Swim Instructor

Looking for a fun, rewarding job that makes a difference?
Join the Propel Swim Academy team and help us teach kids to swim in a positive, supportive environment.
Propel staff members smiling after playing beach volleyball!

COMPANY HISTORY

Who We Are

Propel Swim Academy is Northern Virginia’s top-rated swim school – and not just because we teach life-saving swim skills to kids. We’re a tight-knit, energetic, and passionate team that believes learning should be fun, families come first, and hard work is worth celebrating.

As a locally owned small business, we’re proud of our welcoming, close-knit culture and our commitment to excellence. We’re a family owned and operated small business. When you walk into Propel, you’ll feel it – from the smiling kids to the high-fives between teammates.

Founded with a mission to create a family-friendly and high-quality learn to swim service for families, we’ve built a company where laughter is part of every shift, relationships come before ego, and growth never stops.

OUR CORE VALUES

The Rules We Play By

Team First

It’s not about me, it’s about us. We support each other, think of the team first, and engage with each other to make the Propel culture stronger.

Up For Anything

We do whatever it takes. We’re flexible, ready for change, and love a challenge – because every day with kids is different.

Growth & Learning

Growth is earned. We step out of our comfort zones, welcome feedback, and seek to improve every day.

High Standards

What you overlook is what you accept. We take pride in everything we do—from the little details to the big moments.

Look on the Bright Side

Did something go wrong? Good. We have an opportunity to learn. We stay positive, focus on solutions, and find the silver lining.

Join Our Team Today!

* We take your privacy seriously. Your application stays with us and is only used to help you join the Propel team.

Why Work at Propel

Great Perks, Awesome People, and Work That Makes a Difference

Propel staff joining hands to represent the Team First core value
  • Competitive Pay: $17–$30/hr based on experience and position.
  • Paid Training: We teach you everything—no experience required.
  • Guaranteed Schedule: Your hours are your hours. All year round.
  • Growth Pathways: Coaching plans to move up to leadership positions.
  • Fun Perks: snack bar, team events, company swag, flexible schedules, family discounts.

  • Health Benefits & PTO (for full-timers).

  • OneTeam360 Program: Earn points & perks like gift cards and extra PTO.
  • Culture That Cares: We notice the little things, celebrate wins, and support each

    other.

What Our Team Says

Real quotes from our team—because no one says it better than the people who make Propel special!

Work is fast paced but meaningful, training was informative and accommodated my schedule, coworkers provided a good work culture and management was upbeat.”

Deck Supervisor

Working at Propel has improved my overall mood, productivity, and life skills!”

Swim Instructor

The culture here is so diverse and inclusive, I have felt very welcomed and cared every day that I’ve worked here.

Swim Instructor

Everybody is so kind and helpful, I never feel shy or afraid to ask questions or for help (which has always been a problem for me).

Swim Instructor

Propel fosters a fulfilling work culture with a great work/life balance. They prioritize staff growth and teamwork—truly a standout organization!

Swim Instructor

What Our Swimmers Say

Because hearing from happy swimmers and families says it all.

Propel Swim Academy is the best for my learning.As a student of propel i think the
coaches, supervisors, learning is all great! the learning curriculum very neat. I also really love my and want to thank for teaching me. thanks coach Caroline!!😃

— Haasini

We absolutely love propel swim. The owners and staff are so kind, knowledgeable and professional. They have an awesome program and my daughter loves attending weekly. Hands down the best.

— Jaclyn

As a parent that is a long-time swimmer, former teacher, and former swim instructor, I like how the curriculum is structured at Propel. Swimming is broken down into progressive steps to help students move to each subsequent swimming skill.

— Lauren

We are having a great experience at Propel. The classes are well-structured and they stay on top of progress updates (in-app and available anytime if you have a question). App is easy to use and make-up policies are very flexible.

— Swapneel

We love this place. I have a 3 yr old who is shy but here he loves it. The staff is wonderful and they are very accommodating. They make it fun, never push him to do more than he feels comfortable with. Is a great place I recommend it to everyone.

— Nichol

We have been thrilled with our son’s progress in the last 1 year. He was hesitant at first and the teachers were great about ensuring his comfort. He has interacted with multiple teachers and they have all been wonderful. We can’t wait to start our daughter soon.

— Vidya

See why families love Propel? Let’s find the right role for you.

A Glimpse Into Life at Propel

Candid moments. Real smiles.
This is what being part of the team looks like.

Propel staff members in Halloween costumes smiling by the swimming pool
Water Watcher team member smiling by the pool at Propel Swim Academy
Two Propel staff members smiling in St. Patrick’s Day outfits
Swim instructors and students smiling together in the pool at Propel Swim Academy
Students smiling and splashing water at Propel Swim Academy
Smiling Propel Swim Academy team members standing by the pool
Propel Swim Academy team members during a staff bonding event at iFly
Group photo of Propel staff wearing festive Christmas headbands by the pool

Inspired by what you see? Let’s find the right role for you.

Swim Instructor

We’re always looking for passionate, energetic people to join our team.

Location: South Riding, VA

Instructor smiling while watching a swimmer improve at Propel Swim Academy

SWIM INSTRUCTOR

Ready to make a splash in a job that’s fun, meaningful, and active?

At Propel, you’ll teach kids life-saving skills, build confidence, and have a blast doing it. No experience? No problem—we provide full, paid training!

What You’ll Do

● Teach swim lessons using our structured curriculum
● Make learning fun, engaging, and safe
● Cheer your swimmers on and celebrate every win
● Build real connections with kids, parents, and your coworkers.
● Keep things safe and positive in and around the pool.

What We’re Looking For

● Positive attitude and high energy
● Genuine love for working with kids
● Great communicator and team player
● Can swim (but don’t worry if you’re not strong—we’ll train you!)
● Available evenings/weekends
● Able to commit to 90% shift attendance
● Reliable transportation, local to the area

Perks & Pay

● $17–$24/hour depending on experience
● Paid on-site training & mentorship
● Guaranteed hours, flexible scheduling
● Health benefits & PTO for full-time roles
● Career path to leadership positions

Bonus Points If You:

● Have experience with kids or swim instruction
● Can think on your feet and bring great vibes
● Want to grow personally and professionally
● Believe work can and should be FUN!

Water Watcher team member smiling by the pool at Propel Swim Academy

Operations Manager

Let’s skip the corporate buzzwords and straight-laced leadership talk.

This job isn’t about corner offices or spreadsheets—it’s about leading alongside your people, building an incredible team, and making sure every swimmer, parent, and staff member walks through our doors and feels like they’re part of something special.

So let’s make this about you.

It’s about you thriving in the center of the action - managing the moment and coaching your team with confidence.

It’s about you loving a good checklist AND a spontaneous challenge.

It’s about you showing up with a purpose - because you know great service, safety, and culture don’t happen by accident.

And it’s about you believing in people - mentoring, coaching, and helping them find a grow within their sweet spot.

Because at Propel, our Operations Managers set the tone and pace for the entire team.

✅ The Mission You’ll Own

We’re on a mission to become the best swim school in the country—and that only happens when our day-to-day operations run smoothly, safely, and in alignment with our core values. As an Operations Manager, you’ll wear a lot of hats—but your two biggest are shift leader and team coach.

You’ll be on deck. In the pool. With your people. With our customers. Every single week.

You’ll solve problems, spot wins, coach for growth, and make sure every shift delivers a world-class experience for families - and a supportive one for staff.

✅ What Your Week Looks Like

This is a full-time leadership role (30–40 hours/week) with a flexible but intentional schedule:

  • 2–3 shifts/week (10–15 hrs) as Manager on Duty: lead the deck team, coach staff, troubleshoot live challenges, and deliver operational excellence.
  • 2–3 shifts/week (10–15 hrs) working as a Swim Instructor or Deck Supervisor (for those starting with more swim experience): especially early on, you’ll stay hands-on and connected to the team’s core work.
  • Admin & leadership time (10–15 hrs): scheduling, overseeing training plans, doing coaching check-ins, and participating in operational meetings.

You'll need to be available for 1 weekend morning and 3–4 weekday afternoon/evening shifts, and on-call for the full day that you are the Manager On Duty to handle shift coverage and callouts.

✅ What You’ll Do

Shift Leadership & Safety

  • Act as the face of Propel during Manager on Duty shifts, building relationships with staff, swimmers, and customers.
  • Support Deck Supervisors and Instructors in hitting their shift goals.
  • Run huddles, resolve staff and customer issues, oversee safety, and respond to emergencies.

Team Coaching & Development

  • Lead, manage, and coach Swim Instructors, Deck Supervisors, Trainers, Cleaning Team Members, and Trainees.
  • Conduct regular check-ins, quarterly conversations, and real-time feedback.
  • Celebrate staff wins and build culture through our OneTeam360 system and daily recognition.

Scheduling & Communication

  • Manage schedule changes and staff availability via Homebase.
  • Serve as the “on-call” scheduler during Manager On Duty days to ensure full shift coverage.
  • Communicate updates clearly with the team and Sales & Service team via Trello and in person.
  • Ensure every shift is covered and staff are set up for success.

Training & Growth

  • Coordinate initial and ongoing training plans.
  • Match trainees with the right trainers and track progress.
  • Identify high-potential staff for future leadership roles.

Pool Area & Facility Ops

  • Lead cleaning team and monitor pool area safety and readiness.
  • Ensure certifications stay current.
  • Respond to any facility, cleanliness, or equipment issues.

In-Water Leadership

  • Teach lessons 2-4 times/week (especially in early months).
  • Stay connected to our mission and model hands-on, team-first leadership.
  • Be ready to jump in - literally! - when coverage is needed.

What Success Looks Like

● Your team trusts you. Families recognize your face. The deck runs like clockwork.
● You’ve built strong relationships and delivered on high standards.
● You’re growing leaders, not just managing shifts.
● Our culture stays strong - even as we grow.
● And you feel proud of the work you’re doing every day.

You’re a Great Fit If…

● You’ve got 2+ years of leadership & management experience (swim school, hospitality, or retail ideal).
● You communicate clearly, coach effectively, and stay cool under pressure.
● You’re CPR/Lifeguard/Pool Ops certified—or ready to get there.
● You’re physically able to teach in the pool (up to 4 hrs at a time), be on your feet, and lift 50 lbs.
● You love working afternoons/evenings and weekends - and thrive when others might wilt.
● You bring energy, empathy, and accountability to every shift.

What You’ll Get

● $24–$32/hour, based on experience
● Health insurance + Paid Time Off
● Family discounts on swim lessons
● Free uniforms
● Leadership development and the chance to grow your role as we scale
● A supportive team culture where your work truly matters
● Daily opportunities to lead, coach, and make someone’s day better

Our Core Values, In Action

● Team First: You lead the shift for everyone’s success - not just your own.
● Up For Anything: You don’t flinch at curveballs - you lean in with a plan.
● Growth & Learning: You seek feedback and coach others to rise.
● High Standards: You leave every deck, system, and relationship better than you found it.
● Look on the Bright Side: You bring optimism, even when things get messy.

✅ Your Call to Action

If you’ve read this far, you clearly care - and that’s exactly who we’re looking for.

We’d love to hear from you.

Fill out our application info and provide short answers to these 3 questions in the space

provided below.

  1. Why does this role excite you?
  2. What strengths would you bring to our team?
  3. How can we best connect with you for a conversation this week?

We read every thoughtful response. And we respond to the ones that feel human.

If that’s you - we can’t wait to meet you.

Water Watcher team member smiling by the pool at Propel Swim Academy

HR & Recruiting Manager

Let’s skip the corporate clichés. You’re not just looking for another job, and we’re not just looking for another HR manager.

So let’s make this about you.

It’s about you loving people - and wanting to build a team where everyone feels like they belong.

It’s about you finding joy in the details - because behind every new hire is a system you’ve fine-tuned to make it seamless.

It’s about you craving meaningful impact - where your day-to-day shapes the culture, quality, and future of an entire company.

And it’s about you believing in the potential of people - whether they’re joining us for one season or growing with us for years.

Because here, you don’t just manage the hiring process. You shape the heart of Propel.

✅ The Challenge You’ll Tackle

We’re growing fast, and the biggest thing standing in our way? Talent. We need incredible people to teach, lead, and bring our mission to life every single day. That’s where you come in.

As our HR & Recruiting Manager, you’ll be the architect behind our hiring and HR systems - focused on recruiting rockstar swim instructors and supporting our team with empathy, clarity, and consistency.

This is a hybrid role: some work can be done remotely, but being on-site regularly is essential to lead interviews and stay connected to our team culture.

✅ Your First 90 Days at Propel

30-Day Goal: Build relationships and learn the ropes.

Outcome: Understand our hiring needs, culture, and systems inside and out.

  • Shadow applicant reviews and interviews
  • Meet our leadership team and observe team dynamics
  • Audit existing hiring platforms, job posts, and applicant pipelines
  • Identify 2–3 quick wins to improve the candidate experience

60-Day Goal: Take ownership of swim instructor hiring.

Outcome: Consistently attract, interview, and hire strong-fit candidates.

  • Launch and manage job ads across key platforms
  • Organize a successful Propel hiring event or campaign
  • Refine interview guides and improve onboarding flow
  • Create clear communication touchpoints for candidates

90-Day Goal: Elevate our People Ops foundation.

Outcome: Implement systems that make hiring, onboarding, and HR smooth and scalable.

  • Update and relaunch our employee handbook
  • Streamline new hire workflows in OneTeam360, iClass Pro, and Homebase
  • Launch a recognition plan tied to birthdays, anniversaries, and promotions
  • Propose 2 new ideas to improve staff culture and retention programs

✅ Skills That Make You a Great Fit

Soft Skills:

You’re warm, trustworthy, and naturally make people feel seen. You balance empathy with clarity, and you’re not afraid to ask hard questions when needed. Organization is your love language. So is a well-timed spreadsheet. You’re the type of person people come to when they need something done - and done right.

Technical Skills:

You know your way around recruiting platforms, hiring workflows, and scheduling tools. You don’t need to be an HR policy wizard (yet), but you’re resourceful, adaptable, and tech-savvy. Experience with task management (Trello) or applicant tracking systems is a plus, but not required.

✅ Why Propel?

  • Competitive Pay: $50,000-$65,000/year, depending on experience
  • Hybrid Flexibility: Work remotely when it makes sense; be on-site when it matters most
  • Full-Time Benefits: Health insurance (up to 100% covered), PTO, free uniforms, and family swim discounts
  • Team-First Culture: This is a place where people root for each other - and it shows
  • Perks & Joy: Company meals, birthday snacks, hiring event treats, and the occasional team outing (because work should be fun, too)
  • Room to Grow: As we scale, you’ll have the chance to grow this department - and your career.

✅ Your Call to Action

If you’ve read this far, you clearly care - and that’s exactly who we’re looking for.

We’d love to hear from you.

Fill out our application info and provide short answers to these 3 questions in the space provided below.

  1. Why does this role excite you?
  2. What strengths would you bring to our team?
  3. How can we best connect with you for a conversation this week?

We read every thoughtful response. And we respond to the ones that feel human.

If that’s you - we can’t wait to meet you.

Instructor smiling while watching a swimmer improve at Propel Swim Academy

Parent/Child Swim Instructor

Position Summary:

As a Parent/Child Swim Instructor, you will lead engaging and nurturing swim classes for infants and toddlers aged 4 months to 3 years.

You will use our systemized curriculum to teach water safety techniques and basic swim skills, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.

This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with both children and their parents, monitor progress, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols

Responsibilities:

● Lead swim classes using Propel Swim Academy's curriculum.
● Teach water safety techniques and basic swim skills.
● Establish positive and supportive relationships with children and their parents.
● Monitor and assess each child's progress.
● Follow all safety protocols.

Qualifications:

● Experience working directly with both young children and their parents.
● Good understanding of water safety and basic swimming techniques.
● Passion for swimming and working with infants and toddlers.
● Ability to create a nurturing and encouraging environment.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Details:

● Part-time position.
● Competitive hourly pay rate between $25 and $28, depending on experience.
● Employee discount on swim lessons for those working 10+ hours per week.
● Opportunities for professional development.
● Flexible scheduling: one or two weekday evenings from 4:45 PM to 7:15 PM, with possible weekend morning shifts from 8 AM to 12 PM.

Basic Info

About You

Are you looking for a seasonal or year-round position? We only hire for year-round positions. Sorry!

Availability: Select all shifts that work for your schedule, this is not a commitment to work all of these days. We simply want an idea of what days you are or are not available.

Availability *

Your Experience

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