Aquatics Supervisor

City of University Park; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of University Park is seeking a qualified professional to manage aquatic and recreational programs within the Parks & Recreation Department. You will recruit and train over 50 seasonal staff, enforce safety standards, and oversee maintenance and program delivery year-round.

Responsibilities include budgeting, vendor coordination, and collaboration with community partners to expand services and sponsorships for pool and park activities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required and 3+ years in aquatic program development.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications.
• Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator certification.
• Ability to secure sponsorships and partner with YMCA, HPISD, and private organizations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, promote, organize, and implement aquatic and recreational programs.
• Lead 50+ seasonal employees; hire, onboard, train, schedule, and maintain payroll records.
• Ensure safety, policy compliance, and high-performance standards.
• Oversee facility maintenance, water quality, and equipment servicing year-round.
• Develop marketing materials and manage departmental communications.

Skills

Program development

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Vendor coordination

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree in Public Recreation

Tools

CivicRec

Job description

Under the direction of the Recreation Manager, the purpose of this position is to perform a wide variety of functions for the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. Responsibilities include planning, promoting, organizing, and implementing aquatic and recreational programs. Performs related work as required.

Responsible for providing strong management and enforcement of policies, performance standards, and expectations for 50+ seasonal employees, ensuring consistent professionalism and operational compliance throughout the season. Oversees hiring, onboarding, continuous staff training, scheduling, payroll, and performance documentation while maintaining a high-quality, safety-focused team. The position also leads both in-season and off-season facility maintenance planning, ensuring pool systems, equipment, and amenities remain properly serviced year-round.

Develops and administers advertising and communication tools; reviews and evaluates programs and makes recommendations to improve and expand recreation programs and services; and creates a positive, encouraging, and enjoyable environment for customers.

Develops, directs, and implements various programs, including all City aquatic programs, by assessing the needs of citizens, identifying the types of programs to offer, scheduling program dates, working with vendors and contractors to secure materials and equipment, and developing materials needed to advertise programs to residents.

• Plans, directs, and implements aquatic programs based on community needs, including scheduling, vendor coordination, and preparation of promotional materials.
• Oversees staff, chemical suppliers, and maintenance contractors in maintaining water quality in pools and interactive features; ensures proper chemical levels and establishes maintenance schedules for pumps, filters, chemical feeders, and other components.
• Oversees operations at the Holmes Aquatic Center, resolves public concerns, responds to emergencies, supports rentals, and maintains the cleanliness and readiness of facilities.
• Manages, enforces, and monitors seasonal staff performance, ensuring policies, rules, and operational standards are consistently upheld. Conducts regular evaluations and corrective action as needed.
• Provides ongoing, structured staff training at the beginning of and throughout the season, reinforcing safety, customer service, emergency response skills, and operational procedures.
• Evaluates, develops, supervises, and executes aquatic programs and special events.
• Assists with the recruitment of independent contract instructors to teach recreational classes and programs and coordinates scheduling and necessary facility arrangements.
• Implements the Holmes Aquatic Center Business Plan, including expenditure and revenue tracking.
• Assists with developing sponsorships and/or partnerships with local and national organizations.
• Assists with soliciting, organizing, and evaluating volunteer representatives for recreational programs, special events, and activities.
• Prepares catalogs, brochures, programs, flyers, advertisements, reports, and other marketing materials.
• Assists in managing the department website and City reservation website (CivicRec) and maintaining current information.
• Purchases and maintains equipment and supplies related to assigned activities. Ensures facilities and equipment are properly cleaned, stored, and maintained and assists with light custodial duties as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and management of the annual budget, including maintaining financial records for assigned recreational activities, classes, and special events; prepares weekly, monthly, and annual reports as requested.
• Provides quality customer service for Parks and Recreation inquiries.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with administrative staff and the general public; analyzes, interprets, and explains division policies and procedures; and interprets and applies federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

Minimum

• High School Diploma.
• Three (3) years of experience in the development and implementation of aquatic programs, including one (1) year of previous supervisory experience.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications.
• Certified Pool Operator and/or Aquatic Facility Operator certification.
• Ability to contact and secure sponsorships and partnerships to support special event programming at the pool and within the park system.
• Ability to work closely with the YMCA, HPISD, and for-profit organizations in scheduling the use of City properties for youth sports, school programs, camps, and clinics.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Recreation or a related field.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Must be physically able to perform all rescues as described in the YMCA or American Red Cross lifeguard program.

Must be mentally alert and have the visual and auditory capabilities necessary to recognize potential hazards and accidents.

This position is expected to work weekends during the pool season. Must also be able to work a variety of hours to support pool operations and special events, including evenings and holidays.

Must be physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid according to established guidelines.