Aquatic Manager (Open until filled)

Socket.dev; Columbia (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Parks and Recreation seeks an Aquatic Manager to lead the Recreation Aquatic Division, directing program development, budgets, staffing, and operations across pools and water facilities. You will recruit, hire, train, and evaluate aquatic staff while maintaining safety, water quality, and customer service excellence.

The role emphasizes community engagement, partnership development, and seamless leadership of aquatic programs and events such as swimming lessons, aqua fitness, and swim

Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in aquatics with leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Working knowledge of computer software and website maintenance.
• Certifications in aquatics or related field preferred and must be maintained.

Responsibilities

• Provide management and leadership direction to the Recreation Aquatic Division and oversee budgets, programming, and staff.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of pools and water facilities with detailed reporting.
• Coordinate aquatic programs and events such as lessons and swim meets.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with rules; develop partnerships and oversee staff.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Program management

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Computer software

Website maintenance

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY: The ideal candidate is an experienced leader passionate about aquatics and recreation. The Aquatic Manager will be assigned to the facility's operational aspects through reasonable initiative and independent judgment. The candidate will be responsible for the daily management and maintenance of the facility, interact respectfully with all patrons of Columbia Parks and Recreation facilities, and provide day-to-day leadership, direction, recruiting, hiring, and training to Parks Aquatic employees.

A successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with knowledge of the aquatic industry and a commitment to community engagement. They must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with staff, volunteers, and patrons of our aquatic programs and facilities.

The Aquatic Manager meaningfully impacts the community by providing inclusive and accessible recreation opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds and promoting a vibrant and active city through aquatic recreation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide management and leadership direction to the Recreation Aquatic Division, including program development, management, and operational oversight. This function includes personnel administration, budget control, programming and promotion, general administrative functions, project management, planning, and all aspects of aquatic facilities.
• Oversee the operations and maintenance of swimming pools and other water-based facilities and report immediately to the Assistant Director with detailed reports.
• Procure and manage inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate and manage aquatic programs and events, such as swimming lessons, aqua fitness classes, and swim meets.
• Ensure the safety and cleanliness of the facilities by regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment, water quality, and cleanliness.
• Enforce facility rules and regulations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of patrons.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organizations and businesses to promote partnerships and increase visibility.
• Manage and supervise the Aquatic department staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and other partners.
• Design and implement customer surveys and analyze customer feedback.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for assigned aquatic staff, including those involved in organizing and encouraging the formation of clubs, teams, leagues, and special events; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures to ensure safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy and to ensure compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Respond to and resolve complex and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; respond to inquiries or requests for service from interested community groups and citizens; interpret City policy for community groups, commissions, advisory boards, and citizens; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Gather and interpret statistical and fiscal data; prepare and submit a variety of reports and memoranda on several recreation-related subjects.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in recreation and leisure services; incorporate new developments as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in the aquatics field, including demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibility;
• Working knowledge of computer software and website maintenance;
• Three (3) to five (5) years of direct, hands-on aquatics experience involving one or more of the following:
• Lifeguarding,
• Aquatics Programming,
• Competitive Aquatics Team Coaching; or
• Swimming Instruction: Water Safety Instruction (WSI);
• Certifications (must be maintained throughout employment):
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or equivalent);
• Must have or obtain (within ninety (90) days of employment):
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) Certificate,
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Management Certificate,
• Aquatics Facility Operations Management Certification:
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification, or

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification;

• Must be observant and able to react calmly, quickly, and with good judgment in an emergency;

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in the aquatics field, including demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibility;
• Working knowledge of computer software and website maintenance;
• Three (3) to five (5) years of direct, hands-on aquatics experience involving one or more of the following:
• Lifeguarding,
• Aquatics Programming,
• Competitive Aquatics Team Coaching; or
• Swimming Instruction: Water Safety Instruction (WSI);
• Certifications
• Ellis and Associates (or equivalent);
• Must have or obtain within one hundred eighty (180) days of employment:
• Ellis and Associates (LGI) Certificate,
• Aquatics Facility Operations Management Certification:
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification, or
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification;
• Must be observant and able to react calmly, quickly, and with good judgment in an emergency;

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s License

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and recreation facility setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in the office and an indoor environment with frequent field visits and inspections. May be exposed to variations in temperature and humidity, as well as continuous contact with other staff and the public. May transport and set up recreational equipment.

Will be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.