Aquatics Director

Job Title:

Aquatics Director Leadership Level:

Team Leader Job Type:

Full-Time Pay Range:

$50,000

• 65,000

FLSA Status:

Exempt/Non-Exempt Schedule:

Weekends as Needed, Evenings as Needed Reports to:

Director of Finance and Operations Primary Function:

Lead Aquatics Operations and Staff

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Jamestown Area YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Aquatics Director provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for all aquatics programs and facilities, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality programming, staff development, and an exceptional member experience. This role oversees swim lessons, lifeguarding, aquatic fitness, swim team activities, and community-based water safety initiatives, while ensuring compliance with all YMCA, local, state, and federal aquatic safety standards. The Aquatics Director also manages external aquatics service contracts, coordinating and overseeing lifeguard staffing for local schools and community partners. This position plays a key role in advancing member engagement, retention, and community impact through aquatics programming and partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in aquatics programming, lifeguarding, swim instruction, or aquatic facility operations.
• Current lifeguard, swim instructor, or other nationally recognized aquatics certification.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or lifeguard-level equivalent) within 90 days of hire.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships.
• Ability to learn and use YMCA business systems (e.g., DAXKO, Paylocity, Office Suite).
• Completion of required YMCA safety and compliance training.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, sports management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• YMCA or ARC Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Experience managing small to mid-sized aquatic facilities or teams.
• Advanced certifications such as YMCA Aquatic Leadership, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO).
• Experience with budgeting, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program & Facility Operations

• Plan, develop, schedule, and evaluate all aquatic programs including swim lessons, lifeguarding, CPR/First Aid courses, aquatic fitness, swim team, and special aquatic events.
• Ensure all programs meet YMCA standards for safety, quality, and member engagement.
• Oversee daily operation of aquatic facilities, including pool schedules, readiness, water quality, chemical handling, maintenance coordination, filter room checks and maintenance, and facility security.
• Maintain accurate records related to pool operations, chemicals, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Coach The Jets Swim Team
• Lifeguard to cover contact as needed.
• Develop and schedule lifeguard for Camp Onyahsa
• Plan and implement the move to The Jay.

This includes but is not limited to, training staff on new EAP;

MAHC/YMCA

equivalent to MAHC; Equipment that needs purchased

• Cover teaching/life guarding as needed.
• Cover camp field trips as needed. Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all YMCA, Y-USA, local, state, and federal aquatic safety regulations.
• Develop and maintain EAP/safety plans and implement at The YMCA, The Jay, Camp Onyahsa and for contracts.
• Maintain properly stocked first aid kits, AEDs, and rescue equipment.
• Lead or coordinate lifeguard, swim instructor, CPR, and First Aid training as required.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and ensure staff readiness through regular in-service training. Staff Leadership & Development
• Recruit, hire, train, certify, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatics staff and volunteers.
• Ensure all lifeguards and instructors maintain required certifications.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on safety and service excellence.
• Develop staff training plans and support career growth within the YMCA. Member Experience & Engagement
• Create a welcoming, member-centered aquatic environment that promotes connection, inclusion, and retention.
• Build authentic relationships with members and families; address questions and concerns related to aquatics programming and water safety.
• Model YMCA values and relationship-building behaviors for staff. Financial & Contract Management
• Develop and manage the aquatics department budget, including revenue generation, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Manage contract writing and billing.
• Manage contracts to supply certified lifeguards for local schools and community organizations.
• Ensure contract compliance, quality staffing, and strong partner relationships. Community Engagement & Mission Advancement
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, and partners.
• Promote water safety education and community-based aquatic initiatives.
• Serve as staff liaison for the YMCA Annual Campaign and support fundraising and philanthropy efforts.
• Represent the YMCA positively in the community and advance the organization's mission in all programming. Leadership & Administration
• Serve as a collaborative member of the branch leadership team.
• Act as Leader on Duty (LOD) on a scheduled basis, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Complete all required trainings and certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations and senior leadership.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Mission Advancement
• Demonstrates YMCA values, supports community impact, and advances philanthropy.
• Collaboration
• Builds strong relationships across diverse backgrounds; communicates effectively and supports team development.
• Operational Effectiveness
• Exercises sound judgment, manages resources responsibly, and drives continuous improvement.
• Personal Growth
• Pursues ongoing professional development and adapts to change with resilience and self-awareness.

WORK ENVIRONMENT &PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Required for essential duties; reasonable accommodations will be considered under the Americans with Disabilities Act; this list is not all-inclusive and may be supplemented as necessary.

• Ability to perform physical work, including lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, walking, climbing ladders, and working in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Flexibility to respond to facility emergencies during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel required between YMCA facilities and program spaces.
• The employee must be able to swim and actively support in-water programming and training.
• A flexible schedule is required, including regular activities and response to facility emergencies during evenings, weekends, and holidays

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values.
• Shows a desire to serve others and meet community needs.
• Collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perspectives.
• Builds rapport and connects well with others.
• Makes sound judgments and applies insights from one situation to another.
• Engages in self-development to enhance job performance.
• Displays openness to change and seeks opportunities within the change process.

Pay:

$50,000.00

• $65,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person