Aquatics Coordinator

Chico Area Recreation & Park District; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) in Chico, CA, is seeking an Aquatics Coordinator to lead daily operations at CARD's aquatic facilities and serve as duty manager during shifts. The role includes maintaining lifeguard certifications, supervising staff, coordinating programming, safety standards, and partnerships with user groups, while ensuring a superior customer experience.

This position emphasizes safety, quick decision-making, and reliable communication as the team builds new

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of aquatics management or supervision (full or part time).
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict and resolution.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to receive, recognize, prioritize, accomplish, and delegate needed tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and on-duty surveillance at CARD aquatic facilities.
• Develop and lead safety standards, protocols, aquatic training courses, in-services and skill evaluations.
• Manage documentation of staff certifications, incident and accident forms, inspection logs, and chemical and facility conditions.
• Coordinate with aquatic user groups, including facility reservations, swim meet logistics, and act as a team liaison.
• Develop and lead aquatic programming, while following industry and community trends and expectations.

Skills

Lifeguard management

Staff supervision

Communications

Emergency response

Swimming knowledge

Job description

Dive into the expanding world of aquatics as new facilities and programs enter the Chico community. Help build and lead the team, the programs and the standards for both the PV Pool and the upcoming Aquatics Center.

Under the general direction of the Aquatics Specialist, the Aquatics Coordinator leads daily operations at CARD's aquatic facilities and serves as duty manager during assigned shifts. The Aquatics Coordinator maintains current lifeguard certification, provides regular on-deck coverage, supervises part-time and seasonal staff, and is cross-trained across all District aquatic facilities and basic pool maintenance. Depending on assignment, the coordinator may lead: aquatic safety and lifeguard training, aquatics and competitive programming, partnership development, or customer experience and front-of-house operations.

The Aquatics Coordinator exercises independent judgment in day-to-day operational and safety decisions and escalates certification compliance, personnel, and facility-level matters to the Aquatics Specialist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational leadership and on-duty surveillance at CARD aquatic facilities.
• Develop and lead safety standards, protocols, aquatic training courses, in-services and skill evaluations.
• Manage documentation of staff certifications, incident and accident forms, inspection logs, and chemical and facility conditions.
• Coordinate with aquatic user groups, including facility reservations, swim meet logistics, and act as a team liaison.
• Develop and lead aquatic programming, while following industry and community trends and expectations.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience in aquatics and lifeguard management, with a background in swimming.
• Confidence in recruiting, teaching, coaching, and evaluating staff.
• A clear, professional communicator who is reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic.
• A safety-first mindset that is comfortable making quick and calm decisions while prioritizing community needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in aquatics management or supervision (full or part time).
• Any combination of education, experience, or training that provides the required knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict and resolution.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, develop favorable public relations, and maintain an appearance that projects a professional, positive image
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary for acceptable job performance.
• Ability to receive, recognize, prioritize, accomplish, and delegate needed tasks.
• Ability to think clearly, quickly, and accurately in emergencies.
• Ability to work the hours the program requires.
• Ability to travel to various sites in the district to complete work activities.
• Ability to utilize CARD technology and software for daily operational effectiveness.
• Ability to be in compliance with and meet background check requirements.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• Current American Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED, Lifeguarding, and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Valid California Driver's License and insurable on the district’s vehicle liability policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time; occasional bending, twisting, kneeling, or squatting.
• Occasional running (depending on assignment).
• Frequent swimming and in-water work, including the ability to perform lifeguard rescues and pass physical/skills tests required for certification.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching, including reaching overhead or over the shoulder.
• Frequent repetitive motion; frequent keyboard use.
• Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
• Frequent communication in person; occasionally by phone or email.Frequent decision-making and concentration.
• Frequent participant, public, and co-worker contact; occasional working alone.
• Occasional exposure to loud noises and large groups of people.

Schedule:

Because we operate year-round and serve our community during peak recreation times, expect weekend, holiday, evening, and early morning shifts - including outdoor coverage in a variety of weather conditions.

Applications will be accepted until September 30th.