Operations Manager- Aquatics and Clean Team

Ocean Breeze Waterpark; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Breeze Waterpark is seeking an Operations Manager supervising the Aquatics and Clean Team to ensure safe, efficient operations and outstanding guest experiences.

You will recruit, train, and manage lifeguards, ride attendants, and supervisory staff while developing annual operating budgets and monitoring labor costs. Strong leadership and multitasking are essential in a fast-paced amusement park environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience in aquatics, recreation, hospitality, entertainment, or related fields.
• Experience managing budgets, labor costs, and operational performance preferred.
• Experience leading multiple departments or large seasonal workforces preferred.
• Lifeguard experience or instructor certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certification and Certified Pool Operator certification.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and hire for lifeguards, ride attendants, and supervisory staff.
• Train lifeguards, ride attendants, and aquatic supervisory staff.
• Develop annual operating budgets, monitor expenses and variances, and implement corrective action to achieve budget goals.
• Plan and conduct weekly in-service training for the Aquatics department, and at least once a month for the Clean Team department.
• Enforce Ocean Breeze employee policies and take appropriate disciplinary actions as needed.
• Respond to and assist in the management of guest, employee, facility, and weather-related emergencies.
• Develop and manage department schedules while maintaining labor costs within approved budget guidelines.
• Oversee cleanliness standards throughout the park, ensuring compliance with health and safety codes.

Skills

Staff leadership

Operations management

Budgeting & cost control

Staff training

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred

Tools

Scheduling software

Microsoft Excel

OSHA compliance knowledge

Job description

Under the supervision of the Director of Operations and Maintenance, this role is responsible for managing the Aquatics and Clean Team Departments. The Operations Manager ensures these areas operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards while delivering exceptional guest and team member experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Aquatics

• Recruit and hire for lifeguards, ride attendants, and supervisory staff.
• Train lifeguards, ride attendants, and aquatic supervisory staff.
• Plan, register, and conduct Lifeguard Training Classes for new and renewal candidates.
• Oversee Junior Lifeguard Camp operations and programming.
• Ensure compliance with Jeff Ellis & Associates and Alive Solutions training programs.
• Maintain water safety certifications and assist in overseeing water safety programs.
• Monitor aquatic operations daily to ensure safety, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.
• Collect and maintain First Aid Reports and related documentation.

Clean Team

• Recruit and hire for the Clean Team Members and supervisory staff
• Train and supervise Clean Team staff to maintain high standards of guest service and park presentation.
• Oversee cleanliness standards throughout the park, ensuring compliance with health and safety codes.
• Develop and implement cleaning schedules and procedures.
• Conduct walkthroughs to verify cleanliness and operational efficiency.
• Manage purchasing, inventory control, and usage of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and documentation of cleaning chemicals.

Leadership & Administration

• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate seasonal supervisory staff.
• Monitor employee engagement, retention, and departmental culture.
• Respond to and assist in the management of guest, employee, facility, and weather-related, and operational emergencies.
• Participate in incident investigations and recommend corrective actions to reduce future risk.
• Develop annual operating budgets, monitor expenses and variances, and implement corrective action to achieve budget goals.
• Analyze performance metrics and develop action plans to achieve operational and financial goals for these departments.
• Plan and conduct weekly in-service training for the Aquatics department, and at least once a month for the Clean Team department.
• Assist in planning and overseeing weekly meetings with Aquatics and Clean Team supervisors.
• Ensure that all time sheet/time clock review procedures are conducted within the required time period.
• Enforce Ocean Breeze employee policies and take appropriate disciplinary actions as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and manage department schedules while maintaining labor costs within approved budget guidelines.
• Help develop and implement training programs; review annually for improvements.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, local/state/federal regulations, and company safety policies.
• Support seasonal supervisory staff development and leadership training.
• Assist with the Parking Department as needed.
• Provide off-season office coverage, including answering phones, sales, season pass processing, and administrative tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience in aquatics, recreation, hospitality, entertainment, or related fields.
• Experience managing budgets, labor costs, and operational performance preferred.
• Experience leading multiple departments or large seasonal workforces preferred.
• Lifeguard experience or instructor certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certification and Certified Pool Operator certification.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, sunlight, rain, and other weather conditions.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and navigate all areas of the facility.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, bend, squat, and lift operation supplies and equipment.
• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs; assistance available for heavier loads.