Assistant Aquatics Director

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus $300

Job summary

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking an Assistant Aquatics Director to lead lifeguard operations, safety, and staff development. The role includes 20–25 hours per week on deck providing lifeguard coverage and supervising lifeguard staff in a full-time capacity.

Reporting to the Aquatics Director, you will help manage recruitment, training, budget considerations, and safety policies to maintain a high-quality aquatic program for members and guests.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in aquatic supervision (preferred).
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding (Red Cross), CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen (training provided).
• Must be detail oriented with strong communication and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating lifeguard staff.
• Co-lead in lifeguard staff in-service trainings and supervise daily operations.

Skills

Lifeguard supervision

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Job description

Description

Sign-On Bonus: Receive a $300 bonus for full-time hires, paid after 30 days of employment. To qualify, full-time employees must work a minimum of 35 hours per week. Offer valid through September 30, 2026. Please refer to the Sign-On Bonus Policy for full eligibility requirements and details.

We are looking for a passionate and driven individual to help support and drive our Aquatic's Department.

Do you have experience with aquatic supervision and believe that safety is the number one priority?

Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can grow yourself and make an impact!

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: We are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.

We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality.

We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.

We are nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop your full potential.

We are determined: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Position Title: Assistant Aquatics Director

Reports to: Aquatics Director

Department: Aquatics

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $50,000-$58,000/year

Position Summary: The Assistant Aquatic Director provides leadership, supervision, and support to the aquatics team, with a primary focus on lifeguard operations, safety, and staff development. This position will spend approximately 20-25 hours per week on deck providing lifeguard coverage. In addition, this role would be supervising and supporting lifeguard staff, and ensuring a safe and positive environment for members and guests.

The Assistant Aquatic Director is responsible for maintaining high safety standards through ongoing staff observation, risk assessments, in-service training, and on-the-job coaching and development. The majority of this position’s responsibilities will focus on the day-to-day leadership and operations of the lifeguard team while promoting member safety, engagement, and a strong culture of accountability.

Essential Functions

• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating lifeguard staff
• Support budget development, preparation, administration and monitoring while ensuring pool/aquatic operates within budget
• Co-lead the development of lifeguard staff in-service trainings
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe facility that lends itself to great member service and follows all risk management procedures and policies
• Timely & accurate completion of on-the-spot checks and drops of aquatic staff
• Conduct one-on-one audits and skills assessments for lifeguards at supervising location
• On deck lifeguarding for a minimum of 20-25 hours per week
• Respond to all member and community inquiries in a timely and effective manner
• Complete other duties as directed by Aquatic Director
• Constantly evaluating the current policies and procedures to enhance workplace culture, member participant safety and overall pool operations

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• 2-3 years of experience in aquatic supervision preferred
• Current certifications in: Lifeguarding (Red Cross) CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen (training provided)
• Must be detail oriented, accurate, and have strong communication skills
• Positive attitude with excellent communication and time management skills
• Aptitude to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain certification and level of physical and mental readiness
• Receptive to training and learning and willing to grow in the position
• Possess and demonstrate a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission and values
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed based on department and facility needs

Working Conditions

• Hot, humid environment
• High levels of alertness, concentration and initiative
• Long periods of standing, walking, and sittingMaintaining good scanning for up to 30 people

Core Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.