Director of Aquatics

Jellis; North Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

H2OBX Waterpark in Outer Banks, NC seeks a Director of Aquatics to lead safety, training, daily operations, planning, budgeting, staffing, and payroll. This full-time, year-round role reports to the General Manager and requires hands-on leadership and strong business judgment.

The ideal candidate balances technical aquatics operations with people management, communicates clearly at all levels, and fosters a positive, accountable work environment while driving guest satisfaction and safety.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of prior aquatics management experience.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with executives and staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of lifeguards, ride operators, and first aid teams.
• Ensure compliance with Ellis & Associates standards and EAPs.
• Manage budgets, payroll, and financial reporting for the aquatics department.
• Recruit, train, and develop team members; monitor performance.
• Collaborate with other departments and participate in MOD program.

Skills

Aquatics management

Leadership

Safety compliance

Staff coaching

Operational planning

Tools

Ellis & Associates

Job description

H2OBX Waterpark | Outer Banks, North Carolina

H2OBX Waterpark, located in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, is seeking an experienced and motivated Director of Aquatics to join our leadership team. This is a full-time, year-round leadership position responsible for directing all aspects of the aquatics department, including safety, training, daily operations, planning, budgeting, staffing, and payroll.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Aquatics plays a critical role in maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, team development, and guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, results-oriented leader who can balance the technical demands of aquatics operations with strong people-management skills and sound business judgment.

We are looking for a leader who is equally comfortable working with company executives, coaching and supporting frontline team members, and interacting directly with guests and the general public. The successful candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with people at all levels, adapt their communication style to different audiences, build positive working relationships, and handle challenging situations with confidence, sound judgment, and professionalism.

The right candidate will lead by example, take ownership of departmental performance, develop a strong and accountable team, and continually look for ways to improve the experience of both guests and associates. A strong commitment to safety, accountability, teamwork, and creating a positive work environment is essential.

Specific Functions and Responsibilities

Aquatics Operations and Safety

• Oversee the daily operations and performance of lifeguards, ride operators, night security, and first aid teams.
• Ensure compliance with Ellis & Associates standards, training requirements, recordkeeping, in-service training, and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
• Maintain adequate supplies of aquatic equipment, including all required safety equipment.
• Oversee daily inspections of rides, vehicles, and related equipment to ensure safe operating conditions.
• Assist with park opening and closing procedures during the operating season and off-season.
• Lead risk management initiatives, promote a proactive safety culture, and ensure departmental policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain a working knowledge of general and departmental safety procedures and support workplace safety initiatives.

Leadership and Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate team members to ensure staffing needs are met and performance standards are maintained.
• Develop and implement departmental training and professional development programs.
• Establish clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and address performance concerns promptly and professionally.
• Maintain a visible and approachable leadership presence, building trust and effective working relationships with team members at all levels.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment that encourages communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Manage departmental budgets, forecasts, payroll, and financial reporting to support operational and financial objectives.
• Review and approve departmental purchases while maintaining appropriate cost controls.
• Develop, implement, and monitor staffing schedules to meet operational demands while managing labor costs.
• Maintain accurate departmental records and ensure required documentation is completed and retained.

Communication and Organizational Leadership

• Communicate effectively and professionally with the General Manager, executive leadership, frontline team members, guests, vendors, and other members of the public.
• Present information clearly, address concerns constructively, and handle sensitive or challenging conversations with discretion and professionalism.
• Collaborate with other departments to coordinate operations, resolve issues, and support overall park performance.
• Participate in the Manager-On-Duty (MOD) program, serving as a leadership representative of the park and helping address operational and guest concerns as they arise.
• Attend professional development conferences and industry training as needed.
• Assist the General Manager with additional projects, initiatives, and responsibilities as needed.

Job Qualifications

• Three to five years of prior aquatics management experience required.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executives, frontline employees, guests, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, coach, and hold team members accountable while maintaining a positive and professional work environment.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to respond to guest questions, concerns, and complaints professionally and effectively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, remain composed under pressure, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operating environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Proficiency with Windows and related business applications.
• Current, valid driver's license required.
• One to three years of Ellis & Associates Instructor Trainer experience preferred.
• Prior experience as an EMT-Basic or higher preferred.

Work Conditions, Schedule, and Salary

• Work is primarily outdoors, with regular exposure to extreme temperatures, varying weather conditions, and the physical demands associated with waterpark operations.
• Weekend and holiday availability is required, along with flexibility to meet changing operational needs.
• During peak operating seasons, the position requires working more than 40 hours per week, including weekends and some evenings.
• This is a full-time, year-round leadership position.

Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This job description is intended to provide a general outline of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Responsibilities are provided as guidelines and are not necessarily limited to these specifications. H2OBX reserves the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties or responsibilities as operational needs require.