Head Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach (Stipend)

Simi Valley Unified School District; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 4,000 - 5,300; Part time

Job summary

The Simi Valley Unified School District is seeking a Head Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach to lead the program, plan practices, and ensure safety and CIF compliance. This stipend position emphasizes athlete development, competition preparation, and positive program culture.

You will supervise the JV coaching staff, coordinate schedules and logistics, and work with administrators to foster student growth and sportsmanship within a supportive school environment.

Qualifications

• Coaching certification to CIF/NFHS standards required.
• NFHS coaching knowledge and safety protocols expected.
• Ability to lead and develop student-athletes in water polo.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the girls water polo program including practices and competitions.
• Plan, implement, and adjust practices and competitive strategies.
• Supervise JV coaching staff and coordinate with administrators.
• Ensure CIF, District, and program safety and compliance standards are met.
• Promote academics, sportsmanship, and program growth.

Skills

Water polo coaching

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Coaching certification (NFHS)

Tools

NFHS Learn

Job description

To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting in order to move forward in the recruitment process. The recruitment process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, the Head Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach is responsible for planning, directing, and supporting the school's Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo program. The Coach implements safe, skill‑appropriate training; ensures adherence to behavior, academic, supervision, and safety standards; and maintains full compliance with District policies, State requirements, league rules, and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) regulations governing interscholastic athletics. The Coach fosters a positive, inclusive, and sportsmanlike environment that supports student‑athlete development both on and off the court.

This is a stipend-compensated, seasonal position and is not part of the permanent classified service.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Head Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach (Stipend) is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and compliance of the girls water polo program. This role holds primary accountability for program development, including athlete instruction, competitive preparation, practice planning, team activities, and program culture; selection and supervision of student‑athletes; and adherence to CIF regulations, league requirements, and District policies.

The Head Junior Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach supervises Assistant Junior Varsity Coaching Staff and serves as the primary point of contact for site administration, the Athletic Director, student‑athletes, and families. This classification is distinguished from supporting roles by exercising overall program authority and maintaining responsibility for student safety, program performance, staff supervision, and compliance with all applicable requirements.

Compensation

Stipend per the District coaching salary schedule: $4,001 - $5,332, based on demonstrated coaching experience. The stipend is paid in one installment upon completion of the season.

• Oversees all aspects of the girls water polo program, including practices, conditioning, competitions, tournaments, program activities, and off‑season development activities permitted by CIF regulations.
• Ensures all activities comply with District policies, safety standards, league requirements, and CIF regulations governing interscholastic athletics.
• Recruits, instructs, and develops student‑athletes to prepare them for successful competition.
• Develops and implements daily, weekly, and seasonal practice plans aligned with program goals.
• Plans and implements effective match strategies and competitive preparation.
• Analyzes individual and team performance to improve athlete development and overall program success.
• Communicates effectively with students, families, staff, and administrators.
• Builds and sustains a positive, student‑centered team culture that promotes sportsmanship, leadership, responsibility, and personal growth.
• Models best practices and guides Assistant Junior Varsity Coaching Staff to maintain alignment with CIF, District, and program instructional and safety standards.
• Establishes and enforces team rules, attendance expectations, academic accountability standards, and safety guidelines.
• Provides active supervision of student‑athletes during practices, matches, tournaments, team travel, and other team‑related activities.
• Promotes academic accountability, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal development.
• Coordinates practice schedules, facility use, equipment needs, transportation requests, and event logistics.
• Maintains program documentation, including student clearances, training certificates, eligibility information, injury/incident reports, and required compliance records.
• Collaborates with the Athletic Director, site administration, ASB office, Parks and Recreation, and other coaches to maintain consistent program operations and compliance.
• Promotes the water polo program within the school and community, including participation in approved fundraising activities.
• Ensures fundraising and team activities comply with District, site, and ASB financial procedures.
• Uses email and social media responsibly and professionally in accordance with District guidelines to support program communication and promotion.
• Ensures equitable access and participation opportunities for eligible student‑athletes.
• Ensures proper care, inventory, maintenance, and safe use of water polo equipment, uniforms, training equipment, and facilities.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Required at Time of Application (Screening Requirement)

Applicants must upload all required certificates at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not move forward. Required uploaded documents include:

1. NFHS Certifications (via NFHS Learn, https://nfhslearn.com/) for:
   • Fundamentals of Coaching
   • Concussion in Sports
   • Heat Illness Prevention
   • Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Required statewide for interscholastic coaches and widely used across CIF programs.

1. Valid First Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certifications are required (Pre-Employment Requirement).
   • Required under Cal. Educ. Code 49413 (training must be based on ARC/AHA equivalent standards).
   • ARC guidance states that online-only CPR without hands‑on skills testing does not meet certification requirements.
   • AED certification shall be obtained and maintained in compliance with AB 310

3. Additional Required Documents

Any materials required by the District’s online application platform (e.g., resume, references)

Employment Clearances (post-offer)

• Live scan/fingerprint background clearance
• TB clearance
• Completion of District‑mandated trainings and coach onboarding requirements

Selection Priority (Education Code)

In accordance with California Education Code 44919(b), temporary athletic coaching assignments must first be offered to qualified certificated teachers currently employed by the District. If no certificated employee accepts the assignment, the District may consider non‑certificated (walk‑on/classified) applicants who meet all requirements.

Knowledge of

• Water polo techniques, skill development, offensive and defensive strategies, conditioning principles, and competition preparation.
• CIF regulations and NFHS water polo rules governing participant safety and interscholastic competition.
• District and program procedures related to student supervision, athletic operations, and team management.
• Required coaching competency areas defined in 5 CCR 5593 (injury care, coaching techniques, sport rules, youth psychology).

Ability to

• Teach water polo skills safely and effectively.
• Plan and implement structured practices and competitive strategies.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and strong organizational skills.
• Supervise students and enforce required safety, conduct, and eligibility standards.
• Build an inclusive and positive team environment.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate water polo skills, drills, and techniques and actively supervise athletic activities.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, jumping, lifting, and continuous movement during practices, matches, and events.

Working Conditions

• Seasonal stipend position; requires availability for afternoons, evenings, weekends, tournaments, and intersession/off‑season activities and events.
• Work performed primarily outdoors in varied environmental conditions on sand courts and at competition venues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a water polo or assistant coach.
• Experience coaching water polo at high school, club, collegiate, or competitive youth level.
• Experience supervising student groups or leading athletic activities.
• Experience supervising assistant coaches or multi‑level athletic programs.
• Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate (ASCC), if applicable.
• Relevant coaching certifications or safety‑related training.