Aquatic Campus Recreation Coordinator

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking an Aquatic Campus Recreation Coordinator to support three aquatic facilities (Olympic Pool, Therapy Pool, and a 25-yard pool). This role supervises lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, coordinates learn-to-swim programs, and ensures compliance with NCAA and NMED standards, with a 12:00pm–9:00pm schedule and flexible weekends.

The position emphasizes safety, training, and administrative duties, including budgeting support and maintenance of logs, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Pre-employment physical examination and medical history check due to aquatic safety responsibilities.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of NCAA and NMED aquatic safety standards, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily operations of three aquatic facilities to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Monitor water chemistry and mechanical systems, report deficiencies, and coordinate with maintenance.
• Enforce local, state, and federal aquatic codes and regulations.
• Supervise daily custodial operations and maintain facility logs for NCAA and NMED standards.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors; schedule staff for coverage.
• Coordinate Learn to Swim program logistics and schedules; support NCAA and USA Swimming events.
• Conduct safety inspections, respond to emergencies, and administer first aid/CPR/AED as needed.
• Maintain records of operations, certifications, and program participation; prepare reports.

Job description

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico Recreational Services is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Aquatic Campus Recreation Coordinator to support the comprehensive operations of our aquatic complex, which includes the Olympic Pool (with 1m and 3m springboards), Therapy Pool, and a 6-lane 25-yard auxiliary pool. Reporting directly to the Aquatics Manager, this position is responsible for assisting in the safe and efficient operation of all aquatic facilities and providing exceptional service to a diverse user base, including the UNM Women’s Swim and Dive Team, Learn to Swim program, and the general UNM community. The Aquatic Campus Recreation Coordinator will directly supervise lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, assist in coordinating the learn-to-swim program, and ensure daily facility compliance with NCAA and NMED standards. The schedule for this position will be 12:00pm- 9:00pm with flex weekend hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Coordinator

• Assist with the daily operations of three aquatic facilities, ensuring a safe,clean, and welcoming environment for all users.
• Assist in the monitoring and maintain proper water chemistry, mechanical systems, reporting deficiencies and working collaboratively with the Aquatics Manager and the University’s Facility Maintenance Department.
• Enforce compliance with all local, state, and federal aquatic codes and regulations.
• Supervise daily custodial operations and cleanliness within the aquatic complex.
• Maintain daily facility logs to ensure compliance with NCAA and New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) Swimming Pool Division standards.

Student Employee Management and Development

• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, orientation, and day-to-day supervision of lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors.
• Coordinate, schedule, and manage student staff to ensure seamless coverage for all pool activities and event bookings.
• Deliver comprehensive training programs, leading regular in-service training and executing monthly skills assessments.

Program and Event Coordination

• Coordinate the daily logistics and instructor scheduling for the Recreational Learn to Swim program.
• Support the UNM Women’s Swim and Dive Team, ensuring pool setups and schedules comply with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Monitor and supervise open recreation hours for UNM students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide on-deck logistical support and operational coordination for hosting NCAA and USA Swimming swim meets.

Safety and Risk Coordinator

• Enforce all pool rules and regulations fairly and consistently to ensure patron safety.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of equipment (AEDs, backboards, first aid supplies) and maintain accurate logs.
• Respond immediately to emergency situations and administer first aid/CPR/AED as needed.
• Actively implement and document skills drills for staff on the facility’s comprehensive risk management plan and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

Administrative Support

• Assist the Aquatics Manager with tracking expenditure and monitoring the aquatic budget.
• Maintain highly accurate records of daily pool operations, chemical logs, staff certifications, and program participation data.
• Prepare operational reports, incident reports, and updates for the Aquatics Manager as requested.
• Work evenings and some weekends and early mornings with a flexible schedule to ensure administrative coverage during peak operating hours
• Maintain highly accurate records of daily pool operations, chemical logs, staff certifications, and program participation data.
• Prepare operational reports, incident reports, and updates for the Aquatics Manager as requested.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Additional Requirements

• The schedule for this position will be 12:00pm- 9:00pm with flex weekend hours.
• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check due to the position’s responsibility for aquatic safety, emergency response, and physically demanding rescue activities.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification or obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of NCAA and NMED aquatic safety standards, codes, and regulations.

Conditions of Employment

• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University’s influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated supervisory experience in managing aquatic facilities and student employees.
• Familiarity with the logistics of hosting NCAA and USA Swimming swim meets.
• Experience working in a university or collegiate recreational aquatic environment.
• Experience teaching or coordinating a learn-to-swim program.
• Experience assisting with facility logistics for NCAA Division 1 athletes or swim meets.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field.

Benefits Eligible

• This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

No

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Recreational Services (823A)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Term - Full-Time

Term End Date

One year from date of hire

Status

Non-Exempt

Pay

Hourly: $19.76 - $26.85

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.