Aquatics Programs Lead & Lifeguard Trainer

Spectrum 360 A NJ Non Profit Corp.; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Montclair is seeking an Aquatics Coordinator to oversee day-to-day aquatic operations, programs, and activities. You will support program quality, staff development, and safe, efficient delivery of services, including lifeguarding, swim instruction, and deck supervision.

The role requires coordinating lessons, supervising staff, and ensuring certifications are current, with a focus on safety and quality of programming in a community-focused YMCA environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Must be 21 years or older with a minimum of 4 years of aquatics experience.
• Prior experience coordinating aquatic programs and/or supervising aquatic staff preferred.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Management Certification (obtain within 90 days).
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification (or obtain within 6 months).
• Current WSI or YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification preferred (or obtain within 6 months).
• Current CPO certification is required within 6 months.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, implement, and evaluate aquatic programs and activities.
• Ability to make sound judgment and decisions and respond appropriately to operational and safety concerns.
• Ability to lead, coach, train, and support the development of employees and volunteers.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form, with members, participants, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other YMCA departments and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
• Maintain all required certifications, including Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and supervises day-to-day aquatic operations, programs, and activities to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality service to members and participants.
• Assists the Director of Aquatic Operations in the development, implementation, and evaluation of new and existing aquatic programs.
• Assists with the planning, scheduling, coordination, and promotion of swim lessons, aquatic classes, and other programs and special events.
• Monitors program participation, attendance, and required documentation to support program quality and accurate record keeping.
• Communicates with participants, parents/guardians, instructors, Membership staff, and other YMCA departments regarding program schedules, changes, concerns, and opportunities. Refers significant or escalated concerns to the Director as appropriate.
• Assists the Director with hiring, training, developing, scheduling, and supervising employees and volunteers.
• Provides day-to-day coaching, guidance, and feedback to aquatic staff and communicates significant performance concerns or development needs to the Director.
• Assists with coordinating aquatic staff schedules based on program and operational needs, staff availability, certifications, skill level, and quality of programming.
• Assists with and conducts regular aquatics in-service trainings, safety drills, and audits.
• Through tracking and review, ensures staff certifications are current and maintains accurate records. Communicates certification concerns or gaps to the Director.
• Actively teaches swim lessons and aquatic classes, lifeguards, and provides deck supervision to support program and operational needs.
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations and promptly communicates significant safety or operational concerns to the Director.
• Assists with routine pool chemical maintenance and maintains accurate records of chemical levels and facility maintenance activities.
• Coordinates and provides Aquatic services for other YMCA departments as applicable (ELC; camps; enrichment and other departments as required).
• Models relationship‑building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to member, participant, parent, and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner and refers escalated concerns to the Director as appropriate.
• Provides information and recommendations to the Director regarding program participation, member and participant feedback, staffing needs, operational concerns, and opportunities for program improvement.
• Supports the planning and promotion of the Annual Campaign.
• Communicates to employees and volunteers the Y's commitment to protect our members from abuse.
• Attends required Abuse Risk Management training and staff meetings and adheres to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Follows employee and volunteer screening requirements and supports ongoing supervision, feedback, and training related to abuse risk and appropriate boundaries. Communicates concerns or policy violations to the Director and follows YMCA procedures and mandated reporting requirements.
• Performs other job-related duties as may be assigned periodically by the supervisor.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

YMCA of Montclair is seeking an Aquatics Coordinator to oversee day-to-day aquatic operations, programs, and activities. You will support program quality, staff development, and safe, efficient delivery of services, including lifeguarding, swim instruction, and deck supervision.

The role requires coordinating lessons, supervising staff, and ensuring certifications are current, with a focus on safety and quality of programming in a community-focused YMCA environment.