What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Aquatics Director position at YMCA of the USA?
overseeing daily aquatics operations, program quality, and staff development
Job Description
The Assistant Aquatics Director is a leadership role responsible for supporting the work of the Y by overseeing daily aquatics operations, program quality, and staff development while creating a high‑quality, member‑centered aquatics environment. This position exercises independent judgment in operational decision‑making, staff oversight, and program execution, fostering an inclusive, safe, and engaging experience for both staff and members. As a key member of the aquatics leadership team, the Assistant Aquatics Director collaborates closely with the Aquatics Director and may serve in a lead or acting capacity as needed to meet departmental and organizational goals. This exempt position follows a Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday schedule to support weekend aquatics operations and member needs.
Qualifications
Operations & Safety Oversight
Oversee and direct daily aquatics operations with accountability for safety, staffing, and program outcomes
Monitor pool operations, maintain accurate chemical and maintenance logs, and ensure compliance-based documentation
Exercise independent judgment to determine staffing levels and scheduling to meet safety and operational standards
Conduct safety drills, audits, and ongoing training with the Aquatics Directors
Program Leadership & Member Experience
Lead and support high-quality swim lesson programming, including lesson consistency, instructor coaching, and participant experience
Lead and manage program scheduling, ensuring strategic use of pool space to meet program and member needs.
Support department efforts to grow swim lesson enrollment and strengthen member engagement
Staff Leadership & Development
Lead and support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, coaching of aquatics staff
Promote an inclusive and supportive work environment rooted in YMCA values
Provide ongoing staff development through coaching, training, feedback, and corrective guidance
Model strong communication and relationship-building skills with staff, members, and volunteers
Administrative & Organizational Support
Collaborate with the Aquatics Director with departmental planning and operational projects
Provide flexible direct service hours (lifeguarding or teaching) based on program needs
Support annual campaign efforts and Y-wide initiatives
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Ymca Competencies
Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well to others
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
Innovation: Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
Quality Results: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Self-Development: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
Required Certifications
Current YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard, LGI preferred.
Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor preferred along swim instruction experience.
Current CPO or POOL (Pool Operation On Location) required within the first 90 days of hire.
Job Description
The Assistant Aquatics Director is a leadership role responsible for supporting the work of the Y by overseeing daily aquatics operations, program quality, and staff development while creating a high‑quality, member‑centered aquatics environment. This position exercises independent judgment in operational decision‑making, staff oversight, and program execution, fostering an inclusive, safe, and engaging experience for both staff and members. As a key member of the aquatics leadership team, the Assistant Aquatics Director collaborates closely with the Aquatics Director and may serve in a lead or acting capacity as needed to meet departmental and organizational goals. This exempt position follows a Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday schedule to support weekend aquatics operations and member needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred.
- One to two years related experience; for example, supervisor or head lifeguard.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Current YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard, LGI preferred.
- Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor preferred along swim instruction experience.
- Current CPO or POOL (Pool Operation On Location) required within the first 90 days of hire.
- Ability to lead others and to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
- Ability to make sound judgement and decision making.
- Ability to communicate effectively- verbally and in written form—with members, staff and volunteers
Operations & Safety Oversight
Oversee and direct daily aquatics operations with accountability for safety, staffing, and program outcomes
Monitor pool operations, maintain accurate chemical and maintenance logs, and ensure compliance-based documentation
Exercise independent judgment to determine staffing levels and scheduling to meet safety and operational standards
Conduct safety drills, audits, and ongoing training with the Aquatics Directors
Program Leadership & Member Experience
Lead and support high-quality swim lesson programming, including lesson consistency, instructor coaching, and participant experience
Lead and manage program scheduling, ensuring strategic use of pool space to meet program and member needs.
Support department efforts to grow swim lesson enrollment and strengthen member engagement
Staff Leadership & Development
Lead and support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, coaching of aquatics staff
Promote an inclusive and supportive work environment rooted in YMCA values
Provide ongoing staff development through coaching, training, feedback, and corrective guidance
Model strong communication and relationship-building skills with staff, members, and volunteers
Administrative & Organizational Support
Collaborate with the Aquatics Director with departmental planning and operational projects
Provide flexible direct service hours (lifeguarding or teaching) based on program needs
Support annual campaign efforts and Y-wide initiatives
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Ymca Competencies
Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well to others
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
Innovation: Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
Quality Results: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Self-Development: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
Required Certifications
Current YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard, LGI preferred.
Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor preferred along swim instruction experience.
Current CPO or POOL (Pool Operation On Location) required within the first 90 days of hire.