Airforce Jobs
Job Offer: Recreation Assistant (Swim Instructor) | U.S. Air Force [Europe] 2026 Full Time
Introduction
The position of a swim instructor is a basic tenet of community-recreation work and is specifically designed for those on a steady career track in water education and community service.
This exists thanks to the United States Air Force and Space Force Non-Appropriated Fund organization in their commitment to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation endeavors as part of the Ramstein Aquatic Center located on the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
It is designed specifically for professionals who are interested in water safety and educational teaching methodologies as part of the duties of a recreation assistant.
As a swim instructor, you actively assist people of all ages, from youth to adults and children, to develop their lifelong swimming skills and maintain their safe behavior in and around water.
Your work focuses on ensuring high-quality instruction, American Red Cross Learn to Swim program compliance, and people-centered commitment with passion and dedication. It is a position with an ongoing appointment and flexible intermittent staffing, and provides stability and flexibility with hours of work desired by applicants and their interests. It is an ideal position for applicants who are keen on staff development and growth in an environment that is cooperative and from the federal recreation services and context.
Job Overview
The purpose of the swim instructor job is to provide high-quality aquatic instruction and safe recreational experiences for the Ramstein military community. This job is employed through the U.S. Air Force, and the NAF program is based at the Ramstein Aquatic Center in Ramstein, Germany.
Swim instructor jobs allow you to work in the recreation and leisure services industry, providing group and private swimming lessons based on national standards.
The position contributes to MWR goals by promoting water safety awareness, skill development, and positive recreational experiences. The key duties are giving instruction, lesson preparation, student evaluation, and providing a safe learning environment.
Recruitment is administered in the federal competitive service system, which provides equal and equitable opportunity selection while addressing the operational requirements of the aquatic facility.
Key Responsibilities
With your role as a swim instructor, you not only get to teach people how to swim but can also utilize your skills to assist facility management in planning a swimming program for the entire year. This program should comply with the guidelines outlined by the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program.
Another important part of your assignment would include designing your class depending upon the age groups you are teaching, testing their swimming ability, and enrolling them into their respective groups.
You also maintain attendance and lesson records and offer constructive feedback to students and parents to ensure further development. The implementation of facility policies, maintaining safe learning environments, facility equipment checks and storage, and emergency response according to approved emergency action plans can be part of the job requirements.
Following the Recreation Assistant job description, you may be able to assist at the reception desk, handle point of sale operations, and participate in the everyday running of the swimming areas.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a swim instructor position, it’s not enough to simply bring a course completion certificate. You have to come with experience in teaching in an aquatic environment and technical knowledge.
A high level of understanding of swimming strokes, motor skill development, lesson planning, and water safety concepts is required. Lifeguard certification is a plus, but one needs to be able to physically lift a minimum of 25 pounds and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
You will need to have a valid certification as a water safety instructor that is recognized nationally, or you will need one within three months of employment. There will also be a swim pre-test as well as a background check. In addition to basic skills, good communication skills, attention to detail, and calm behavior are required.
This becomes more important when working with all ages, as well as in maintaining a safe environment for your class.
Training & Career Development
The training provided to swim instructors is based on tested methods used by the American Red Cross, so consistency and efficacy are guaranteed. New employees are introduced to facility-specific procedures, emergency procedures, and expectations regarding managing their classes. Continuing education may include recertifications, skill enhancement, and familiarity with MWR programs in general.
Although it does not provide for promotion potential, it is valuable experience in federal recreation services. Such experience will benefit future transitions to higher-level aquatic teaching, recreational supervisory, or even general recreation assistant and MWR-related NAF positions.
Salary & Benefits
Swim Instructor comes with a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $16 to $17, within the NF-2 pay range. This may vary based on your level of experience, geographical location, and applicable federal policy rates. The company does not provide relocation assistance, although you’ll enjoy stability in your employment and be part of an extensive network of facilities within the NAF institutions.
Included in the benefits are health care benefits, vacation or sick leave pay, retirement plans, and use of recreational facilities such as gyms and swimming pools. The work atmosphere is characterized by safety and community, as well as working as a team and being within the federal framework.
Who Should Apply
This is a good fit for someone who is passionate about aquatic education, serving others, and public health. A good candidate is very patient, demonstrative in their teaching, and very committed to water safety education. If you have worked as a swim instructor, lifeguard, or recreation assistant in the past, you may find that you are very interested in this opportunity.
If a flexible schedule, interactions with a variety of interesting and diverse individuals, and a steady work environment in a prestigious federal agency appeal to you, then this opportunity is a great fit. An enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual who is able to accommodate the different needs of each class of people is a highly valuable quality in a teacher.
How to Apply
To apply, create an account or log in to USAJobs, search for the Swim Instructor position, complete the online questionnaire, and attach a comprehensive resume describing experience that relates to this opportunity. The supporting documents include certification, proof of eligibility, and other similar documents, which are added with the upload requirements.
Once you have verified that each piece is accurate and complete, submit the entire application package before the deadline. Make sure all documents have uploaded successfully, and the application status shows you’ve submitted it for consideration.
Preparation Tips
Before applying, candidates should review the American Red Cross Learn to Swim guidelines and refresh their knowledge of water safety and emergency procedures. Practicing swim assessment techniques and lesson planning for varied age groups can be fruitful. Applicants are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with MWR operations and the role of recreation services within military communities to better align their experience with job expectations.
Related Career Resources
Helpful Articles:
Similar Job Opportunities:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is prior experience required for this role?
Yes, relevant experience in swim instruction or aquatic programs is required, including knowledge of swimming techniques and water safety.
Q: Do I need a certification before applying?
A nationally recognized Water Safety Instructor certification is required, but it may be obtained within three months of hire.
Q: What are the typical work hours?
The schedule is intermittent and flexible, ranging from 0 to 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
Q: Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this role is fully on-site at the Ramstein Aquatic Center in Germany.
Q: Are there opportunities for career growth?
While there is no formal promotion potential, the experience supports future opportunities within recreation and MWR programs.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
The position is open to U.S. citizens and eligible residents in Germany, subject to the Status of Forces Agreement requirements.
Disclaimer: OpinoHive is an independent job listing platform. We are not affiliated with the employers mentioned. Please verify all job details on official company websites before applying. Read Full Disclaimer
