Job Summary

This Head Guard position is primarily responsible for assisting the Aquatic Director in overseeing all aquatic programs at the YMCA of Metro North Torigian Branch. Key responsibilities include orienting, training, and supervising aquatics staff to ensure adherence to policies and procedures. The Head Lifeguard also conducts member safety classes, delivers direct aquatic services like lifeguarding and swim instruction, and monitors facilities to enforce standards. This role may require up to 100% direct service delivery in the aquatic areas on any given day, depending on branch needs. Flexibility and a commitment to providing a safe, positive member experience are essential.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Be available to teach and/or guard as needed.
• Expected to work at minimum 30 hours a week, including one weekend day.
• In the absence of the Aquatics Director and Assistant Aquatics Director, be a point-of-contact for the aquatics team up to and including: manager on duty, drilling & safety, scheduling, etc.
• Provide excellent member service by exceeding member expectations.
• Engage in active listening with members in order to build relationships, understand individual’s goals and interests, and take the initiative to assist in the achievement of those goals.
• Work closely with the Aquatic Director in the execution of the Instructional swim programs.
• Be available to answer questions from members, program participants and staff.
• Share responsibility with supervisors for the care and maintenance of facility and related program equipment.
• Uphold safety standards during all pool activities, including but not limited to: camp swim, open swim, swim lessons, birthday parties, special events, swim tests.
• Ensure both pools, and splash pad are adequately chemically tested, tracked, and maintained to Board of Health standards.
• Open the pool a minimum of 1 day(s) a week.
• Maintain concise records essential for control, evaluation and reporting to committees, Board and Aquatics Director.
• Remain current in required and voluntary training in order to promote growth of mind and spirit and character values for all.
• All other duties as assigned or needed.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 18 years of age, with Red Cross certification. If certified with another organization, the employee must cross over to Red Cross certification within six months of hire.
• At least one year of experience in instruction of a wide variety of Aquatics programs and pool maintenance.
• Must be aware of YMCA movement and trends in the aquatic field and must continue to enhance his/her knowledge in YMCA Aquatic Management and certifications.

YMCA COMPENTENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA: Displays the YMCA values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty as well as displays flexibility and the ability to accept change. Is willing to try new methods and make/take suggestions. Shows a strong commitment to the YMCA, conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and for his/her work. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.

Collaboration/Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship building techniques; supports the role of fundraising in achieving the YMCA mission. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people. Consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve and involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings, required trainings and other work related activities, demonstrates responsible actions, consistently performs duties in a safe manner, follows standards, policies and procedures, is reliable an consistently punctual, and uses Y resources appropriately and efficiently. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and extreme heat (non-weather). The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand; walk and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.