The Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for the comprehensive management, operation, safety, programming, staffing, and revenue generation of the aquatics area within the Shepherd University Wellness Center. This position oversees all aquatic operations for a natatorium operating approximately 96 hours per week and serves as the primary administrator for aquatic safety, instructional programming, staff development, pool chemistry management, and aquatic-related revenue initiatives.
The Aquatics Coordinator provides direct leadership to a large and diverse aquatics workforce, including approximately 60 student employees, instructors, and part-time personnel. The position requires advanced technical expertise in aquatic safety and facility operations while also maintaining a highly active instructional and service-based role through direct teaching responsibilities.
This position plays a critical role in risk management, emergency preparedness, member experience, student development, revenue generation, and community engagement through aquatic programming, public safety education, and campus-wide emergency preparedness initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, exercise science, education, public health, business, or a related field.
- Current Certified Pool Operator ( CPO ) certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor ( LGI ) certification.
- Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor ( WSI ) certification.
- Current CPR / AED /First Aid Instructor certification.
- Demonstrated experience in aquatic operations, pool management, aquatic safety, emergency preparedness, and staff supervision.
- Experience managing large teams, schedules, operational logistics, and safety compliance initiatives.
- Strong organizational, leadership, communication, customer service, and risk management skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and flexible hours based on operational needs.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform water rescues and emergency response procedures.
- Ability to stand, walk, swim, lift equipment, and work in humid pool environments for extended periods of time.
- Ability to demonstrate aquatic skills and instructional techniques.
- Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience in higher education recreation, wellness, or community aquatics operations.
- Experience with revenue-generating programming, budget oversight, and program development.
- Experience supervising student employees and part-time instructional staff.
- Experience with marketing, social media management, and community engagement initiatives.
Posting Date
10/09/2026
Job Duties
Aquatic Operations & Facility Management
- Oversees the daily operation, scheduling, and administration of all aquatics facilities and programming for a pool operating approximately 96 hours per week.
- Maintains safe and effective pool operations in compliance with federal, state, local, university, and industry standards.
- Serves as the primary Certified Pool Operator ( CPO ) responsible for monitoring and maintaining pool chemistry, filtration systems, water quality, circulation systems, and operational safety standards.
- Conducts routine testing and documentation of pool chemistry and water conditions.
- Coordinates preventative maintenance schedules and communicates operational or repair needs with facilities and maintenance personnel.
- Orders and manages aquatic operational supplies including chlorine, muriatic acid, DE powder, testing agents, safety equipment, instructional supplies, and other aquatic-related materials.
- Assists in the development and oversight of aquatics budgets, operational expenditures, and revenue-generating initiatives.
- Coordinates pool space allocation and scheduling with internal departments, athletic teams, external rentals, academic courses, and university programming needs.
- Collaborates with other Wellness Center coordinators to support facility setup, programming logistics, special events, and shared operational initiatives.
- Oversees all aquatic safety operations and emergency preparedness procedures within the facility.
- Maintains compliance with aquatic safety standards and risk management protocols established by the American Red Cross, university policies, and applicable regulatory agencies.
- Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates lifeguards and aquatic safety personnel.
- Conducts regular lifeguard in-service trainings, emergency drills, skill evaluations, and staff competency assessments.
- Coordinates and oversees CPR , AED , First Aid, and emergency response certification compliance for Wellness Center staff, including lifeguards, flex managers, weight fitness staff, and administrative personnel.
- Serves as lead instructor for building-wide CPR , AED , and First Aid certification and recertification training initiatives.
- Develops and implements ongoing emergency preparedness training and in-service education for Wellness Center personnel to ensure staff readiness during medical emergencies and critical incidents.
- Maintains and inspects all AEDs, first aid kits, emergency oxygen units, rescue equipment, and aquatic safety supplies throughout the facility.
- Assists with the development, implementation, and revision of emergency action plans, operational procedures, and risk management protocols for the Wellness Center.
- Responds to and documents incidents, accidents, injuries, and emergency situations occurring within the facility.
- Assists with community education and outreach initiatives related to water safety, CPR , emergency preparedness, and public safety programming.
Staffing & Supervision
- Oversees recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, supervision, and performance management for approximately 60 student employees, instructors, and part-time personnel.
- Develops staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage for all pool operations, instructional programming, events, and safety requirements.
- Provides mentorship, leadership development, and ongoing professional training opportunities for aquatic staff members.
- Conducts employee evaluations and provides corrective action, coaching, and accountability as necessary.
- Assists with payroll approval, time management oversight, and staff documentation processes.
Instructional Programming & Revenue Generation
- Maintains an active instructional workload of approximately 15–20 hours per week through direct service delivery.
- Teaches group swim lessons, private swim lessons, aquatic safety courses, and American Red Cross certification courses.
- Serves as a certified Lifeguard Instructor ( LGI ) capable of training and certifying lifeguards.
- Serves as a certified Water Safety Instructor ( WSI ) capable of teaching and certifying swim instruction programming.
- Develops, coordinates, and expands aquatic programming and instructional offerings designed to increase participation, improve community engagement, and generate revenue.
- Assists with community outreach and partnership initiatives related to aquatic safety and instruction.
- Evaluates program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, enrollment trends, and revenue performance to improve operational sustainability and service quality.
Marketing, Outreach & Member Engagement
- Develops marketing materials and promotional campaigns for aquatics programming, certifications, lessons, and special events.
- Creates social media content and assists with digital communication strategies to promote aquatics participation and engagement.
- Maintains strong customer service standards and positive member relations.
- Responds to participant concerns, complaints, and operational inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Represents the Wellness Center at outreach events, campus initiatives, safety demonstrations, and community programming opportunities.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
VISIT 301 N KING ST, SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443
MAIL P.O. BOX 5000, SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443