Aquatics Specialist

NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land, which includes 1,000 playgrounds, 36 recreation centers, 66 pools, and 14 miles of beach. Our primary responsibility is to build and maintain clean, safe and accessible parks, and to create cultural and educational programs for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy. The mission of Recreation is to enable New Yorkers to lead physically active and intellectually stimulating lives through sports, fitness, outdoor adventure, technology, education, and the arts. Recreation programs include specialized exercise classes, youth sports, senior activities, summer camps and free afterschool programs. Recreation programming occurs throughout the City in NYC Parks recreation centers, parks and playgrounds.

NYC Parks & Recreation is looking for Swim Instructors to organize and instruct tots, children, adults, seniors and physically/intellectually challenged persons in our Learn to Swim program this summer.

Swim instructors will also coach swim teams, supervise adult lap swim, teach water exercise classes, and act as Aquatic Directors at camps in all 5 boroughs. Full-time and part-time summer positions available.

Major Responsibilities

• Under supervision, conduct dynamic and innovative workshops, sports and specialized recreational programs for the Aquatics Division.
• Provide swim instruction to tots, children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Aquatic Specialists may be asked to coach swim teams, supervise lap swim, teach water exercise classes and serve as Aquatics Directors at Summer Camps.
• Develop and facilitate programming to engage New Yorkers in aquatic recreational activities.
• Lead and coach youth Aquatics programming.
• Instruct participants in basic fitness skills, including proper fitness equipment use, basic safety precautions and the health benefits of regular exercise.
• Lead aquatics fitness classes for New Yorkers of all ages.
• Maintain equipment and fitness areas daily, including keeping an inventory of necessary materials and supplies.
• Inspect public spaces and report evidence of unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Establish program objectives, evaluate recreational programs and design cutting-edge curricula.
• Promote NYC Parks Recreation Center memberships and assist in events and special projects.
• Collect and submit accurate data, forms and reports to meet internal deadlines.

Work Location: Citywide Duration: June 20, 2026 – September 5, 2026 Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee of $40.00. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID#

• *Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

For more information email CitywideAquatics@parks.nyc.gov or call 718-760-6969 x0 References will be required upon request.

We appreciate all applicants’ interest in the position, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

nyc.gov/parks MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams

• Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 months of participation in an art, craft or other recreational pursuit as a teacher, performer, coach, official, contestant or demonstrator, including at least one year of experience in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job, as described below; or
• Experience or study in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job as described below, acquired in job training, internships, volunteer service, high school, college or other appropriate institution over at least a three-year period; or "3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience or education in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job as described below. Job assignments are limited to the following recreational specialties: woodworking , weight lifting, tennis, aquatics, soccer, fencing, golf, gymnastics, ham radio, horseback riding, hockey, figure skating, martial arts, music, nature study, art, photography, dramatics, dance-roller skating, small crafts, sewing, astronomy, auto mechanics, baton twirling, bridge, chess, modern dance, dog obedience, puppetry, boxing and storytelling."

Preferred Skills

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
• American Red Cross CPR or equivalent certification.
• Three years of recreation experience, including one year of aquatics experience or equivalent education and experience.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.

Residency Requirement

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates within 90 days of hire.