Recreation Program Coordinator

Community Services Program Coordinator for the Aquatics DivisionAre you seeking professional growth and development? Consider joining the City of San Bernardino's Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department as a Community Services Program Coordinator for the Aquatics Division! As a future member of our team, you'll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history—shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences—continues to inspire the city's evolving identity. San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose—and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.The Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and overall oversight of aquatic facilities, including staff scheduling, training, and supervision of lifeguard, swim instructors, and frontline staff. This role ensures a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming environment for all patrons while managing the aquatics budget, supplies, marketing presence, and staff training and performance evaluations. Work schedule may require evenings, weekends, and holidays based on facility programming needs. On-call availability for emergencies may be required.Duties & Responsibilities:Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and other aquatics staff.Develop and maintain staff work schedules to ensure adequate coverage during all hours of facility operation.Conduct regular in-service trainings, lifeguard skill audits, and emergency response drills.Perform annual staff performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.Ensure all staff certifications (lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, Title 22 etc.) remain current.Address staff performance issues, conduct disciplinary actions when necessary, and maintain accurate personnel records.Provide overall oversight of the aquatic facility, including pool operations, safety protocols, and cleanliness standards.Monitor water chemistry and coordinate with maintenance staff to ensure compliance with local health and safety codes.Conduct routine facility inspections and address safety hazards promptly.Develop, implement, and enforce facility policies, rules, and emergency action plans.Serve as the primary point of contact during emergencies and incidents, completing and processing required incident reports.Model and reinforce excellent customer service techniques among staff and patrons.Respond to patron inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a professional and timely manner.Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, patrons, management, and outside agencies.Prepare written reports, memos, and correspondence as needed.Create engaging and relevant social media content to promote aquatic programs, classes, and events.Collaborate with marketing staff to increase community awareness and program enrollment.Maintain accurate and up-to-date program information across digital and print platforms.Create, manage, and oversee the annual aquatics budget.Monitor expenditures and revenue to ensure fiscal responsibility.Purchase necessary aquatic supplies, equipment, and safety gear within budgetary guidelines.Maintain accurate inventory records and coordinate equipment repairs/replacements as needed.Plan, implement, and evaluate swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and special events.Monitor program enrollment and adjust offerings to meet community needs and demand.Ensure programs align with organizational goals and safety standards.The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will be an experienced, safety-focused aquatics professional with strong leadership and program-management skills. They will have experience supervising and developing aquatics staff, coordinating facility operations, and ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety standards. The successful candidate will be organized, approachable, and able to remain calm and make sound decisions during emergencies. They will also possess excellent customer service and communication skills, along with experience managing budgets, supplies, schedules, and aquatic programs. The ideal candidate will take initiative, manage competing priorities effectively, and foster positive working relationships with employees, patrons, City departments, and community partners.A Day in the Life Consists of: As the Aquatics Coordinator, you will oversee the daily operations of the City's aquatic facilities and programs. Your day will involve balancing staff supervision, facility safety, program coordination, customer service, and administrative responsibilities. Your duties may include:Coordinating daily aquatic facility operations and ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.Recruiting, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating lifeguards, swim instructors, and frontline staff.Conducting in-service training, lifeguard skill audits, and emergency response drills.Monitoring staff certifications and ensuring compliance with applicable safety requirements.Inspecting facilities, identifying safety concerns, and coordinating maintenance or corrective action.Responding to patron questions and concerns and serving as the primary point of contact during emergencies.Planning and evaluating swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, special events, and other aquatic programs.Monitoring program enrollment and adjusting services to meet community needs.Managing the aquatics budget, monitoring revenue and expenditures, and purchasing necessary equipment and supplies.Promoting aquatic programs through social media, digital platforms, and printed materials.Preparing reports, correspondence, incident documentation, and program recommendations.What You Need to Qualify: Education and Experience: High School diploma or G.E.D. AND Two (2) years of major college course work in recreation, physical education or a related field or three (3) years of recreation or community service experience, preferably in a municipal government environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Desirable Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, or related field preferred.Minimum of 4-5 years of aquatics experience, including 2-3 of supervisory experience.Current certifications in Lifeguard Training, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI).Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred (LGTI), (required within 6-months of employment)Water Safety Instructor Trainer preferred (WSIT).Strong knowledge of pool operations, water safety standards, and relevant health/safety codes.Certified Pool Operator certification preferred. (required within 6-months of employment)Knowledge of:Methods of planning, evaluating and administering a senior companion program.Community resources relating to frail elderly, gerontology, and the special at-risk populations served by senior companions when assigned to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.Current animal welfare industry standards and regulations when assigned to the Animal Services Department.Problems relating to indigent persons.Public relations techniques: including social media, website, press releases, and staff reports.Principles and practices of program development and administration.Principles and practices of grant writing and fund raising.Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.Care plan development.City policies, procedures, and standards.Skills in:Formulating and managing volunteer programs.Counseling and providing assistance to volunteers.Supervising senior companions and ensuring proper supervision of in-home assignments.Supervising volunteers and giving direction and guidance on proper cleaning as well as animal care protocols.Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff.Participating in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures.Working effectively with volunteer station staff ensuring proper matching of senior companions with clients in the Parks Department or proper matching of animals with caretakes in the Animal Services Department.Planning, organizing, and coordinating administrative activities.Interpreting the program policies and procedures to individuals and groups.Working independently, identifying the need for and