application for new employees

application for head guard position

For a list of job descriptions click here.

(PLEASE NOTE: at this time we are no longer taking applications for the 2015 season)

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Hiring Process
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for a position at Wedgwood Swim Pool?

Answer: In order to be considered for a position at Wedgwood Swim Pool, you need to complete a New Employee Application. Applications are available at the link above. The application includes contact information, certifications, work and volunteer experience, references, essay questions, and scheduling information (i.e., when school ends, vacations, etc.).

2. When do you hire for positions at Wedgwood Swim Pool?

Answer: We usually fill open positions between January and April during the off-season. We also hire some candidates in late July or August. These dates are completely dependent on when positions become available and when current staff members inform the management about their plans to return or move on.

3. Is there a certain time of the year when I should submit my application?

Answer: No. You can submit your application at any time. Any applicant who submits an application will be automatically included on an email list updating them when a position is available.

4. How are hiring decisions made?

Answer: All applications are scored by at least two people. Applicants with the highest scores are offered interviews. All interviews are scored by at least two people and the candidates are ranked ordered based on their application and interview combined score. The candidates with the highest scores are offered positions based on availability. The other major consideration for ALL positions is availability. Please understand that you are applying for a summer job. You will be required to work for the majority of the summer. Planned vacations, employment at other organizations and volunteer experiences that interfere with scheduling (especially the lesson program schedule) will be a consideration in staff selection.

5. How are applications and interviews scored?

Answer: Applications are scored based on a rubric. Applicants are scored based on qualifications, certifications, experience, availability and the answer to essay questions. During the interview, applicants are scored based on their ability to demonstrate qualities and characteristics we look for in all employees such as maturity, responsibility, initiative, sound decision making, problem solving, potential as a swim instructor and lifeguard.

6. Will I automatically get to interview?

Answer: No. Some years we have very few applicants and offer an interview to everyone, but if we have several interested candidates, we will base interviews on application scores.

7. How many positions are available each summer?

Answer: The number of positions offered is based on a number of factors. The size of the staff can change from year to year based on the experience of the staff as a whole. The number of positions is also impacted by the plans of current staff members who either commit or decline employment by February.

8. Do you ever hire additional staff during the middle or end of the summer?

Answer: Yes. We hire mid season for several reasons. First, there are times when staff schedules change and we need additional help. Second, we sometimes hire at the end of the season in order to see how potential employees for next summer perform.

9. If I am hired at the end of this summer does it mean I have a job for next summer?

Answer: No. We use hiring at the end of the summer to determine which candidates we will ask to return the following summer. All Wedgwood Swim Pool employees are re-hired contingent on performance.

10. If I do not receive a position do I need to submit a new application?

Answer: No. We will keep you application on file and are happy to look at your application again if positions open. However, if your certifications, experiences and/or qualifications for a position change you should consider updating your application. You should also consider updating your responses to essay questions in order to gain potential points in the process.

11. If I do not receive a position, how can I improve my chances in future hiring pools at Wedgwood Swim Pool?

Answer: The Assistant Manager is always willing to provide feedback on your performance in both the application and interview portion of the hiring process after decisions have been finalized.

12. Do I need to volunteer for lessons in order to apply for a position?

Answer: No. You are not required to volunteer for lessons. However, we evaluate each volunteer every session and that may be a factor in our hiring decisions. You could also take Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor) in order to gain some experience. While volunteering at Wedgwood and WSI are not requirements, both provide us with valuable information about the applicant's ability to provide swim instruction.

13. Do I need to have my lifeguard and CPR certifications to apply for a position?

Answer: No. We can offer you a position contingent on you successfully completing the required courses before the pool opens.

14. Do I need to take the lifeguard and CPR course offered by Wedgwood Swim Pool in order to be considered for a position?

Answer: No. The Lifeguard and CPR course at Wedgwood Swim Pool provides students with the same content and assessment of skills as any Red Cross course offered in the community. Wedgwood has hired staff members who have received their certification from community sites.

15. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Answer: If you have questions about the hiring process please contact Chris Matsumoto chris.mats@gmail.com at Wedgwood Swim Pool at (206) 523-8211 or stop by the office during the season. Please remember that you (the applicant) are the person we will be evaluating in order to make a hiring decision. Please make sure you take the initiative to ask follow up questions yourself.