Aquatics Director

Socket.dev; Crozet (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

acac is seeking a dedicated Aquatics Leader to oversee the Aquatics center, team, and programs. You will manage swim lessons and lifeguards, ensure safety, and drive operational excellence across all aquatic activities.

The role requires Lifeguard certification, a Pool Operator License, and strong customer service. You will recruit, train, and coach staff, while maintaining program quality and member satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Maintain a current Lifeguarding certification at all times (Red Cross Certification preferred).
• Maintain a current Pool Operator License.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Starfish Instructor course within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, visible onsite leadership for the Aquatics Department, including Swim Lessons and Lifeguards, with a focus on safety, service, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Lead all aspects of the Swim Lesson Program, including private, semi-private, and group lessons, in collaboration with the VP of Projects & Program Development and other Aquatics Directors.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and develop Swim Lesson Instructors and Lifeguards; ensure all team members maintain required certifications and training.
• Develop effective staffing plans and schedules based on program and operational needs.
• Monitor team performance and productivity, providing regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a positive, goal-oriented team culture focused on exceptional member service and achieving department goals.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

Pool Operator License

Customer service

Starfish Instructor

Computer skills

18+ years old

Education

Lifeguard certification or equivalent

Job description

FLSA Classification

Non/exempt

Reports to

General Manager

Summary/objective

Responsible for overseeing the Aquatics center, team, and programs.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provide strong, visible onsite leadership for the Aquatics Department, including Swim Lessons and Lifeguards, with a focus on safety, service, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Lead all aspects of the Swim Lesson Program, including private, semi-private, and group lessons, in collaboration with the VP of Projects & Program Development and other Aquatics Directors.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and develop Swim Lesson Instructors and Lifeguards; ensure all team members maintain required certifications and training.
• Develop effective staffing plans and schedules based on program and operational needs.
• Monitor team performance and productivity, providing regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a positive, goal-oriented team culture focused on exceptional member service and achieving department goals.
• Oversee aquatic programs, policies, procedures, and operations; evaluate effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
• Ensure aquatic facilities and equipment are safe, clean, properly maintained, and adequately supplied.
• Monitor department financial performance, revenue, and expenses; develop creative, revenue-producing programs and operate within budget guidelines.
• Support special events and programs that promote the Aquatics Department and overall club.
• Address member concerns and questions, applying club policies and procedures while providing a high level of customer service.
• Communicate effectively with members, guests, parents, and team members regarding programs, policies, events, and participant progress.
• Ensure Swim Lesson Instructors follow the acac Learn-to-Swim program, operational procedures, and appropriate teaching and safety standards.
• Demonstrate and maintain proficiency in proper swimming techniques and provide hands-on support for swim lessons when needed.
• Enforce all aquatic safety policies and procedures and maintain a strong culture of safety and compliance.
• Collaborate with Department Heads, Aquatics Directors, and other club leaders to resolve issues and support overall club success.
• Manage purchasing, vendors, contractors, and operational expenses within established guidelines.
• Maintain familiarity with acac programs and services to confidently assist members and promote participation.
• Strive to meet and exceed swim lesson and aquatic program revenue goals.

Requirements

Physical demands

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, stretch, reach, and bend throughout the workday.
• Ability to swim and work safely in both deep and shallow water and in warm- and cool-water pools.
• Ability to actively participate in swim lessons, including demonstrating proper swimming techniques and using aquatic equipment.
• Ability to perform required lifeguard rescue skills and successfully meet lifeguard certification and in‑service training requirements.
• Ability to work in warm, humid, and high‑noise aquatic environments.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Required competencies, education, and experience

• Maintain a current Lifeguarding certification at all times (Red Cross Certification preferred)
• Maintain a current Pool Operator License
• Superior customer service skills
• Prior aquatics teaching or coaching experience preferred
• Successful completion of the Starfish Instructor course within 30 days of employment
• Superior customer service skills; ability to work with both children and adults
• Ability to be creative in finding the best teaching methods to accommodate different populations
• Proficient computer skills
• Must be at least 18 years old

Company Expectations

• Read, sign, and abide by the policies included in the Team Member Handbook
• Park in team member designated areas
• Club cleanliness is an all‑team responsibility; assist whenever necessary in any area of the club to keep club neat and clean
• Attend mandatory Personal Training meetings
• Assist with Service Days, as assigned by Supervisor
• Assist with club programs, special events, or activities, as assigned by Supervisor
• Promptly respond to work‑related correspondence
• Exhibit a positive attitude at all times
• Deliver outstanding service to members and guests, following acac’s Five*Star principles

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

acac is an equal opportunity employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.