2026 Jobs FAQ
Livorna Dolphins Swim Season 2026- Jobs FAQ
(Everything you ever wanted to know about jobs…and more!)
The success of our swim team depends on the families who run our meets and events. Jobs are essential to keep the swim season running smoothly, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated Livorna community. If you are a returning family, welcome back! If you are new, we’re thrilled to have you swimming with us!
Each non-exempt family is required to fulfill one of the following commitments:
1.A swim team board position (generally a year round role)
2.An annual job
3.A predetermined number of individual meet or social jobs during the season; typically 8-12 jobs depending on the number of swimmers, meets, etc.
Families are exempt from job commitments if:
- Their youngest registered swimmer is 15 years, OR
- They purchase/win the “jobs buy-out” option at our annual fundraising auction.
All families participating in DCSL Championships or Invitationals (Woodlands Invitational, County Meets) must work one additional job per event. Exemptions do not apply for DSCL or Invitationals.
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1) What is the job commitment for 2026 swim season?
If your family does not hold an annual job, you will be required to complete TBD individual jobs. The final number will be announced as soon as possible. Historically, this ranges from 8-12 jobs (2025 season required 9 jobs per family).
More registered swimmers = fewer jobs per family.
2) What is the difference between an annual job and an individual job?
Annual Jobs
- Specialized roles that require consistency or training
- Examples: computer teams, announcers, starters, stroke & turn judges, award/ribbons, etc.
- Often shared by one or more people throughout the season
Individual Jobs
- Do not require specialized skills
- Examples: setup, take-down, timing, snack shack, social event support
A full list of annual jobs and individual jobs (including openings) isavailable on our website under Jobs.
3) Which jobs are available at meets?
Excluding annual jobs, there are about 35 volunteer positions at home meets; these include setup/take down, timing, snack shack. Away meets require approximately 10 volunteer positions, primarily timers.
4) Can I sign up for multiple jobs that all happen during the same home meet?
Yes! Some families use this strategy to consolidate the number of meets that they need to work. For example, you could sign up for pre-met setup, work the 1st shift of snack shack during a home meet, and then help with take-down afterwards.Three jobs done in one day :)
Important notes:
- Take-down begins near the end of the meet, so you cannot also time or work 2nd shift snack shack.
- You may sign up for simultaneous multiple jobs (i.e. 2 timing positions) only if you have enough separate individuals available.
- We strongly discourage working a job while also supervising swimmers or young children. Our swimmers work very hard for their times and deserve our full attention.
5) How do I sign up for individual jobs?
Once annual jobs are filled, the Jobs Coordinator will announce the job signup window (typically mid/late April to early May). The signup period is generally 5-7 days so that all families can log in to make their selections. This is a first-come, first-serve signup. After sign-up closes, families who have not selected enough jobs will be assigned remaining jobs automatically.
See website for updated instructions/screenshots re: signup process.
6) How can our family be exempt from doing the individual job requirements?
- Join the Livorna swim team board
- Signup for an annual job
- Have the youngest registered swimmer in your family be 15 years or older
- Purchase the “jobs buy-out” Auction Item during our annual fundraising auction
7) What happens if I sign up for a job and my availability changes?
Once the job sign-up period closes, your family is responsible for all assigned jobs. Please add these to your calendar. Swimtopia (our website platform) does not send automated reminders.
If you have a conflict, you may find a substitute (family member, neighbor, etc), trade another family, or hire a paid worker (see below)
There is a no-show/missed job penalty of $200 per job; this includes leaving early or arriving late. Failure to pay the job penalty may result in suspension of your swimmer from meets.
If you anticipate major conflicts, outreach the Jobs Coordinator, Anne Lee at [email protected]
8) Can you help me trade my meet job for another meet/day/time?
Unfortunately our swim team board cannot manage trades during the busy swim season.
New for the 2026 season, a pinned post on our team Instagram page (@Liv.Dolphins) will serve as the community forum for job trades. Once you complete a trade, email the Jobs Coordinator, so records can be updated.
9) Can I hire someone to work my job instead of me?
Yes! As a convenience, we maintain a list of individuals available as paid substitutes on the team website under Jobs. You may also hire someone on your own. The pay rate is determined independently between you and your substitute.
It is your responsibility if the substitute does not show up. We recommend not paying your substitute until you are confident that they have completed the job. Ensure your substitute knows the Check-in time and the name of the person they are covering.
All job substitutes must be 15 and older; Snack Shack workers must be at least 16 years old.
10) What about jobs for DSCL?
DCSL is our end-of-the-swim season League Championship including all 8 teams in the Diablo Community Swim League. It is a 2 day event scheduled for July 25-26, 2026. Each year our team is assigned a different role ; our 2026 responsibility is Food & Hospitality.
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All families with swimmers participating in DSCL must work one additional job, separate from the regular season requirements.*Exemptions for older swimmers, annual jobs, buy-outs do not apply. **
Jobs range from setup & cleanup, to timing, to picking up coaches’ lunches.A separate sign-up will occur closer to the event.
Note: Some DCSL jobs may appear in the spring job sign-up to provide more opportunities. Selecting one early does not fulfill your DSCL obligation; you may end up with two jobs that weekend.
11) What about jobs for Invitationals and/or County?
Our team will be participating in the Woodlands Invitational on July 11-12, 2026. Select swimmers from each age group are invited to swim in individual and/or relay events.
Contra Costa County Swim Championships, AKA “County”, will be August 1-2, 2026. Swimmers must swim a qualifying time for an individual or relay event to be invited.
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Similar to DSCL, all participating families must work one additional job- typically short timing shifts.This is separate from the regular season requirements. ** Exemptions for older swimmers, annual jobs, buy-outs do not apply. **
12) What about the weekend of July 11- there are 2 meets listed? What should I do?
First off, don’t worry! To give all swimmers the chance to compete, Livorna will participate in two events on July 11th:
--> home meet vs. Indian Valley
--> Day 1 of Woodlands Invitational
We anticipate this may require some flexibility with jobs, volunteers, etc and will help coordinate as needed.
The Woodlands events on Saturday morning will be preliminaries for freestyle & breaststroke, plus IM (for swimmers 11 & up). (PM is free & breast finals, plus Medley Relay)
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If you have an annual job and anticipate a conflict, notify the Jobs Coordinator as early as possible.
Guidance for individual job selection:
- If you are fairly confident you will not attend Woodlands on Saturday morning, sign up for AM setup, snack shack, take-down as first options for jobs.
- If you might attend, choose Friday PM setup shift and/or timing options.
