HF Programs Specialist Aquatics

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Aquatics Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

The Aquatics provides direct leadership in our initiatives to provide a superior experience to our members. Implementing our Member Insight Strategy and using our Membership Involvement Model, the Program Specialist identifies initiatives to increase Membership on Roll, Retention, Satisfaction, and Philanthropic contributions in the membership plus areas, and assists with a specific project or portion of the department functions.  A minimum of 50% of the position is spent using specialized skills for program development in Aquatics Leadership.

In this role, you will:

• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate processes and systems impacting members' experiences in aquatic programs. Provide support to a supervisor in developing or modifying aquatic programs and events. Set long-term and short-term goals in areas of expertise that align with the strategic plan. Research, monitor, and evaluate trends in aquatic leadership programs.


• Deliver programs ensuring the YMCA of Greater Toronto's Mission, Vision, values, goals, and practices, including Priority Sam Standards, are met. Ensure adherence to YMCA Aquatics best practices as outlined by Priority S.A.M.


• Deliver aquatic leadership programs and lead the YMCA Aquatics Quality process, including audits.


• Act as the Pool Operator as outlined in the Ontario Health Regulations 565.


• Ensure the safety of all members, property, and staff by following established Workplace Health & Safety practices. Be responsible for stocking and ordering First-Aid Supplies. Monitor the safety of all activities and programs.


• Support the supervisor in maintaining a relationship with the Life Saving Society.


• Recruit, coach, and develop a team of volunteers, staff, and participants for aquatic leadership courses.


• Build relationships with members and seek opportunities to share the YMCA story. Educate members and guests on the YMCA as a Charity.


• Assist with scheduling and logistics of aquatic leadership courses and events. Assist the supervisor in setting goals for the quantity, quality, and type of aquatic programs.


• Provide leadership and support as a member of the Centre's senior staff team. Act as an effective Service Leader and Acting Service Leader as required.


• Participate in task groups, special assignments, and opportunities that further the Association's mission, vision, and strategic initiatives. Connect with community and external organizations and other YMCAs for group fitness program development, measurement, and design.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• Post-secondary education in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.


• Certifications in National Lifeguarding Service Award, Life Saving Society FA Instructor, Life Saving Society Lifesaving Instructor, YMCA Swim Instructor certification, YMCA Trainer, and Life Saving Society IT preferred.


• Other recognized Swim Instructor qualifications (e.g., Red Cross, LSS).


• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.


• Current WHMIS certification preferred.


• Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering aquatics programs.


• Previous experience in the development and implementation of new programs is an asset.


• Proficiency with computer software, including Excel, Outlook, etc.


• Demonstrated leadership skills developed through progressively responsible experience; ability to encourage and motivate staff and volunteers, and acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.


• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, and volunteers.


• Excellent written communication skills.


• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends.


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.