Office of Student Life
Recreational Sports
Group of Aquatics staff members in red shirts standing together at the RPAC competition pool.

Aquatics Positions

Beyond offering recreational swimming opportunities, our aquatic facilities also host athletic team practices, national competitions and a variety of aquatic events each year. Student employees play a key role in supporting these events and daily operations through a variety of facility and event-related positions.

  • Primary Location: RPAC Aquatic Center and McCorkle Pavilion

  • Typical Available Hours: 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. weekdays during the academic year and 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. during the summer and some break periods. Weekend hours vary based on events and programming.

  • Required Certifications: Some positions require lifeguard or swim instructor certification, but most certifications can be earned through a sponsored course. American Red Cross certification is preferred. Cross-over training is available for certifications from other organizations.

Aquatics is always hiring lifeguards! Positions offer competitive pay and flexible schedules. Lifeguards are among the highest-paid student employees on campus, and we work around your class schedule in ways off-campus employers cannot. Not certified yet? Contact Jordan Gundlach at gundlach.23@osu.edu to learn more.

Explore Aquatic Positions and Apply Today

Lifeguard - Hiring for Summer 2026

Responsible for the safety and rescue of all patrons in and around the pool. Conduct maintenance inspections and ensure facility cleanliness. Must attend monthly in-service trainings and maintain all certifications.

Academic Year Lifeguards (starting at $14 per hour):

  • Autumn Semester Lifeguard Applications (Student) - Opens June 26, 2026
  • Autumn Semester Lifeguard Applications (Work Study) - Opens June 26, 2026

Summer Lifeguards (starting at $17 per hour):

Pool Technician - Not Currently Hiring

Ensure overall pool safety, maintenance and cleanliness, including testing and recording water quality, maintaining chemical balance, maintaining aquatic facility equipment and assisting with special events.

Aquatic Event Technician - Not Currently Hiring

Supports aquatic events such as collegiate, club and age-group swim, dive, water polo and synchronized swimming competitions, as well as general rentals. Assists with event setup, administrative support, operation and teardown. Serves as a liaison to participants, coaches and officials and develops working knowledge of timing systems and facility setup.

Learn to Swim Instructor - Not Currently Hiring

Responsible for instruction in the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program, teaching youth and adults essential swimming skills. Instructors develop safe and appropriate lesson plans and complete administrative duties such as submitting program paperwork. Starting at $13.65 per hour (non-WSI) and $14 per hour (WSI certified).


All positions must be applied to through Workday using your Ohio State credentials.

If you are a student at another university or a high school student under the age of 18 interested in employment, please email Jordan Gundlach at gundlach.23@osu.edu for more information and to inquire about availability.