Coordinator - Aquatics

The Centers, Inc.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CENTERS, LLC is seeking a Coordinator, Aquatics to oversee the UMSL natatorium operations and staff. You will coordinate swim lessons, American Red Cross certifications, and safety trainings while aligning with CENTERS standards to deliver excellent client service.

Lead a team of lifeguards and instructors, develop policies, and manage budgets. A background in collegiate recreation and strong organizational skills are highly valued for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of work experience required.
• Leadership and supervisory experiences preferred.
• Experience in aquatics and collegiate/community recreation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee natatorium operations, scheduling, and safety for the UMSL facility.
• Supervise part-time and student staff; hire, train, and evaluate lifeguards and instructors.
• Develop and implement policies in line with CENTERS standards and client needs.
• Manage certifications, staff records, and training programs.
• Monitor budget, planning, and reporting for the department.
• Foster partnerships on campus and with vendors to support services.

Skills

Leadership/supervision

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Project planning

Staff development

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of work experience

Master’s degree preferred

Lifeguard/CPR/Instructor certs preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients. Today, CENTERS provides management services for 11 clients.

Job Summary

The Coordinator, Aquatics reports to the Assistant Director, Facilities and Aquatics and has direct responsibility for the functional operations of the UMSL natatorium. Responsibilities include overseeing natatorium operation and scheduling, supervising aquatic staff, and risk management for the department. This position will work closely and collaboratively with the Assistant Director, Facilities and Aquatics to develop and implement policies, CENTERS standards, as well as to ensure excellent customer service on behalf of the client.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Responsible for the management and upkeep of the natatorium with support from the Assistant Director, Facilities and Aquatics
• Manage swim lessons and American Red Cross certification course offerings
• Teach American Red Cross certification classes for staff and community
• Manage safety trainings, mock emergencies, and semester audits on behalf of the department and work collaboratively to provide risk management and training for all department staff
• Evaluate program effectiveness through regular assessment and responsible for ensuring areas of responsibility stay in line with current trends
• Oversee policies and procedures development for all areas of responsibility
• Manage the department staff certification database and records
• Incorporate CENTERS’ experiential teaching philosophies to contribute to the university’s holistic student engagement and learning goals
• Manage budget, strategic planning, and regular reporting for area of responsibility
• Build strong partnerships on campus and with vendors
• Provide direction and oversight following the mission and goals of the department, division, and university

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise part-time and student staff
• Hire, train and evaluate student and part-time lifeguards and swim instructors
• Help create an environment that encourages, inspires, and supports innovation, effective student development outcomes, and professional development opportunities for staff, including professional association involvement, training programs, and individual mentoring

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of work experience
• Demonstrated experience within aquatics
• Leadership and supervisory experiences

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master’s preferred
• At least two years of programming experience (graduate assistantship experience accepted)
• Experience working in a collegiate/community recreation environment
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (or willing to obtain)
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA Instructor certification (or willing to obtain)
• Current CPO/AFO certification (or willing to obtain)
• Current LGI & WSI certifications (or willing to obtain)

Skills & Abilities

• Analytical skills to identify problems, assess alternatives, and render consistent, logical decisions
• Strong working knowledge of operational procedures and standard practices used in the successful management of aquatic facilities
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm
• Ability to thrive in an environment that values high expectations, accountability, and balanced lifestyle choices
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Some knowledge of HR theories and best practices in recruitment and staff development
• Basic accounting knowledge; capability of understanding budgets
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Professional Competencies

• Adaptable
• Motivated & ambitious
• Planning & project management
• Decision making & judgment
• Business acumen
• Diversity awareness
• Integrity
• Long-term focus
• Organizational learning
• Change management

Work Environment

• Office, indoor aquatics, and fitness center environment
• Non-smoking environment
• Moderate to loud noise

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the day
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to traverse throughout the arena and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools
• Working in fitness center and pool environment at least 50% of day
• Must be able to lift, move and set up items weighing as much as 50 lbs.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.
• Must be able to instruct and demonstrate lifeguarding and CPR practical skills including stroke mechanics, CPR, lifeguard rescues in water

Travel Required

• Local, regional, and national travel as required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.