Assistant Director for Aquatics

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for Assistant Director for Aquatics to lead the Gabrielsen Natatorium operations and a diverse aquatic staff. You will oversee program development, staffing, and safety compliance while coordinating with campus partners and intercollegiate athletics to deliver exceptional aquatics experiences.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of aquatics and recreational sports experience, with the ability to obtain Red Cross certifications as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of professional Aquatics experience.
• Current American Red Cross certification or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Gabrielsen Natatorium and aquatic programs.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate 75–100 lifeguards and aquatic staff.
• Develop and manage Aquatics budgets and program offerings in alignment with departmental priorities.
• Coordinate with intercollegiate athletics, student groups, and community partners for events and safety inspections.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and state requirements; lead staff meetings and training.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number: S15581P

Working Title: Assistant Director for Aquatics

Department: VPSA-Recreational Sports

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday with additional night and weekends to meet departmental deadlines.

Advertised Salary: 58,000-62,000

Posting Date: 08/10/2026

Open until filled: No

Closing Date: 08/23/2026

Proposed Starting Date: 09/21/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Recreation Sports Pro I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 – 5 years of professional Aquatics experience
• 3 – 5 years of professional experience in recreational sports setting
• Current American Red Cross certification or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire.

Position Summary: The Assistant Director for Aquatics is crucial to the successful operation and management of the shared-use Ramsey Student Center. The position reports directly to the Senior Associate Director for Facilities and works as an integral member of the Recreational Sports Staff in pursuing and achieving our departmental vision and mission. The Assistant Director is primarily responsible for the development, management, and successful operation of the Gabrielsen Natatorium. This position leads in the recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of one Senior Coordinator, two-shared Maintenance Foremen, Program Assistants, Aquatic Managers, as well as 75-100 part-time lifeguards.

Additionally, this position supports programs sponsored by the Department of Recreational Sports, the College of Education, and the UGA Athletic Association. This position also serves as a liaison with the UGA Facility Management Division (FMD) in the management of natatorium operations as well as providing some evening and weekend facility support, special event coordination, etc., as needed. This person will assist with the supervision of swim meets as well as have a strong collaborative approach to working with intercollegiate athletics and various age group swim clubs.

Additional Unit Expectations: Ability to serve as essential personnel and/or part of an essential personnel pool, meaning this position will/could be required to report to campus in the event of inclement weather or other designated emergency situations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Hold or be eligible for certification as a Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, and Certified Pool Operator
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work schedules, and operational needs, including providing evening and weekend facility support and coordinating special events as needed
• Ability to lead and manage a team, including hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of staff members
• Ability to work collaboratively with different departments and organizations to support programs and events
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Physical Demands:

• Move throughout the 440,000 sq. ft. Ramsey Student Center and the Recreational Sports Field Complex
• Stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally, climb up and down ladders and over small retaining walls
• Walk across narrow accesses such as 1.5 ft. trails and 4’ wide bulkheads
• Operate department-owned vehicles to run job-related errands
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus
• Distinguish between non-toxic air flow and noxious odors such as chlorine and gas

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities: Facility Management:

• Plan, manage, and supervise the daily operations of Gabrielsen Natatorium.
• Schedule and implement informal recreation activities and events.
• Supervise aquatic special events conducted by intercollegiate athletics, student groups, university departments, and community groups.
• Coordinate with pool operators regarding pool chemical treatment needs and annual maintenance projects.

Percentage of time: 45

Duties/Responsibilities: Personnel Management:

• Supervise one full-time Senior Coordinator and two shared maintenance foremen.
• Actively participate in and promote the engagement, development, and retention of each staff member.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and supervise 75-100 student lifeguards and aquatic managers.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and supervise qualified instructor personnel for non-credit instruction, including children’s swim lessons, adult swim clinics, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, Community First Aid and Safety, WSI, LGI, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Conduct evaluations for instructors.
• Organize and lead manager meetings, monthly lifeguard training reviews, and plan semester in-service training for all Aquatics staff.
• Continuously review and update employee manuals.

Percentage of time: 45

Duties/Responsibilities: Program Management, Operations, and Strategic Planning:

• Assist with the development and management of Aquatics budget for programs and facility upkeep.
• Monitor and maintain program and operating supplies, equipment orders, and student payroll costs.
• Develop and implement informal Aquatics programming for the Department of Recreational Sports.
• Serve as the lead on state health inspections.
• Assist in program planning to incorporate Divisional priorities as they relate to the Student Affairs strategic plan and student learning priorities.
• Actively incorporate Departmental Vision, Mission, and Values into staff training and development.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Recreational Sports or Senior Associate Director of Facilities.

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Baylee Johnson

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone: [phone]