Assistant Director Aquatics

DeKalb Health; Brown Deer (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is seeking an Assistant Aquatics Director to help run the aquatic programs and staffing. You will assist the Aquatics Director with recruiting, training, and supervising lifeguards and instructors to ensure safe, high-quality lessons and activities.

Responsibilities include managing group and private lessons, coordinating schedules, and maintaining pool safety and cleanliness.

Qualifications

• Current certification in American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguarding.
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Standard First Aid.
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and CPR/First Aid Instructor certifications preferred, or willing to obtain within six months.
• Experience as lifeguard, swim instructor, or supervisory role preferred; associate degree a plus.
• Experience managing swim lesson programs and staff scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Aquatics Director in recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling aquatic staff.
• Oversee swim lesson programming including group and private lessons; ensure scheduling and quality.
• Support staff development through training, coaching, and evaluations.
• Teach and/or guard as needed to maintain coverage and quality standards.
• Coordinate private swim lessons and instructor assignments.

Skills

Stand and swim

Lifting 50 pounds

Evening/weekend availability

Computer literacy

Auditory awareness

Education

Associate degree or higher

Lifeguard Instructor certifications preferred

Job description

• Location 9250 North Green Bay Road,Brown Deer, WI, 53209,United States
• Base Pay $36,000.00 - $42,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Aquatics
• Employee Type FT Exempt

Contact information

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director and in accordance with Association policies, the Assistant Aquatics Director will be responsible for the sound operation of aquatic schedules and other aquatic safety-based programs. The Assistant Aquatics Director will assist in the recruiting, training, and evaluation of aquatic staff.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be , and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up ; we show up with purpose. 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 : above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger , beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist the Aquatics Director in recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling aquatic staff, ensuring coverage for all lifeguard and swim lesson shifts.

Oversee swim lesson programming including group lessons and private swim lessons, ensuring proper scheduling, instructor coverage, and program quality.

Support staff and instructor development through training, coaching, and evaluations to maintain consistent teaching standards and high-quality participant experiences.

Teach and/or guard as needed to maintain adequate coverage and uphold program quality standards.

Coordinate private swim lessons, including instructor assignments, scheduling, and communication with families.

Monitor lesson progression and curriculum implementation to ensure participants advance appropriately through skill levels.

Coordinate substitute procedures for aquatics staff and maintain accurate schedule records.

Assist with planning and implementation of aquatic programming, private swim lessons, and special events.

Supervise aquatic staff in the absence of and alongside the Aquatics Director, ensuring consistent communication and support.

Maintain pool safety, cleanliness, and facility readiness at all times.

Enforce pool rules and YMCA safety standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all members and participants.

Assist with parent communication related to swim lesson placement, skill progression, and program expectations.

Assist with community partners and internal departments to support initiatives such as Safety Around Water .

Uphold high standards of customer service and professionalism with staff, members, and guests.

Perform other duties as assigned .

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS :

C urrent certification in American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguarding

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Standard First Aid

Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and CPR/First Aid Instructor certifications preferred, or willingness to obtain within six months of hire .

Previous experience as a lifeguard, swim instructor, or in a supervisory role is preferred, and an associate degree or higher is a plus.

Demonstrated experience managing swim lesson programs, including knowledge of YMCA or American Red Cross swim lesson curriculum, lesson progression standards, instructor ratios, and scheduling of swim instructors and lesson rosters.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, serves as a positive role model for staff, and consistently delivers exceptional service to members. Dependability, professionalism, and the ability to build positive relationships are essential

Ability to train, mentor, and evaluate swim instructors to ensure high-quality instruction, consistent teaching standards, and a safe, engaging learning environment for participants.

U phold and exemplify the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their work

SKILLS and ABILITIES

Regularly required to stand, swim, demonstrate aquatic techniques, and move throughout the facility.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform rescues as trained.

Work in a warm, humid environment with air temperatures above 80°F.

Hear noises and distress signals in and around the aquatic environment and always remain alert.

Must be able to use a computer and communicate effectively using phone or digital devices.

Evening and weekend hours required , coordinate schedule with Aquatic s Director

SUPERVIOSRY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working in close collaboration with the Aquatic s Director , the Assistant Aquatic s Director will d irectly supervise branch aquatic department s and offsite aquatic program employees and volunteers in accordance with the organization’s policies, mission, and applicable laws . Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, and managing . Will be able to make recommendations to the Aquatics Director as it relates to corrective action and recognition decisions .

Summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is committed to equity and inclusion by ensuring that all members of our community have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We celebrate diversity and effectively engage, connect and advocate for our staff, members, and volunteers which will position us to respond and remain relevant to issues impacting our communities. The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse workforce.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Child Safety:

This position may include a combination of in-office and remote work, based on operational needs. Workspace may be shared with other staff when on-site.

All YMCA Staff are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services. Such reports can be made verbally at 1-855-444-3911. Staff will also report suspected abuse or neglect to their supervisor, senior management, or Human Resources.