Employment
Inspiring Growth, One Life at a Time.Now hiring at your YMCA. Apply today!
HOT JOBS AT THE YMCA!
Lifeguard - Downtown Boise YMCA
As a YMCA Lifeguard, you’ll be on the front lines of fun, ensuring a safe and positive experience for all swimmers. Lifeguards prevent accidents, respond quickly in emergencies, and are role models of safety, responsibility, and teamwork. Training and certifications are provided, no prior experience necessary.
Swim Instructor - West Boise YMCA
As a YMCA Swim Instructor, you’ll help swimmers of all ages build confidence, improve technique, and stay safe in the water. Create a fun, supportive learning environment while delivering high-quality swim lessons. Strong communication, patience, and a passion for teaching are a must.
Summer Day Camp Teacher - Ustick Y Kids
As a YMCA Summer Day Camp Teacher, you’ll lead fun, engaging activities that inspire learning, creativity, and friendship. Create a safe, supportive space where kids can grow, play, and explore. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, responsible, and love working with children.
Why work for the Y?
Working at the Y, you have the opportunity to strengthen communities and change lives, including your own. No matter what role you take on at the Y, you’ll show up each day with the satisfaction of knowing your contributions are helping to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in your community.
Working side by side with diverse leaders with different backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths, you’ll discover new ways to connect with your community, find your purpose, and fuel your passion every day!
Employee Benefits:
- Professional growth and development through YMCA-sponsored trainings
- Complimentary YMCA Membership, including all benefits
- Staff rates on fee-based programs and services
- Flexible work schedules and a family-friendly environment
- Competitive benefits package for qualifying staff including a generous paid-time-off package, medical, and dental insurance
- 12% YMCA retirement fund contribution for qualifying staff
Application Process
All applications will be processed within 48 business hours unless otherwise noted. After the job closing date, the hiring supervisor will review all applications and call qualified applicants to set up an interview.
Welcoming & Inclusion
At the Y, we welcome everyone whose behavior adheres to our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We advance our cause by building a stronger and more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with dignity. The Y is a force for building bridges among all people. The Y is for all.
Our Culture
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | FOR HEALTHY LIVING | FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
At the Y, our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be, and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up; we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we’re open to all and create spaces where you can be, belong, and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in your ability to inspire a brighter tomorrow. We are nurturing: we’re with you on your path to reach your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we work relentlessly to strengthen communities, starting with you.
JOIN US AND HELP TRANSFORM LIVES!
LIFE SKILLS THROUGH LIFEGUARDING
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITYWhether you’re looking for a summer job, building your resume, or want to protect your community, training to become a lifeguard gives you the confidence and skills to act when it matters most.
Looking for a fun, flexible, AND rewarding job? We are currently accepting applications for Swim Instructors and Lifeguards at your local YMCA! Applicants at all skill levels are encouraged to apply, and training and support are available for all applicants interested in beginning their aquatic career at the Y!
YMCA Lifeguards not only learn valuable skills such as first aid, CPR, AED use, and in-water rescue, but they also develop leadership qualities, communication, team building skills, and improved self-confidence. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA has year-round openings for lifeguards at our indoor swimming pools and Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir.
Lifeguards Needed Year-Round
- We need lifeguards year-round at all four of our Treasure Valley Family YMCA locations
- Seasonal, summer needs grow to include our additional pool usage and our summer camp in Cascade, Idaho
- No prior experience is required for pre-hire and certification, advanced career roles are available
- Work at our branches in Boise, Meridian, or Caldwell
Committed to Safety
At the YMCA, safety is our top priority. We are deeply committed to training our lifeguards to the highest standards through rigorous, nationally recognized certification programs, hands-on instruction, and ongoing safety and skills checks. Our comprehensive training ensures that every lifeguard is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in emergencies, protect all swimmers, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone in and around the water.
When you see a YMCA lifeguard on duty, you can trust they’re trained, capable, and ready to keep our community safe.
Lifeguard FAQs
What certfications do I need to become a lifeguard?
To become a lifeguard at the YMCA, you must complete a nationally recognized lifeguard certification course. This includes training in water rescue skills, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen use. Our Lifeguard V7 course with Waterfront and Waterpark options covers all of these.
How old do I need to be to become a lifeguard?
Participants must be at least 16 years old by the last day of the course to be eligible for lifeguard certification.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to be a lifeguard?
Lifeguarding requires strong swimming skills. All participants must pass a swim and water skills pre-test, which includes a 550-yard continuous swim, treading water without using arms, and underwater rescue scenarios.
What can I do with my lifeguard certification?
With your certification, you can work at pools, lakes, rivers, beaches, and waterparks—depending on the type of training completed. The YMCA’s course prepares you for a wide range of aquatic environments, making you job-ready for many facilities.
Is being a lifeguard just about watching the water?
Not at all! Lifeguards are highly trained professionals responsible for preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, enforcing safety rules, and ensuring all guests enjoy a safe aquatic experience. Becoming a lifeguard is a leadership role that requires focus, responsibility, and quick decision-making.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the Aquatics Director at any of our Treasure Valley Family YMCA locations to learn more about job opportunities or certification requirements.
Ashley Schiltz, Downtown Boise Aquatics Director
208-344-5502 ext. 229
ashley.schilz@ymcatvidaho.org
Meghan Rickelman, West Boise Aquatics Director
208-377-4886 ext. 428
meghan.rickelman@ymcatvidaho.org
Althea Beaty, Tomlinson South Meridian Aquatics Director
208-331-9622 x545
althea.beaty@ymcatvidaho.org
Coleman Evans, Caldwell Aquatics Director
208-454-9622 ext 675
coleman.evans@ymcatvidaho.org
What our staff says about working at the Y:
96% of employees agree that the Y allows them to give back to their community.
90% of employees feel they belong at the Y.
92% of employees agree that they have a good friend at work.
