Aquatics Director

City of Burlington NC; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Burlington NC seeks an experienced leader to oversee the Recreation and Parks aquatic division. The role involves managing safety, maintenance, programming, finances, staff, operations, customer service, and marketing for indoor and outdoor facilities.

Reporting to the Parks Superintendent, it requires extensive planning, scheduling, and staff training to drive department success. Key responsibilities include designing diverse aquatic programs, guiding citywide activities, coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field with management experience.
• At least 2 years of aquatics management experience.
• Current Lifeguard Training Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications or ability to obtain.
• First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications current.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implements diverse aquatic programs for instruction, recreation, and fitness.
• Organizes citywide aquatic activities ensuring inclusive participation.
• Manages lifeguard training, learn-to-swim programs, water aerobics, and classes.
• Oversees pool maintenance, water quality, and safety compliance.
• Develops and enforces safety protocols for all aquatic operations.
• Supervises, hires, trains, and supports staff with ongoing education.
• Handles administrative duties, patron feedback, and program efficiency.
• Leads promotional activities and public relations to boost participation.

Skills

Aquatics management

Program design

Staff training

Safety protocols

Budget & finances

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field

2+ years aquatics management experience

Lifeguard Training Instructor Certification

Water Safety Instructor Certification

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification / ability to obtain

First Aid / CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification

Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Job description

About us:

Burlington Aquatics offers many opportunities for the community to be involved in all types of swimming programs at our various aquatic facilities. There is a program for everyone!

What you will do:

This role oversees the City of Burlington Recreation and Parks Department's year-round Aquatic Division, managing safety, maintenance, programming, finances, staff, operations, customer service, and marketing for indoor and outdoor facilities. Reporting to the Parks Superintendent, the position requires extensive planning, scheduling, and staff training. Performance is evaluated through communication, meetings, adherence to policies, and overall effectiveness.

• Aquatic Program Leadership: Designs and implements diverse aquatic programs, including instruction, recreation, and fitness, while evaluating their effectiveness.
• Citywide Aquatic Oversight: Organizes and directs comprehensive aquatic activities across the city, ensuring inclusive participation.
• Training Coordination: Manages lifeguard training, learn-to-swim programs, water aerobics, and other classes, promoting safety and skill development.
• Facility Maintenance Excellence: Oversees pool maintenance, water quality, and cleanliness; ensures chemical applications and equipment repairs meet strict safety standards.
• Safety Advocate: Develops and enforces safety protocols for all aquatic operations, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Staff Development: Supervises, hires, trains, and supports staff, offering on-the-job training, audits, and ongoing education.
• Operational Problem-Solving: Resolves work challenges, identifies needs, and ensures continuous support for smooth operations.
• Administrative Expertise: Handles administrative duties, including evaluating programs, addressing patron feedback, and improving program efficiency.
• Community Engagement: Leads promotional activities and public relations efforts to enhance visibility and participation in aquatic programs.
• Marketing Oversight: Directs marketing initiatives to promote the Aquatics Division and its offerings effectively.
• Dynamic Contributor: Performs additional duties as needed to support the division’s success.

Expertise in Aquatic Program Management

• Extensive knowledge of planning, organizing, and implementing aquatic programs to meet community needs.
• Well-versed in regulations governing water treatment, chemical requirements, and filtration systems for aquatic facilities.
• Skilled in maintaining swimming pool filters, mechanical systems, and ensuring proper water chemistry through safe chemical use.

Leadership and Safety Practices

• Proficient in supervision and discipline, with a strong grasp of management principles for effective staff oversight.
• Experienced in identifying and mitigating occupational hazards, ensuring safety precautions are consistently applied.
• Capable of planning, assigning, and directing employee workflows to achieve organizational goals.

Operational and Technical Proficiency

• Adept at using office equipment, computer systems, and communication tools to streamline operations.
• Skilled in evaluating and organizing staff performance to ensure program success and adherence to objectives.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Strong oral and written communication abilities for engaging with employees and the public.
• Effective at fostering positive relationships with City employees and community members to enhance program impact.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or any other related field and considerable work experience as an aquatic staff member in a management capacity; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• At least 2 years of experience in aquatics management or similar.

Special Requirements

• Lifeguard Training Instructor Certification
• Water Safety Instructor Certification
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), OR the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
• Certification in First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalents
• All the above certifications have to be current and unexpired.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Preferred Requirements

• Lifeguard Instructor Trainer Certification
• Water Safety Instructor Trainer Certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work in this class is described as medium and frequently requires physical exertion to complete tasks and move objects.
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• The employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, oils, noise, extreme heat and vibration.
• The employee is in contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids during the performance of duties such as when providing first aid care and facility cleaning.
• Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.

This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Inclement Weather Classification:

Non-Essential