns.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in both routine and emergency situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and recreation management software (e.g., ActiveNet, Xplor, CLASS).
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and standards, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Health Protection and Promotion Act, and Regulation 565.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to work collaboratively with staff, community partners, and the public.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work across multiple facilities.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Hours of work
35 hours per week.

Hours during Fall, Winter and Spring lesson sessions will be scheduled Monday-Friday between the hours of 12 pm and 9 pm

Hours during summer lesson session will be Monday –Friday 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Interim/between session hours will vary depending on program needs.

How to apply
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by May 18, 2026. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

Hiring Process Transparency
The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Privacy Notice
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.