Careers at Wildlife Water School
Make a difference in the lives of children and families. Join our team of passionate swim instructors dedicated to inclusive, adaptive aquatics education.
Why Work With Us?
Meaningful Work
Help children with and without disabilities gain confidence and life-saving skills
Supportive Team
Work alongside certified instructors who are passionate about adaptive swimming
Flexible Schedule
Sunday lessons with opportunities to grow and take on more responsibility
Professional Growth
Access to training, certifications, and continuing education opportunities
Competitive Pay
Fair compensation based on experience and certifications
Positive Impact
Be part of a mission-driven organization that celebrates every swimmer
Positions We're Looking For
We're actively seeking swim instructors and lifeguards who love working with kids — with and without disabilities — across multiple Pittsburgh-area locations and even right where you live.
Swim Instructor
Part-TimeThe Role: Deliver high-quality lessons — 1:1, 2:1, small groups, stroke classes, and parent & me — for swimmers ages 6 months to 17 years.
Adaptive Focus: You will work with children of all abilities, including those with disabilities. No prior adaptive experience required — we train you!
Training: Paid training includes a comprehensive manual and a shadow day where you'll co-teach alongside an experienced instructor before going solo.
Lifeguard
Part-TimeThe Role: Maintain a vigilant watch over all pool areas, focusing on safety and risk prevention throughout every session.
Requirements: Must be currently certified or actively working toward obtaining your lifeguard certification. All of our lifeguards are also swim instructors — so you'll be doing both, just not at the same time!
Home Pool Instructor
Higher PayNow HiringThe Role: Teach lessons out of your own home pool! We handle all the scheduling, marketing, parent communication, waivers, payments, and logistics — you just open the door and teach.
Higher Pay: Home pool instructors earn a higher per-lesson rate than our partner pool instructors. The more students you book, the more you make — plus you skip the commute entirely.
What You Need: A safe, clean residential pool (in-ground or above-ground) with adequate space for teaching. You must be a strong swimmer with experience working with children — or willing to complete our training.
Perks: Set your own weekday afternoon/evening schedule during the summer. No driving to other locations. Build your own neighborhood following. We do ALL the admin work — you teach.
Traveling Swim Instructor
FlexibleThe Role: Bring the Wildlife experience directly to students' home pools! You'll travel to families in your area and provide private, personalized instruction — all scheduling and coordination is handled by the owner.
Perk: Includes paid driving time. The owner matches you with students in your preferred areas so you're not driving across the city.
Where We Operate
We have opportunities at multiple locations across the Pittsburgh area — with options to substitute or travel between sites. And if you're not near any of these, we may still have a spot for you!
South Hills
North Hills
Connellsville
East Allegheny
Greensburg
Your Home Pool
Don't see your area? We also travel to residents' private homes throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. If you're a strong swimmer and love working with kids, reach out — we'll find a way to make it work.
Requirements & Qualifications
What we look for in every team member
Age 14+
We welcome motivated young instructors — Vicky herself started at 14!
Clearances
Must have or be able to obtain child abuse clearances, background checks, and fingerprints.
Strong Swimmer
Must be a confident, capable swimmer. Competitive experience is a plus but not required.
Great Attitude
Enthusiastic, flexible, and highly reliable. Our students count on their instructors to show up!
Communication Skills
Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with parents and fellow staff members.
Open to All Learners
Willingness to work with children of all abilities — we train you on adaptive techniques.
Apply Today
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch soon!