Aquatics Director

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures; New Caney (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures seeks an Aquatics Director to oversee the total operation of the Aquatics Department. The role ensures safety, cleanliness, trained staff, and budget adherence across all aquatic attractions.

You will lead Aquatics Managers and Lifeguards, develop policies, coordinate training programs, and ensure compliance with STARGUARD ELITE and company standards. Responsibilities include staffing, reporting, and collaboration with other park departments.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; College Diploma preferred.
• Minimum of 3+ years of industry (aquatic attraction) experience required.

Responsibilities

• Direct the safe and efficient operation of all aquatic attractions, including lifeguard operations and guest safety.
• Develop, maintain, communicate, and enforce departmental policies, SOPs, and safety requirements.
• Provide leadership and supervision to Aquatics Managers, Supervisors, and Lead Lifeguards with clear accountability.
• Recruit, interview, train, develop, evaluate, and retain qualified aquatic leadership and frontline team members in partnership with HR.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and manage payroll-related processes balancing safety, operations, and budget expectations.
• Oversee lifeguard certification courses, slide-dispatch training, and other departmental training programs.
• Plan and conduct monthly lifeguard in-service training with documented attendance and performance checks.
• Maintain StarGuard ELITE compliance and company standards across sites.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Training & development

Budgeting

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma

College Diploma

Job description

Aquatics Director is responsible for the total operation of the Aquatics Department. Specifically, to ensure the park operates in a safe, efficient manner; the appearance of the facility is fresh and clean; that all team members are well-trained and conduct themselves courteously; and the budgetary goals of the department are met or exceeded.

Essential Functions

To succeed in this role, individuals must perform all essential functions effectively, with reasonable accommodation provided as needed.

• Work closely with the General Manager to develop, implement, and continuously improve aquatics operating procedures, safety programs, and departmental goals.
• Direct the safe and efficient operation of all aquatic attractions, including lifeguard operations, slide dispatch, first aid response, and aquatic guest safety.
• Develop, maintain, communicate, and consistently enforce departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Provide direct leadership and supervision to Aquatics Managers, Supervisors, and Lead Lifeguards and maintain clear accountability throughout the department.
• Recruit, interview, select, train, develop, evaluate, and retain qualified aquatic leadership and frontline team members in partnership with Human Resources.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained throughout all aquatic locations based on attendance, operating conditions, attraction requirements, and established minimum staffing standards.
• Oversee departmental scheduling, rotations, attendance, labor utilization, and payroll-related processes while balancing safety, operational needs, and budget expectations.
• Ensure all aquatic team members complete required certifications, position training, skills demonstrations, and documented sign-offs before assignment.
• Oversee lifeguard certification courses, slide-dispatch training, leadership training, and other departmental training programs as required.
• Plan and conduct monthly lifeguard in-service training during operational months, ensuring required training hours, attendance, skills performance, and documentation are completed.
• Maintain compliance with StarGuard ELITE requirements, company standards, applicable regulations, manufacturer requirements, and established aquatic safety practices.
• Conduct frequent site inspections and operational audits to ensure all aquatic locations meet company standards for safety, courtesy, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Conduct and oversee observational audits of lifeguards and slide attendants, provide prompt coaching, and ensure corrective action is documented and completed when necessary.
• Monitor attraction readiness, opening and closing procedures, safety equipment, communication systems, and emergency-response supplies.
• Ensure unsafe conditions are addressed immediately, including restricting access to or removing an attraction or piece of equipment from service when necessary.
• Communicate repair and maintenance needs promptly to the appropriate department and General Manager and follow through to support safe operations, minimal downtime, and a positive park appearance.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly review emergency action plans and ensure aquatic leadership and team members are prepared to respond appropriately.
• Provide leadership during emergencies and unusual situations, including severe weather, missing or separated children, major incidents, evacuations, and other events affecting park operations.
• Ensure first aid reports, rescue documentation, incident reports, training records, audit results, and other required records are accurate, complete, properly maintained, and submitted on time.
• Review aquatic incidents, rescues, guest concerns, audit results, and operational trends to identify risks and implement appropriate corrective or preventive measures.
• Keep the General Manager and Human Resources informed of significant employee-relations concerns, performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
• Lead aquatic team members in a positive, professional, and motivating manner while establishing clear expectations and holding leaders and staff accountable.
• Maintain consistent communication with Aquatics Managers, Supervisors, Leads, department heads, team members, and guests.
• Participate in department-head meetings and collaborate with other departments to support safe and efficient park operations.
• Serve as a park Duty Manager at least once per week or as operationally required.
• Follow and enforce all company policies and procedures, protect company assets, and maintain professional appearance and conduct.
• Assist other departments and perform additional duties as operationally necessary.

Education And/or Experience

High School Diploma required; College Diploma preferred.

Management Experience Required

Minimum of 3+ years of industry (aquatic attraction) experience required.