Recreation Supervisor-Aquatics

Nature of Work

Under the direction of the Guest Experience Manager, oversees daily operations of the Aquatics Division, including staffing, scheduling, programming support, safety/risk management, water quality compliance, facility oversight, and customer service. Coordinates with internal departments and community partners to promote and expand aquatics programs and facility use. Serves as a supervisor-on-duty as assigned.

Essential Functions

• • Manage day-to-day aquatics operations, including staff supervision, coverage, and on-site problem resolution.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, evaluate, and discipline staff in coordination with the Guest Experience Manager and HR policies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and industry safety standards.
• Coordinate and maintain required certifications and training (e.g., lifeguard, swim instructor, CPR/AED); schedule and document in-service training, drills, and staff meetings.
• Implement and oversee risk management and Emergency Action Plans; lead safety audits, incident reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Conduct regular facility inspections; coordinate cleaning, maintenance, and repairs; ensure the facility is safe, staffed, and ready for public use.
• Oversee water safety rules and patron conduct; respond to patron concerns and resolve complaints with professionalism and consistency.
• Support program delivery and outcomes: coordinate schedules for lessons/programs, ensure quality instruction and coverage, and substitute for instructors as needed.
• Manage point of sale, ActiveNet data entry/outcomes
• Maintain records and reporting (e.g., attendance, incident reports, certification tracking, staff performance documentation, inventories, and operational metrics).
• Support budget administration (supplies, purchasing requests, staffing allocations); monitor expenses and recommend operational efficiencies. Budget preparation and management
• Assist with marketing and outreach efforts to promote aquatics programs and facilities; coordinate with schools and community organizations to increase participation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Aquatics Compliance & Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure water quality and facility safety requirements are met, including oversight of chemical testing documentation, logs, and coordination with maintenance/operations for corrective action.
• Ensure required signage, safety equipment, and lifeguard/rescue equipment are present, operational, and inspected.
• Document and report incidents, injuries, rule violations, and emergencies; ensure timely completion of required forms and notifications.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• • Directly supervises assigned aquatics staff (e.g., lifeguards, instructors, head guards, as applicable).
• Approves time entries and schedules; ensures adequate staffing for operating hours, programs, special events, and emergencies. Substitutes for lifeguards and staff as needed.
• Conducts coaching, one-on-ones, and performance evaluations; supports merit-based planning as applicable.
• Provides consistent enforcement of policies and standards; recommends corrective action up to and including dismissal in coordination with the Guest Experience Manager/HR.

Working Conditions & Schedule

• Work is performed in and around aquatic facilities, including exposure to chlorinated water/chemicals, humidity, heat/cold (as applicable), noise, and crowds.
• Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays; additional hours may be required during peak season, special events, and emergencies.
• May be assigned on-call or supervisor-on-duty responsibilities based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and work on pool deck in active, public-facing environments.
• Ability to lift/carry/move equipment and supplies and perform physical tasks associated with aquatic operations.
• Ability to demonstrate and/or perform water rescue skills when required, including entering the water, swimming, and assisting with patron rescues.

Required Screenings / Conditions of Employment

• Ability to pass required background check(s) and pre-employment screening(s) consistent with organizational policy and applicable law.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required if operating organizational vehicles or transporting equipment (if applicable).
• Must be able to obtain/maintain required certifications throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of aquatics operations, programming, and facility safety practices, including risk management and emergency response.
• Knowledge of water safety principles, swim instruction fundamentals, and rescue techniques; familiarity with applicable safety standards.
• Skill in scheduling, supervision, coaching, and performance management of a young and diverse workforce.
• Strong customer service skills, communication, conflict resolution, and sound judgment under pressure.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and report operational/program data using standard software systems.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple deadlines while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of aquatics facility operation experience, including 4 years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Current certifications/licenses as required by the organization, such as:
• CPR/AED Instructor
• Lifeguard Training (LGT) and/or equivalent lifeguard certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and/or equivalent swim instruction certification
• Pool Operator certification (CPO or AFO)
• Working knowledge of basic budgeting/purchasing processes and recordkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience managing water quality compliance documentation and coordinating corrective actions with maintenance/operations.
• Experience with aquatics software (scheduling, timekeeping, registrations), and program evaluation/metrics reporting.
• Experience coordinating partnerships with schools/community organizations and supporting marketing/outreach efforts.