Senior Aquatic Program Leader - Eastside & Webber Pool

City of Lancaster (CA); Mammoth Lakes (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lancaster seeks a Sr. Aquatic Program Leader to oversee daily operations of the aquatic division and swim programs at both indoor and outdoor facilities. You will recruit, certify, and train aquatic staff while maintaining safety standards and handling maintenance issues.

Applicants should have two years of senior lifeguarding and supervisory experience, plus current Red Cross certifications. The role requires strong leadership and the ability to manage emergencies calmly.

Qualifications

• Must possess all current Red Cross certifications (unexpired).
• At least 18 years old with lifeguard experience.
• Two years of senior lifeguarding experience and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of aquatics division and swim programs.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, certifying, and training aquatic staff.
• Instruct and evaluate staff on pool rules, safety practices, and regulations.
• Respond to safety incidents, perform water rescues, and document accidents.

Skills

Staff supervision

Recruitment

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

Red Cross Certifications (Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, WSI, LGI, LGIT/EMR preferred)

Job description

Under direct supervision, a Sr. Aquatic Program Leader oversees the daily operations of the aquatic’s division and swim programs at an indoor and outdoor facility. Candidates assist with recruitment, certifying, and training all aquatic staff. The Sr. Aquatic Program Leader may assist with supply management, maintenance issues, and instruct/evaluate staff on rules, regulations, and safety practices. Other administrative duties may be assigned. The S.A.P.L will assist the Aquatic’s Coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Receive direct supervision from the Aquatic’s Coordinator and Aquatic’s Supervisor
• Supervise Recreation Program Leaders, Lifeguard Cadets, Lifeguards I & II, and Senior Lifeguards

• Supervise Eastside and Webber pool facilities and all aquatics staff
• Assist Aquatic’s Coordinator and Supervisor in operation of all pool facilities
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, certifying, and training all aquatic staff
• Instruct and evaluate aquatic staff in the observance of rules, regulations, and safety practices
• Enforce health and safety regulations at the pool facilities
• Respond to participants in danger by performing water rescues and administering first aid
• Respond to and document all safety accidents
• Aid in training lower level aquatic personnel
• Supply management and respond to all maintenance issues accordingly
• Participate in all Inservice meetings and training

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered (non-exempt or exempt)

• Commitment to team-working, respect and consideration for the skills of others
• Possess the knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquatics programs and pools, pool safety rules and procedures
• Advanced life-saving methods and procedures
• Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate aquatic programs
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Must demonstrate proficient lifeguard skills (active, passive submerged, passive and spinal extrications, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid). Skills must be demonstrated prior to hire.
• Swim in deep water (swim 500 yd. under 10 minutes, brick retrieval, and 2-minute water tread). Swim Assessment required prior to hire.

Education and Experience:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age
• Two years minimum of previous lifeguard experience at a community swimming pool
• Two years minimum of Senior Lifeguarding experience
• Two years minimum of supervisory experience

Required Red Cross Certifications:

Must possess all current (unexpired) certifications

• Lifeguarding
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• First Aid with Title 22
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Instructor
• Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT preferred)
• Emergency Medical Response (EMR preferred)

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Guiding Principles:

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Examine the long-term fiscal impact.
5. Generate value from within the core.
6. Focus on analysis over process.
7. Build for resiliency and adaptation.
8. View economic development as an opportunity to enhance quality of life.
9. Incorporate technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
10. Create community brand and neighborhood identity.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (frequent)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• To move, transport, position items up to 50 lbs. (moderate)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (frequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)
• Swim in shallow and deep water for more than 15 minutes

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous)
• Computations (frequent)
• Generate Written Work Product (infrequent)
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.