Aquatics Manager

Smoky Mountain Resorts • Pigeon Forge, TN

1d • $55,000

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 supporting guest satisfaction through excellent service and team leadership.

The manager oversees daily aquatics operations, staffing, recruiting, training, lifeguard certification, compliance, inventory, budgets, scheduling, and waterpark programs. The role also coaches and supports team members, handles guest and workplace issues, maintains safety and cleanliness standards, conducts regular in-service training and emergency scenarios, and works with local agencies to ensure compliance. When waterparks are not operating, the manager may be assigned responsibilities in other resort roles.

The position requires working 8 to 10 or more hours per shift, five or six or more days per week, depending on occupancy and staffing demands. Weekends and holidays are affected by peak demand. Two example schedules are provided in the posting. Work takes place in an indoor office environment and primarily in the waterpark, with exposure to varying temperatures, sun, humidity, chlorine, and water.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience operating 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 starting work.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification and recertification before expiration.
• Aquatic or waterpark experience, in addition to experience in at least one of the following industries: hospitality, resort, or theme park.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for company insurance.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to consistently 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; ability to adapt Spanish interpretation when necessary.
• Strong organization 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 assess guest incidents and potentially unsafe property conditions and request assistance when needed.
• Professional integrity, accountability, tact, composure under pressure, flexibility, cooperation, patience, friendliness, and commitment to working well with others.
• Ability to train others, provide excellent guest service, adapt to procedural changes, contribute to a positive team environment, and recognize others’ accomplishments.
• Professional appearance, hygiene, and dress consistent with the company’s image.
• Ability to meet the listed vision requirements, including peripheral, distance, close, and depth perception and adjusting focus.
• Ability to talk, hear, sit, use hands to handle and feel objects, stand, walk, climb and descend stairs, and reach, bend, push, pull, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently on occasion.
• Ability to tolerate varying outdoor temperatures and exposure to sun, humidity, chlorine, and water, and to stand and walk for most of the day.
• Continuous ability to remember information.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily aquatics operations, including recruiting, candidate evaluation, training, testing, certification, coaching, compliance, rentals, and aquatic common areas.
• Test candidates for prerequisite skills before employment offers to verify eligibility 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 handling procedures.
• Monitor and maintain water health and safety standards.
• Manage approved expense and labor budgets.
• 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, subject to review and approval, and ensure schedules comply with company, state, and federal FLSA guidelines.
• Interact positively and cordially with team members and guests during all shifts.
• Keep current on industry trends, waterpark risk management, safety incidents, and equipment and product changes.
• Perform other assigned duties, including assuming responsibilities in 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 professionally, provide regular feedback and instruction, conduct annual performance reviews, coach team members, encourage their development, recognize achievements, support engagement, and resolve workplace conflict.
• Respond promptly and effectively to guest-related action items, incidents, and problems to help prevent recurrence.
• Maintain and support cleanliness, maintenance, and care of property grounds, pool areas, aquatic common areas, and back-of-house areas.
• Lead by example and teach excellent guest service; empower team members to provide exceptional guest interactions.
• Conduct weekly in-service training, including shallow-water lifeguard skills and CPR/AED training.
• Lead and practice safety and waterpark scenarios.
• Work with local health departments, fire inspectors, and other state or local agencies to maintain waterpark compliance.
• Complete reports and paperwork accurately and by required deadlines.
• Assist the property General Manager or designated manager with performance issues and progressive discipline, up to and including termination.
• Participate in leadership training classes.
• Maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment with privileged information.
• Keep work areas safe, organized, and maintained.
• 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