Recreation and Aquatics Program Coordinator

Position Summary

Permanent Part-Time: The Recreation and Aquatics Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising the Town's aquatics programming, including operations at Crestbrook Park Pool and Sylvan Lake Park. The Coordinator develops and manages water-based programs, ensures compliance with all safety regulations, and promotes quality recreational opportunities that meet community needs.

This position also supports the Department's administrative and program divisions and is essential to maintaining a safe, enjoyable, and customer-focused aquatic environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Director of Parks & Recreation or designee. Supervises aquatic staff, including lifeguards, instructors, and seasonal employees. Provides direction, training, and performance evaluation, and may make recommendations regarding hiring, promotions, or disciplinary actions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive aquatic program that includes swim lessons, recreational swims, special events, and water safety instruction.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate aquatic personnel.
• Develop and enforce aquatic safety procedures and emergency response protocols.
• Manage daily operations and maintenance of aquatic facilities, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations.
• Oversee the opening, operation, and closing of Crestbrook Park Pool and Sylvan Lake Park.
• Monitor program participation and customer satisfaction; implement improvements as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of staff certifications, program participation, and facility operations.
• Prepare and monitor program budgets and expenditures related to aquatics.
• Coordinate with other Town departments, community organizations, and external partners to promote aquatic programming.
• Provide exceptional customer service, addressing participant inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist office staff with program registrations and provide administrative support as needed.
• Stay informed on current aquatics trends, safety standards, and best practices to enhance program offerings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media, and registration software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, the public, and external organizations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Commitment to promoting water safety, inclusion, and community engagement.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, Physical Education, or a related field preferred.
• Associate's degree combined with significant relevant experience in aquatics programming, recreation coordination, or facility management may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in aquatic program operations, instruction, or supervision, including management of staff and facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate community recreation programs.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and practical experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position will be considered.

Special Requirements

• Valid Connecticut Driver's License.
• Current CPR and First Aid/AED Certification.
• Must obtain, within an agreed-upon timeframe:
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
• Lifeguard and Lifeguard Trainer Certification
• Must pass a background check and pre-employment physical.

Physical Demands: The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties are performed in both office and outdoor aquatic environments. Must occasionally lift equipment and materials up to 50 pounds. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employer is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, controls or standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

Employee works in a public swimming pool environment, which includes both indoor and outdoor settings. The incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of water treatment and pool cleaning chemicals, sun, and variable weather conditions (e.g., cold, rain, extreme heat, and humidity).

Physical Hazards: Exposed to wet and slippery surfaces, high noise levels from pool activities, and potential interaction with challenging individuals while enforcing policies.

Biological Hazards: May be exposed to blood and body fluids while rendering first aid and CPR.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Expectations: Employees are expected to support and promote the Town's values, beliefs, and culture, including professionalism, teamwork, and outstanding customer service.

EEOC STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Town of Watertown to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Watertown will provide reasonable accommodations, that do not present an undue hardship, for qualified individuals with disabilities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please send a Town of Watertown Job Application to the Town Manager's Office, Town of Watertown, 61 Echo Lake Road, Watertown, CT 06795 by 2:00 P.M., December 30, 2025 A Town of Watertown Job Application can be found online at

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person