HF Programs Specialist Aquatics

Ymca Gta; Toronto; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cooper Koo Family YMCA Health & Fitness Centre in Toronto is seeking a Program Specialist, Aquatics Leadership, on a salaried 6-month contract starting September 30, 2026. You will lead and develop aquatics programs, ensuring safety and high member satisfaction while upholding YMCA standards.

Key duties include program development, audits, staff coaching, and maintaining safety compliance. The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with the team, and active member engagement in line with

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in recreation leadership or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering aquatics programs.
• Certifications in Lifeguarding and YMCA programs preferred.
• First Aid and CPR Level C required before start date.
• Proficiency with computer software including Excel, Outlook, etc.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate processes impacting member experience in aquatics programs.
• Support supervisors in developing or modifying Aquatic programs and events aligned with strategic goals.
• Deliver programs following YMCA Priority S.A.M. standards and aquatics quality processes.
• Act as Pool Operator and ensure safety according to Ontario Health Regulations.
• Recruit, coach and develop volunteers and staff for aquatic leadership courses.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Excel

Teamwork

Education

Recreation degree (or related)

Lifeguard/First Aid certs

First Aid & CPR-C

Job description

Cooper Koo Family YMCA Health & Fitness Centre
Toronto, ON M5A, CAN

Employment Type: Salaried Contract for 6 months(Existing Vacancy)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2026

Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026 at 5PM

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Aquatics Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

The Aquatics provides direct leadership in our initiatives to provide a superior experience to our members. Implementing our Member Insight Strategy and using our Membership Involvement Model, the Program Specialist identifies initiatives to increase Membership on Roll, Retention, Satisfaction, and Philanthropic contributions in the membership plus areas, and assists with a specific project or portion of the department functions. A minimum of 50% of the position is spent using specialized skills for program development in Aquatics Leadership.

In this role, you will:

• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate processes and systems impacting the experience of members in aquatics programs.
• Provide support to supervisors in development or modification of Aquatic programs and events, setting long term and short term goals in area of expertise and focus that align with strategic plan; research, monitor and evaluate trends in area of Aquatic Leadership programs.
• Deliver programs in a manner in which the Mission, Vision, values, goals and practices, including Priority Sam Standards, of the YMCA of Greater Toronto are being met; ensure that YMCA Aquatics best practices (as outlined by Priority S.A.M.) are followed.
• Deliver Aquatic Leadership Programs and give leadership to YMCA Aquatics Quality process including audits.
• Act as the Pool Operator as outlined in the Ontario Health Regulations 565.
• Ensure the safety of all members, property and staff by following established Workplace Health & Safety practices and procedures and being responsible for the stocking and ordering of First-Aid Supplies; monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period.
• Support supervisor in maintaining relationship with Life Saving Society.
• Recruit, coach and develop a team of volunteers, staff and participants for aquatic leadership courses.
• Build relationships with members and seek opportunities to share the YMCA story. Educate members and guests on the YMCA as a Charity.
• Assist with scheduling and logistics of Aquatic Leadership courses and events; assist supervisors in determining long term and short term goals for quantity, quality and type of aquatic programs in alignment with strategic plan.
• Provide leadership and support as a member of the Centres’ senior staff team. Act as an effective Service Leader and Acting General Manager as required.
• Participate in task groups, special assignments and opportunities that further the Association mission, vision and strategic initiatives including the Group Fitness Functional Group; connect with community and external organizations, and other YMCAs to participate in a community of practice for group fitness program development, measurement and design.
• Other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• Diploma or Degree in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education or related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering aquatics programs
• Certifications in National Lifeguarding Service Award, Life Saving Society FA Instructor, Life Saving Society Lifesaving Instructor; YMCA Swim Instructors certification, YMCA Trainer and Life Saving Society IT preferred
• Other Recognized Swim Instructor Qualification (Red Cross, LSS)
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification OR Intermediate First Aid and CPR level C certification issued by a WSIB approved provider prior to the first day of work is required
• Current WHMIS certification preferred
• Previous experience in development and implementation of new programs an asset
• Demonstrated leadership skills developed through progressively responsible experience; ability to encourage, motivate staff and volunteers, acknowledge and appreciate contributions
• Proficiency with computer software including Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work, including days, evenings and weekend
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here .

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our2025-2030 strategic plan, Greater Together , which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview