Aquatics Lead

Willamalane Park and Recreation District•Springfield, OR

9d•$19 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Aquatics Lead aids in general aquatic department operations, including pool chemical checks and adjustments, lifeguarding, programming, concessions, and swim lessons, while providing guest services as needed. The work schedule depends on departmental needs and is subject to supervisor approval and change. The role performs daily facility operations, promotes patron safety, completes applicable reports and records, and monitors guest services provided by lifeguards, front desk staff, water fitness instructors, swim lesson instructors, and swim lesson programmers. The employee provides feedback to Aquatic Supervisors to support best practices and compliance with maintenance protocols. The position works under the direct supervision of a department supervisor and may lead other staff under the direction of aquatic supervisors, but is not itself a supervisory position. The role may provide programmer, lifeguard, and swim lesson instructor services; assess and document pool conditions; inspect slides and equipment; support facility operations, events, rentals, and programs; respond to emergencies; teach swim lessons, including fourth-grade lessons; and assist with lifeguard and CPR/AED training. The employee is expected to communicate responsively with Aquatics leadership, respond professionally to feedback and concerns, and work within established chains of responsibility and authority. This is a part-time, benefited, nonexempt, AFSCME-represented position scheduled for 25–39 hours per week. Shifts vary with departmental needs and include mornings, daytime, evenings, and weekends. The desired start date is December 14, 2026. Work is performed inside the facility, with exposure to an approximately 88°F humid environment (which may be warmer in summer) and high noise levels on the pool deck. The position has substantial physical requirements, including standing, swimming, lifting and towing people in water, and meeting American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course swimming and retrieval standards.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
At least one year of aquatic experience and training demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, maturity, and professional judgment needed to perform the duties.
Possess an American Red Cross Professional Lifeguard certification or equivalent, including CPR/AED for lifeguards or professional rescuers, Emergency Care and Assessment, and BLS/CPR certificates.
Possess, or be able to obtain within one year of hire, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor and CPR Instructor certifications.
Complete Verbal Judo training, or have the ability to complete it within one year of hire.
Demonstrate professional lifeguarding, emergency care, and assessment skills, including CPR/AED and First Aid; the ability to perform submerged rescues in 13 feet of water; and the ability to meet American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course swimming and object-retrieval requirements.
Communicate effectively with guests and staff and recognize and address service, safety, and operational issues.
Be able to conduct pool chemistry and mechanical checks as required and facilitate swim lesson curriculum and instruction.
Be able to make responsible independent decisions; monitor staff performance, facility operations, guest services, and program delivery; interpret and implement department policies; work cooperatively; identify needs and problem causes; and implement solutions.
Meet the position's physical requirements, including frequently standing, bending, swimming, and lifting and towing in and out of water; occasionally carrying tables and chairs weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance; and helping maneuver a pool mat cart.
Be able to perform the swimming and water-object retrieval tasks specified in the American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course requirements.
Maintain and use required personal protective equipment: rip-resistant nitrile gloves, a safety mask, a one-way-valve CPR responder mask, and liquid-proof gloves for general maintenance.
Complete a drug screen and criminal background check before employment.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience in an aquatic position, such as lifeguard, swim instructor, or programmer.
Training or certifications in aquatic programming relevant to the position, in addition to the required special certifications.

Responsibilities

Perform water-chemical checks, assess water clarity and overall pool conditions, make necessary adjustments, and complete documentation and guest-service procedures.
Perform daily slide inspections and maintain equipment needed for staff and patron safety.
Monitor facility operations, staff performance, and guest services, and report potential improvements to Aquatic Supervisors.
Implement guest-service and promotional programs, community-service and educational programs, group and corporate rentals, special events, and facility and maintenance procedures.
Respond to emergencies and suggest improvements to the Aquatic Emergency Action Plan.
Work with Aquatic Supervisors and Coordinators to suggest monthly training topics, and attend and participate in relevant in-service training.
Perform assigned opening, mid-day, or closing duties.
Promote compliance with facility-use and program policies and injury-prevention guidelines, and proactively provide services to guests and staff.
Teach and facilitate student learning according to Willamalane swim lesson programming, meet with parents or guardians to provide feedback, and teach fourth-grade swim lessons.
Collaborate with Aquatic Supervisors and Coordinators to help meet professional service and performance goals.
Lead or co-instruct lifeguard training and First Aid CPR/AED courses as assigned.
Support aquatic program development, implementation, and evaluation by providing feedback for improvement.
Respond professionally to staff and guest questions, suggestions, and concerns about Aquatics programs, activities, policies, and practices.
Maintain active and responsive communication with Aquatics leadership; read and stay current on departmental communications and directives, and respond promptly to calls and texts about shifts, facility updates, and scheduling.
Respond professionally to correction, accept direction, and take personal accountability for resolving misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance problems.
Perform other job-related duties or tasks as assigned.

Benefits

Paid sick leave beginning on the date of hire.
Paid holidays: 11 District-recognized holidays plus one floating holiday per calendar year.
Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance beginning the first of the month following date of hire.
Annual cost-of-living increase of up to 4%, as approved by the Board.
Merit increase of 3% upon successful completion of the probationary period and annually thereafter.
Additional $1 per hour upon successful completion of a Spanish competency test.
Retirement benefits after completing the probationary period.
Voluntary deferred compensation and flexible spending programs.
Discount on selected childcare programs, subject to Policy Manual restrictions.
25% discount on certain recreation programs.
Free lap and play swimming at pools for the employee and family.
Free fitness center use for the employee and family.
Free wellness programs for the employee.
Payroll direct deposit is available.