Recreation Specialist (Aquatics) River Terrace

Date Posted	August 04, 2026
Industry	K-12: Public Schools
Certification Needed
Job Status	Not Specified
Salary	Not Specified

Description:

Our public school students need your expertise, passion and leadership.

We are looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central services employees.

DCPS serves 50,000 students in the nation's capital through the efforts of approximately 4,000 educators in 118 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid, most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central services staff whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for DCPS students.

Position Overview

Under general supervision, the Specialist, Recreation (Aquatics) River Terrace is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of those using the District of Columbia Public Schools' swimming pools. The Specialist's major responsibility is to operate and guard the pool. This includes managing the chemicals, the surrounding deck area, alerting DGS when pool serivce is required, observing swimmers, enforcing regulations in the guarding of life, preventing accidents, and responding to emergencies.

This position has been designated asSafety Sensitive.Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: Criminal background check; Sex Offender Registry check; Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; Traffic record check (as applicable); Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

The Recreation Specialist (Aquatics) River Terrace will report to the Principal.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prevents accidents through the enforcement of policies, rules, regulations, etc. governing the conduct of persons at the swimming pool.
• Keeps a sharp lookout for accidents in the water or on a diving board of swimming pool deck.
• Warns participants against dangerous practices, such as running on the deck and diving in shallow water.
• Instructs non-swimmers and weak swimmers to stay out of deep water.

• Enters the water to rescue persons in distress; resuscitates rescued bathers; and administers First Aid to the injured.

• Aids in cleaning locker rooms and showers when necessary.
• Supports structured swim lessons for individuals and groups of students from the pool deck, including water safety and swim skills; contribute student progress and provides feedback as observed.
• Performs various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility and ensure the River Terrace pool is compliant with all Department of Health regulations for the Pool Operator License.
• Communicates weekly with the Principal and Director, Health, and Physical Education on programmatic needs and updates.
• Participate and be an active member of the River Terrace School Community, supporting in school wide events, and adhering to the core professionalism standards at River Terrace.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Either has earned an Associate’s Degree/Bachelor’s Degree or has earned at least 48 college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• At least six months to one year of previous experience.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
• Valid Lifeguard and Pool Operator Certification.
• Adapted Aquatics experience a plus.
• Knowledge of methods involved in various types of aquatics recreation activities that will enable the employee to carry out the variety of recreation assignments designed to acquaint the employee with the particular program specialty area, and to provide for development and progress toward higher levels of work.

DCPS Values

• STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.

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