Aquatics Manager

Smoky Mountain Resorts • Sevierville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aquatics Manager is a key leader responsible for directing aquatics operations and waterpark safety in collaboration with the property General Manager. The role oversees pool maintenance, including water chemistry, climate control, cleanliness, and related maintenance, while promoting guest satisfaction through strong service and team leadership.

The manager oversees daily aquatics operations, hiring support, candidate testing, training, certification, coaching, compliance, rentals, aquatic common areas, budgets, inventory, schedules, and waterpark programs. The role monitors water health and safety standards, maintains compliance with company and regulatory requirements, coordinates with local agencies, and conducts ongoing safety and skills training. The manager also supports team member engagement and performance, responds to guest issues, and may assume other resort responsibilities when waterparks are not operating.

The position involves working 8 to 10 or more hours per shift, five or six or more days per week depending on occupancy and staffing needs. Weekends and holidays are affected by peak demand. Work takes place partly in an indoor office and mostly in the waterpark, with exposure to varied temperatures, sun, humidity, chlorine, and water.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience working in the operation of a family aquatic center, pool complex, waterpark, or related recreation area.
• At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience managing 10 or more team members in a family aquatic center, pool complex, waterpark, or related recreation area.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of the work start date.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification, with recertification before expiration.
• Aquatic or waterpark experience and experience in at least one of the following industries: hospitality, resort, or theme park.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to be covered by company insurance.
• Ability to work well with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to observe, measure, and inspect all aspects of waterpark operations.
• Good physical condition and ability to perform indoor and outdoor duties.
• Ability to train and monitor team members in surveillance, accident prevention, rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR/AED.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Fluent English communication skills, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing; adapt Spanish interpretation when necessary.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize, plan, meet deadlines, and manage time.
• Ability to clarify workplace conflicts, bring parties together, identify solutions, and monitor resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software, including Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use the Purple Cloud system, Paycor system, and advanced Property Management system.
• Ability to assess guest incidents and potentially unsafe property conditions and request assistance when needed.
• Ability to work 8 to 10 or more hours per shift, five or six or more days each week as demand requires, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform the physical functions described, including standing and walking for most of the day, climbing stairs, and occasionally lifting and moving up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to tolerate varied temperatures and exposure to sun, humidity, chlorine, and water.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily aquatics operations, including candidate evaluation, training, testing, certification, coaching, compliance, rentals, and aquatic common areas.
• Test candidates before employment offers to verify prerequisite requirements for American Red Cross lifeguard certification.
• Follow and enforce company operating policies, property requirements, and applicable lifeguard manuals.
• Comply with TOSHA certification requirements and biohazard procedures, including safe handling responsibilities.
• Monitor and maintain water health and safety standards.
• Manage approved expense and labor budget guidelines.
• Order and maintain inventory of waterpark-related items and first aid supplies.
• Implement and monitor approved waterpark programs.
• Train and transition to electronic files where applicable.
• Develop weekly electronic work schedules as assigned and ensure schedules comply with company, state, and federal FLSA guidelines.
• Interact positively and in a friendly manner with team members and guests.
• Stay informed about industry trends, waterpark risk management, safety incidents, and equipment or product changes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including other resort roles when waterparks are non-operational.
• Assist with recruiting and candidate evaluation in compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Address team member issues promptly and professionally; provide regular feedback, instruction, and annual performance reviews.
• Coach team members, encourage their development, recognize achievements, and support engagement and conflict resolution.
• Respond promptly and effectively to guest-related action items and incidents to help prevent recurrence.
• Maintain cleanliness, maintenance, and care of property grounds, pool areas, aquatic common areas, and back-of-house areas.
• Promote guest satisfaction by modeling and teaching excellent guest service and encouraging exceptional guest interactions.
• Conduct weekly in-service training, including shallow-water lifeguard and CPR/AED skills, and lead safety scenario practice.
• Work with health departments, fire inspectors, and other agencies to maintain waterpark compliance.
• Complete required reports and paperwork by deadlines and maintain accuracy in work and project assignments.
• Assist the property GM or designated manager with performance issues and progressive discipline, up to and including termination.
• Participate in leadership training and maintain confidentiality and sound judgment regarding privileged information.
• Keep work areas safe, organized, and maintained.
• Monitor waterparks and guest areas for unsafe conditions and request assistance when necessary.
• Make or assist with rescues when necessary.

Benefits

• Company-paid vacation after one year of service through the Years of Service Getaway.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for $29 per week.
• Paid time off.
• Sick time.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED