Assistant Aquatics Director

Description

General Function

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the Assistant Aquatics Director will assist in the operations of the Aquatic Department, including program support, staff recruitment and supervision, pool safety management, audits and training development.  

Know – How

This position requires the incumbent to possess: 

• Knowledge and understanding of YMCA aquatics programming, training and scheduling of all swim instructors for group swim lessons and NEMO swim lessons, and collaborating with the Deck Manager and Private Swim Lessons Coordinator to monitor performance and program participation while maintaining all facility guidelines 
• Knowledge and ability to utilize reporting software such as Daxko, DigiQuatics, GroupMe, Outlook, Excel, Group Ex Pro and other digital platforms 
• Excellent human relations skills and a passion for high performance, focused on safety around the water and cultivating a healthy and productive workplace environment 
• Possess experience working with or participating in aquatics swim lessons, lifeguarding, scheduling, etc.   
• Possess leadership skills required to provide corrective feedback to all staff, maintain and promote calm and empathetic communication to all staff and members/guests on a daily basis while on duty  
• The nature of the position requires physical effort such as setting up equipment, aerobic activity and some lifting 
• Must be able to relate to a diverse group of people of all ages 
• American Red Cross Lifeguard & Lifeguard Instructor Certification required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment 

Responsibilities 

• Plan, organize and conduct swim lesson programming that meets or exceeds expectations and needs of the community while also supporting the developed budget; be on-deck and readily available during group swim lessons and NEMO programming to assist and support (as scheduled) 
• Conduct orientation for all new swim lesson instructors and facilitate bimonthly check-ins and monthly in-services for all swim instructors in group swim lessons and NEMO (and open to private swim lesson instructors, under the collaboration and support of the Private Swim Lesson Coordinator) 
• Work with the Marketing Department and Aquatics Director to promote aquatics programming and increase participation across all programming venues 
• Train, motivate and evaluate swim lesson instructors (group swim lessons, NEMO, and/or private swim lesson instructors in coordination with Deck Manager and Private Swim Lesson Coordinator) in accordance with the direction of the Aquatics Director; work closely with the Aquatics Director to plan and develop an instructor training curriculum by which instructors are developed and evaluated/audited against 
• Set, manage, and communicate the standards for progression among the various skill levels within our group swim lessons and NEMO program with the Aquatics Director 
• Assist in development and management of the annual budget 
• Complete timely payroll approvals for all swim lesson instructors (group swim lessons, NEMO, and private swim lessons) in tandem with the Aquatics Director 
• Schedule on DigiQuatics all swim instructors for group swim lessons and NEMO 
• Schedule on DigiQuatics 2-3 weeks of the lifeguard schedule on a monthly basis 
• Promote a supportive and healthy workplace culture among all staff and within all forms of communication (in-person, GroupMe, etc) and role model respectful and positive interactions that project a growth mindset and provide corrective feedback with grace 
• Effectively manage the substitution/coverage process for group swim lesson instructors and NEMO swim instructors (and support with lifeguards proactively and as needed); acknowledging that you will teach swim lessons and/or lifeguard when needed to maintain program operations or pool operations and to support the wellness of the team; certain weeks/transition periods may dictate more assigned lifeguarding shifts and/or instructor shifts than others 
• Compile program evaluations for each session of group swim lessons and NEMO to review with the Aquatics Director 
• Collaborate with Aquatics Director to update and adhere to the Y-USA Aquatics Safety Plan and Y-USA Aquatics Guidelines 
• Regularly review and update knowledge on Model Aquatic Health Code, Illinois Swimming Facility Code, in-service training plans/agendas and programming, lifeguard and instructor assessment documentation to support the Aquatics Director 
• Provide administrative and/or direct support in facilitating, organizing, coordinating and evaluating weekly lifeguard in-services, monthly Lifeguard Classes, and monthly First Aid/CPR/AED classes for both staff and members/guests 
• Review and audit all schedules on Digiquatics on a daily and weekly basis 
• Manage all lane reservations and reflection of pool space allocations on Group Ex Pro 
• Monitor all crash bags and AEDs and perform daily inspection checklists and replenish supplies as needed and perform daily inspections of pool deck, swim lesson equipment, rescue tubes, guard stands, lane lines, down guard station, fans, etc. 
• Monitor the supplies and condition of all swim lesson equipment and storage space 
• Regularly clean storage units or progress trackers and support overall organizational efforts and initiatives set by the Aquatics Director  
• Work with the Aquatics Director to coordinate any special group lessons or events (ie: birthday party rentals, School Days Out, Y Nights, Day Camps, etc.), securing instructors, slide attendants, and implementing the program set forth 
• Respond to any emergency that warrants a pool closure with composure and urgency 
• Facilitate open and supportive communication with the Aquatics Director as it relates to staff issues and/or operations and programming needs, and follow all outlined procedures in the Aquatics Handbook with care and consistency 
• Exemplify the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility 

Other Responsibilities

• Building and role modeling professional relationships with all staff and members/guests 
• Arriving promptly and ready to work at scheduled times  
• Wearing approved uniform (YMCA staff shirt, lifeguard attire, shorts) and maintaining a neat appearance 
• Maintaining open lines of communications between staff and program participants 
• Responsible for communicating programmatic successes, challenges, needs, and/or issues to the Aquatics Director daily 
• Responsible for all other duties deemed necessary to support a positive and healthy workplace culture for all aquatics staff, programming, and operations 

Effect on End Result 

A successful Assistant Aquatics Director will provide key leadership to the organization and the Aquatics Director. Their involvement in programming will assist in the attainment of individual and association goals and objectives. They will project a positive image of the organization, aquatics department and all other programs of the association, while also developing family partnerships. They will infuse programs and staff with the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, in accordance with the organization's mission.  

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform responsible related business duties if required by the immediate supervisor or Chief Executive Officer. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary. This job description is not a written or an implied contract. 

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life and LTD Insurance
• Paid Vacation, sick, and personal days
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) and 401(a) 
• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise

Abuse Prevention

As a YMCA staff member, you are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants, and colleagues. This includes actively adhering to and promoting the YMCA's abuse risk management policies, which are designed to prevent and address any potential incidents of abuse. You are expected to remain vigilant in recognizing signs of abuse, report any concerns or suspicious behaviors immediately, and participate in required training to stay informed on best practices for safeguarding. Your commitment to these protocols is essential in fostering a trusted, respectful, and secure environment for everyone involved in YMCA programs and services.