Aquatics Specialist

Johnson County Park & Recreation District; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

KPERS pension plan

Parental/caregiver leave

Tuition reimbursement

Family discounts for childcare, camps,

Free fitness access

Golf privileges

Referral bonus

Job summary

Johnson County Park & Recreation District is seeking an Aquatics Specialist to shape the growth of our aquatic department. You will schedule, train, and supervise staff across multiple facilities, ensuring safety and high-quality programming for the public.

This role requires strong communication, program development skills, and the ability to coordinate across facilities such as Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation preferred; experience may substitute.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification required or willingness to obtain within 6 months.
• Two years of supervisory experience required.
• Two years of recreation programming experience required.
• One year of facility management experience preferred.
• Certified Pool Operator or Aquatics Facility Operator certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, train, and supervise staff across aquatic facilities.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and staff development for part-time and seasonal workers.
• Lead program development and ensure facilities operate safely and customer service is strong.
• Coordinate marketing and promotion of programs via website and social media.
• Assist in budget development and cash handling procedures.

Skills

Staff supervision

Program development

Customer service

Team coordination

Training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation

Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification

Two years supervisory experience

Tools

Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO)

Job description

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District invites you to make a positive impact on your community by working where you play!

JCPRD is a nationally recognized leader in the field of park and recreation whose hard-working staff, quality program offerings, and great parks and facilities promote healthy active lifestyles and set us apart. JCPRD has been recognized twice with the prestigious National Gold Medal for Excellence Award and has achieved national accreditation four times.

In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, JCPRD offers the chance to be part of a professional, inclusive, and growing team.

Job Description

JCPRD is looking for a team-orientated Aquatics Specialist that will assist in shaping the future of a growing JCPRD Aquatic Department. A successful Aquatics Specialist will be someone energized by a fast-paced environment with strong communication skills, the ability to identify areas of improvement, program development and can be a team player. The successful candidate will be responsible for scheduling, training, and supervising staff, along with program development at JCPRD Aquatic Facilities, which include the following:

• Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center – Opened in 2019, this facility was designed to attract regional and national swim meets in addition to hosting swim meets for the school district’s five high school teams. Featured in 2020 Dream Designs in Aquatics International magazine, this facility can hold up to 500 competitors and 1,000 spectators.
• Shawnee Mission Park Marina – Renovations to this beloved park attraction are scheduled to begin at the completion of the 2022 season.
• Shawnee Mission Park Beach – Newly renovated (2018), award-winning facility.
• Kill Creek Park Beach and Marina

Essential Function

• Ensures all staff, including Aquatic Coordinators, Aquatic Leads, lifeguards, learn-to-swim instructors, and beach and marina staff, have the necessary support needed for their sites.
• Oversees and assists with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of part-time and seasonal staff.
• Leads, trains, and supervises Aquatic Coordinators, Aquatic Leads, and seasonal staff to ensure all policies and procedures are followed and that excellent customer service and safety are provided to patrons.
• Oversees aquatic facilities, ensuring they are clean, safe, and operated at a level of excellence. These facilities include the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center and the Kill Creek Park and Shawnee Mission Park beaches and marinas.
• Oversees program areas, ensuring programs are on-trend and fiscally viable.
• Coordinates the marketing of programs through the website, social media, and other marketing opportunities.
• Assists in the development of operating budgets for aquatic facilities and programming.
• Oversees the development and implementation of staff training for lifeguard in-services along with online training for facility policies & procedures.
• Ensures all operations are using proper cash handling procedures and ensure a proper daily balance of revenues collected.
• Assists with the instruction of American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Courses throughout the year.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community organizations to promote district-wide programs.
• Participates in department and district-wide meetings to support and promote district-wide strategic objectives and initiatives.
• Opportunity to participate in district-wide committees.
• Develops and maintains expertise in recreation program trends and issues by attending professional conferences and serving on professional committees to provide leadership in the park and recreation community.
• Aquatics point person in the absence of the Aquatics Manager.
• Provides support to the Aquatics Manager.
• Performs other administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Days/Hours: Schedule varies due to the nature of business with large events, programs, changing of facility schedules and helping cover facilities. Early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours will sometimes be required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation or related field preferred. Experience may be substituted for a degree. American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification required or the willingness to obtain within 6 months required. Two years of supervisory experience required. Two years of recreation programming experience required. One year of facility management experience preferred. Certified Pool Operator or Aquatics Facility Operator Certification preferred.

Miscellaneous Information

Main Office Location: Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87th St. Lenexa, KS 66219

• Excellent medical, dental & vision benefit package
• KPERS benefit pension plan
• Employer-paid parental/caregiver leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Family discounts for childcare, camps, rentals, and classes
• Free fitness access at Mill Creek Activity Center and Roeland Park Activity Center
• Golf privileges at either of the JCPRD owned courses
• Referral bonus program