Aquatic Programs Senior Specialist

Hopewell; Hopewell (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hopewell seeks an experienced lead to coordinate, implement and support aquatic programs and facility operations across city pools. You will supervise lifeguards and instructors, ensure safety, deliver quality customer service, and oversee daily operations with strong judgment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field, 3+ years in aquatic programming, and lifeguard and instructor certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks, sports management or physical education, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience developing, scheduling and coordinating high-quality aquatic programming.
• Minimum of three years of experience performing routine pool maintenance with understanding of pool conditions.
• Proven experience in training aquatic staff, recruiting staff, and pump room operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate aquatic programs and activities (private and group lessons, water fitness, lifeguard courses, events).
• Lead aquatic staff with day-to-day guidance, mentoring, and support.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, staff scheduling, training, and shift coverage.
• Monitor patrons for safety and enforce rules to maintain a safe environment.
• Coordinate with schools and community groups regarding programming and facility use.
• Promote aquatic programs through outreach and marketing efforts.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Teaching

Customer service

Communication

Budget management

Data analysis

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks or related field

Tools

Pool maintenance equipment

Job description

Description

Performs advanced and lead-level work coordinating, implementing, and supporting aquatic programs and facility operations while assisting with oversight of aquatic staff and daily operations of City aquatic facilities. Responsibilities include staff leadership, aquatic instruction, customer service, facility operations, maintenance oversight, and ensuring a safe and engaging aquatic environment for patrons. Work is performed with considerable independence and judgment under general supervision.

Description

Performs advanced and lead-level work coordinating, implementing, and supporting aquatic programs and facility operations while assisting with oversight of aquatic staff and daily operations of City aquatic facilities. Responsibilities include staff leadership, aquatic instruction, customer service, facility operations, maintenance oversight, and ensuring a safe and engaging aquatic environment for patrons. Work is performed with considerable independence and judgment under general supervision.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates a variety of aquatic programs and activities, including private and group swim lessons, water fitness classes, lifeguard certification courses, special events, and other aquatic programming.
• Serves as the lead aquatic staff member by providing day-to-day guidance, direction, mentoring, and support to lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic personnel.
• Assists with recruitment, onboarding, staff scheduling, training, and shift coverage for aquatic staff.
• Assumes operational responsibilities in the absence of the Recreation Programs Manager or designated supervisor as assigned.
• Monitors pool patrons to ensure safety and enforce facility rules, policies, and regulations to maintain a safe aquatic environment.
• Perform rescues and provides emergency response, including First Aid, CPR, and AED procedures as needed.
• Assists with training aquatic staff on safety procedures, customer service standards, instructional practices, and facility operations.
• Coordinates with schools, community organizations, swim teams, daycares, military groups, and outside agencies regarding aquatic programming and facility use.
• Assists with promoting aquatic programs through flyers, social media, community outreach, and other marketing efforts.
• Monitors and maintains pool water chemistry within established standards and assists with pump room operations, filtration systems, and backwashing procedures.
• Performs routine inspections and maintenance of aquatic equipment and facilities and identifies repair needs requiring additional attention.
• Maintains cleanliness of pool decks, locker rooms, surrounding areas, and aquatic equipment.
• Assists with administrative duties, including reports, attendance records, payroll documentation, registrations, and program records.
• Provides exceptional customer service and addresses patron concerns professionally and effectively.
• Participates in city-wide special events and emergency operations as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks, sports management or physical education or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience developing, scheduling and coordinating high-quality aquatic programming.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience performing routine pool maintenance with a thorough understanding of how to keep a pool in excellent condition.
• Proven experience in training aquatics staff, recruiting staff, and pump room operations.

Licenses And/or Certifications

• Valid Driver’s license.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification required.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification required.
• American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer required.
• Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool Operator certification required.
• Water Safety Instructor certification required.
• American Canoe Association (ACA), water aerobics certifications preferred.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of pool equipment and supplies, first aid equipment, lifesaving techniques, and swimming techniques
• Comprehensive knowledge of aquatic facility operations, including water chemistry and equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge and experience with local government agencies.

Skills

• Supervisory, teaching, communication, customer service, computer and analytical skills.
• Budget management and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal.

Abilities

• Ability to use computer to create and send reports, correspondence, etc.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Physical ability to perform rescues and assist disabled patrons.
• Ability to deal with all levels of the general public and community organizations.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community, seeing value in multiple cultures and differing perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Work Environment

• Primary work setting includes aquatic facilities, with occasional office work and community meetings.
• Exposure to humid environments, pool chemicals, and variable temperatures.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Essential Physical Activities

• Physical requirements include the ability to lift equipment (up to 50 lbs.), respond to emergencies, and remain in or around water for extended periods.
• Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job

For more information on benefits provided by the City of Hopewell, please visit the link below: https://hopewellva.gov/202/Benefits-Plans