Aquatics Manager

Lead the Launch. Build the Team. Shape Aquatics in Chico.

CARD is launching a world-class aquatics facility and we need the right leader to build it. Opening in late 2026, the new facility features a 50-meter competition pool, warm-up pool, leisure pool, water slides, lazy river, and splash pad -- complementing existing operations at Pleasant Valley Recreation Center and the Chapman Splash Pad. This is a regional aquatics destination and a genuine community investment, and we are looking for an experienced aquatics professional ready to build it from the ground up.

Chico, California offers an exceptional quality of life and a lower cost of living than most California metros. If you are ready to lead at scale and leave a lasting mark on a community that is invested in getting this right, we want to hear from you.

Why This Role:

• Build something that lasts: You will shape the programs, the team, the culture, and the operational standards of a world-class facility from day one. What you build here will define aquatics in this community for a generation
• Lead at real scale: A substantial department budget, a full-time team you will hire and develop, and up to 150 seasonal staff. This is a division-level leadership role with the scope to match
• The organization and the community: CARD is mission-driven with a strong team culture, and Chico is a genuinely great place to live -- outdoor recreation, a vibrant community, and a project that will be truly transformational for the entire region

What You'll Do: You will lead the operational launch of a new regional aquatics facility while managing existing operations across multiple sites. You will build and oversee a full-time team, direct a large seasonal workforce, manage a substantial budget, develop a comprehensive program suite, and ensure every facility runs safely and compliantly every day.

Who You Are: You are an experienced aquatics professional with genuine technical depth and the leadership instincts to build something from the ground up. You have managed complex operations, developed strong teams, and made sound decisions under pressure. You know when to act and when to bring things forward. You are not looking for a role to maintain -- you are looking for one to build.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aquatics Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all CARD aquatic facilities and programs, including the Chapman Splash Pad, Pleasant Valley Recreation Center 25-yard pool, operational oversight of Sycamore Pool and swimming holes along Big Chico Creek, and the new state-of-the-art Aquatics Facility featuring 50-meter competition, warm-up, and leisure pools with water park features, opening in late 2026. This position is responsible for long-range planning, budget management, regulatory compliance, and community partnerships. The Aquatics Manager will lead a full-time team of 6, including 3 direct reports, and oversee seasonal staffing of up to 150 employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Lead the operational launch and ongoing management of all CARD aquatics facilities, including program development, staffing models, and revenue optimization
• Establish long-term vision for aquatic programming, including rec swim team, water polo, fitness and therapeutic programs, learn-to-swim and water safety initiatives, and other recreational offerings
• Analyze industry trends, community demographics, and market conditions to identify program expansion opportunities and service enhancements
• Represent aquatics programs to community stakeholders, partner organizations, and governing bodies

Financial Management and Business Operations

• Develop and manage a substantial department budget, including revenue projections, expense forecasting, and capital planning
• Implement pricing strategies and revenue optimization initiatives to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining community accessibility
• Support sponsorship initiatives by identifying partnership opportunities, cultivating relationships with potential sponsors, and articulating the aquatics program funding need

Facility Operations and Safety Management

• Ensure safe, compliant operation of all aquatic facilities in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, including health codes, water quality management, and chemical handling procedures
• Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency action plans, safety protocols, and risk management procedures
• Coordinate facility maintenance, equipment repairs, and capital improvement projects with appropriate departments

Program Development and Management

• Build and launch a comprehensive aquatic program suite for a new world-class facility, including instructional classes, recreation teams, therapeutic programs, special events, and recreational swimming
• Partner with the Staff and Program Development Manager to develop and evaluate ongoing aquatic programming
• Partner with the Inclusion department to develop inclusive programming strategies that serve participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Establish program policies, procedures, and standards of service delivery
• Monitor program participation, customer satisfaction, and outcomes; implement improvements based on data analysis

Human Resources and Staff Development

• Build and lead a high-performing aquatics team, directly supervising 3 professional staff within a full-time team of 6, and overseeing recruitment, hiring, and retention of up to 150 seasonal employees including lifeguards, instructors, front desk, and custodial staff
• Develop and maintain comprehensive training programs ensuring staff competency in safety, emergency response, customer service, and program delivery
• Foster a team culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, competitive swim teams, and aquatic associations to expand program reach and identify partnership opportunities
• Represent CARD aquatics at community events, professional associations, and public meetings; respond to inquiries and concerns with professionalism

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in division leadership and contribute to district-wide strategic initiatives
• Serve in emergency response roles as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in aquatic facility management, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity
• Experience managing multiple facilities or large-scale aquatic operations
• Demonstrated experience in budget development, financial management, and program development

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• Current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Current Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications for the Professional Rescuer
• Valid California Class C Driver's License with satisfactory driving record

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience opening or launching a new aquatic facility or major program expansion
• Experience with competitive aquatic programming including swim teams or water polo
• Experience developing or managing sponsorship relationships
• Bilingual - Spanish preferred
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local regulations governing aquatic facilities, water chemistry, and pool systems
• Competitive and recreational aquatic programming for diverse populations
• Risk management, emergency response protocols, and incident investigation
• Human resources practices including recruitment, supervision, and performance management of large seasonal workforces

Skills and Abilities

• Lead strategically and manage complex budgets; make data-driven decisions that balance financial sustainability with community accessibility
• Build and develop a high-performing team; recruit, mentor, and retain staff across a large and diverse workforce
• Interpret and apply aquatic facility regulations and safety standards; investigate incidents and implement corrective measures with sound judgment
• Exercise independent judgment in operational and safety decisions; know when to act and when to escalate

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking, standing, and moving about aquatic facilities including wet and slippery pool decks
• Ability to enter water and perform rescue in emergency situations
• Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs to access mechanical rooms and facility areas
• Sufficient sensory acuity to monitor facility operations and communicate effectively in high-noise environments

Work Environment:

• Work performed in aquatic facility environments with exposure to chemicals, moisture, temperature variations, and high humidity
• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Office environment for administrative duties
• Work schedule includes irregular hours with frequent evening, weekend, and on-call requirements
• May require response during extreme weather events or facility emergencies
• Work schedule includes irregular hours with frequent evening and weekend requirements as well as on-call responsibilities for emergency situations