Aquatics Coordinator - Head Swim Coach (Full-Time; Seasonal)

Description

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction. 

Mountain Recreation is seeking a passionate and experienced Aquatics Coordinator - Head Swim Coach to lead our swim lessons and competitive swim team programs. This dynamic role is responsible for developing swimmers of all ages and abilities by fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in swim instruction and team coaching, with the ability to motivate athletes, build technical skills, and promote a lifelong love of swimming. This position plays a key role in mentoring assistant coaches, designing age-appropriate training plans, and ensuring a safe and supportive experience for all participants.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Aquatics Coordinator - Head Swim Coach

Location: District-wide • Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO), Gypsum Creek Pool (Gypsum, CO), Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (Eagle, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Seasonal – April through September 

Work Environment: Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. Hours vary depending upon specific program needs. 

Duties may be performed indoors or outdoors; the work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent exposure to the sun, wet and/or humid conditions, or other outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic, or caustic chemicals (such as chlorine).
• Exposure to moderate levels of noise.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and standing for long durations.

The flow of work and character of duties require high levels of mental and visual attention, much or all of the time. This position also requires the ability to maintain focus for multiple hours at a time in sunny, hot, and humid conditions. Job stress may include dealing with crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, emergency response, sun exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Directly supervised by Aquatics Specialists, Aquatics Coordinator, and Aquatics Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $24.22 - $30.29/hour; DOE; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test. 

Benefits: 

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a) retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

General Statement of Duties: Provide novice, introductory, and competitive swim instruction with some independence. Teach the fundamentals of competitive swimming with a focus on progressive technique development. Promote an environment consistent with program philosophies and goals. 

Examples of Duties:

Plans and instructs novice swim practices; develops and implements age- and skill-appropriate curriculum.

• Supervises participants in the novice swim program, ensuring their progress, safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
• Leads High Country Swim League operations, including hosting swim meets and supervising swim coaches.
• Coordinates and teaches American Red Cross Group and Private Swim lessons, delegating to part-time staff first and supplementing their availability by teaching in the water.
• Assists in the day-to-day operations of the facilities, ensuring they are safe and operating properly.
• Expected to lifeguard as needed to ensure adequate coverage and maintain pool operations
• Completes required records and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of facilities and equipment.
• Responds to emergency situations as a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard, filling in lifeguard shifts as needed.
• Communicates with program participants and instructors via telephone or email regarding class cancellations, program changes, added classes, processing refunds, and responding to all correspondence.
• Ensures quality customer service is delivered through aquatic programs and facilities.
• Inputs online information for registration in Amilia software and assists with marketing and promotional efforts for programs in coordination with the Marketing & Community Engagement Director.
• Serves as a Mandatory Reporter and reports any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.
• Attends required meetings, including Eagle Pool and Ice Rink summer staff orientation, Mountain Recreation All-Staff meetings, High Country Swim League pre- and post-season meetings, Mountain Recreation Board and Community meetings, and lifeguard in-service training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: Knowledge of learning development, stroke technique, water safety, teaching methods, practices, and progressions. Strong personal swimming skills

Skills and abilities: 

• Demonstrate initiative, exercise some independent decision making, plan activities and tasks
• Provide leadership from within team
• Effectively communicate with staff and public
• Interact with a variety of patrons/participants
• Demonstrate swim techniques
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with all contacts.

Tools and Equipment Used: Safety and rescue equipment, small hand tools for minor pool maintenance, phone/walkie - talkie, chemical test kit, pool vacuum, brushes, pressure washer, and various pool cleaning materials.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent; AND
• One-year previous work-related experience with swimming instructional programs or coaching; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training.

Certifications:

• Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
• WSI Certification (preferred)

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 18 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.