Assistant Aquatics Director

Pay starting at $19.00 per hour and up based on experience

Turn Your Passion for Aquatics into Leadership That Makes Waves.

Position Summary

At the YMCA, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Aquatics Director plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operation and growth of aquatic programs while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for participants, members, volunteers, and staff. This position combines leadership, hands-on program delivery, staff development, customer service, and safety oversight. The Assistant Aquatics Director works closely with the Aquatics Director to support program operations, supervise staff, maintain compliance, and help deliver exceptional aquatic experiences for the community.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Assistant Aquatics Directors:

• Create a safe, positive, and engaging aquatic environment.
• Build strong relationships with participants, families, staff, and community partners.
• Lead by example through active involvement in daily operations and program delivery.
• Support and develop aquatic staff through training, coaching, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, certifications, and YMCA policies.
• Adapt quickly to changing schedules, staffing needs, and operational priorities.

What You'll Be Doing

Aquatics Program Operations

• Assist with the planning, coordination, marketing, and evaluation of aquatic programs and services.
• Support the growth and quality of swim lessons, lifeguarding programs, aquatic fitness classes, and special events.
• Monitor participant satisfaction and recommend improvements to enhance member experiences.
• Help ensure programs align with YMCA standards and community needs.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training aquatic staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching, support, and performance feedback.
• Help conduct staff evaluations and support corrective action processes when needed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.

Direct Program Leadership

• Provide active supervision during assigned shifts.
• Spend a significant portion of time on deck, in the pool area, and directly supporting participants and staff.
• Assist with swim lessons, aquatic programming, special events, and operational coverage as needed.
• Serve as a role model for professionalism, customer service, and safety.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, including CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instructor certifications.
• Conduct and participate in emergency drills and in-service trainings.
• Monitor safety practices and ensure compliance with YMCA policies and industry standards.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and support incident management procedures.

Administrative Support

• Assist with scheduling, payroll processing, record keeping, and reporting.
• Support budget management and help ensure programs operate within approved financial guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records related to certifications, training, attendance, and safety compliance.
• Assist with purchasing and maintaining aquatic equipment and supplies.

Community Engagement

• Respond professionally and promptly to member questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Support YMCA fundraising efforts, including the Annual Campaign.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen YMCA impact and engagement.

What You Should Know Before Applying

This is a hands-on leadership role. While administrative responsibilities are an important part of the position, much of your time will be spent supporting staff, supervising aquatic areas, interacting with participants, and helping ensure programs run smoothly.

You May Enjoy This Role If You:

• Enjoy mentoring and developing staff.
• Like working directly with participants and families.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day is different.
• Are passionate about water safety and aquatic education.
• Enjoy balancing leadership responsibilities with direct program involvement.
• Value teamwork, community impact, and mission-driven work.

Challenges of the Role

• Working in a physically active environment with prolonged periods on deck or in aquatic areas.
• Managing multiple priorities, schedules, and staffing needs simultaneously.
• Responding quickly and effectively during emergencies.
• Working evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call shifts.
• Maintaining high safety standards while delivering excellent member experiences.
• Balancing administrative responsibilities with operational and participant-facing duties.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of two years of experience in aquatics, recreation, or a related field.
• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office software.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergency situations.

Preferred

• Previous experience supervising staff or leading aquatic programs.
• Experience with scheduling, budgeting, and program administration.
• Experience working in a YMCA or nonprofit environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in humid, wet, and aquatic environments for extended periods.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and extreme temperatures during seasonal aquatic operations.
• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively and monitor participant safety.
• High level of alertness, concentration, and initiative, particularly in safety-sensitive situations.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.