Aquatics Manager

Smoky Mountain Resorts•Sevierville, TN

About The Position

The Aquatics Manager is a key leader responsible for managing and directing aquatics operations and waterpark safety in collaboration with the property General Manager. The role oversees pool and waterpark maintenance, including water chemistry, climate control, cleanliness, and related maintenance, while supporting guest satisfaction through excellent service and team leadership. The manager oversees daily aquatics operations, team recruitment and training, lifeguard testing and certification, safety and regulatory compliance, budgets, labor, inventory, schedules, and approved waterpark programs. The position also coaches and develops team members, addresses workplace issues, conducts performance reviews, supports guest-service initiatives, and works with local agencies to maintain waterpark compliance. When waterparks are not operating, the manager may assume other resort responsibilities as assigned. The role requires 8 to 10 or more hours per shift and 5 or 6 or more days per week depending on occupancy and staffing. Weekends and holidays are part of the operating schedule during periods of peak demand. Work is primarily in the waterpark, with some duties in an indoor office environment and exposure to temperature extremes, 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 overseeing 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, maintained through 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 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 and during the stated shift demands, including weekends and holidays when required by peak demand.
Fluent English communication skills, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing; ability to adapt Spanish interpretation when necessary.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize, plan, meet deadlines, and manage time.
Ability to address conflict by clarifying issues, bringing parties together, identifying solutions, and monitoring 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 demonstrate integrity, accountability, flexibility, cooperation, patience, tact, sound judgment, and professionalism under pressure.
Ability to work well with others, train people, provide excellent guest service, adapt to procedural changes, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Ability to meet company expectations for appearance, hygiene, and dress.
Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the role, including standing and walking for most of the day, climbing stairs, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasionally lifting and moving up to 50 pounds independently.
Ability to tolerate indoor and outdoor work conditions, including varying temperatures, sun, humidity, chlorine, and water.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily aquatics operations, including recruiting, training, testing, certification, coaching, compliance, rentals, and aquatic common areas.
Test aquatics candidates before employment offers to confirm they meet prerequisites for American Red Cross lifeguard certification.
Follow and enforce company operating policies, property procedures, and applicable lifeguard manuals.
Comply with TOSHA certification requirements and biohazard safety procedures.
Monitor and maintain water health and safety standards.
Manage expenses and labor within approved budget guidelines.
Order and manage 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 professionally with team members and guests.
Stay informed about waterpark risk management, industry trends, safety incidents, and equipment and product changes.
Perform related duties and other resort roles as assigned when waterparks are non-operational.
Assist with recruiting and candidate evaluation in accordance with labor laws and company policies.
Address team-member issues promptly and professionally; provide feedback, instruction, and annual performance reviews.
Coach team members, foster a positive work environment, recognize achievements, support engagement, and resolve workplace conflict.
Respond promptly and effectively to guest-related incidents and action items to prevent recurrence.
Maintain cleanliness, maintenance, and care of property grounds, pool and aquatic common areas, and back-of-house areas.
Lead by example and encourage exceptional guest interactions in support of guest satisfaction and repeat stays.
Conduct weekly in-service training, including shallow-water lifeguard and CPR/AED skills, and lead waterpark safety scenario practice.
Work with local health departments, fire inspectors, and other state or local agencies to maintain waterpark compliance.
Complete reports and paperwork by required deadlines and maintain accuracy in work and project assignments.
Assist the General Manager or designated manager with performance issues and progressive discipline, up to and including termination.
Participate in leadership training, maintain confidentiality, and keep work areas safe, organized, and maintained.
Monitor team members’ proficiency in surveillance, accident prevention, rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR/AED.
Monitor guest incidents and property areas for potentially 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 program.
401(k) with 4% company match.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Paid time off.
Sick time.
Maternity and paternity leave.
Professional growth opportunities.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee discounts.