Aquatic Director

Aquatics Director (Full-Time) – Camp Courageous

Location: Monticello, IA
Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Schedule: Includes evenings and weekends
Pay: Competitive, based on experience

Position Overview

Camp Courageous is seeking a Full-Time Aquatics Director to lead a dynamic, inclusive aquatics program serving both the public and campers with disabilities. This role oversees public pool programming, camper aquatics, swim instruction, and lifeguard staff while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatic experience.

Key Responsibilities

Aquatics Programs & Instruction

Develop and lead Learn-to-Swim programs for children and adults

Teach swim lessons and aquatic skills as needed

Lead water aerobics and aquatic fitness classes

Oversee public pool programming, including lap swim and open swim,

Schedule and facilitate use of pool by rentals groups, school groups, and staff use. Track and record income from public use of the pool.

Plan and lead aquatics programming for campers with disabilities , adapting activities as needed

Maintain list of Pool Donor Bricks and share when available

Attend staff and scheduling meetings to collaborate on quality swim programming, support evaluations, share new activities and announcements, and communicate updates on specific health or behavior concerns.

Hire, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards, assistant aquatic director and other aquatic staff

Conduct in-services, safety drills, and performance evaluations

Ensure all staff maintain required certifications

Safety & Operations

Ensure compliance with health codes, Iowa Pool Inspection requirements and American Camping Association standards.

Enforce pool rules and emergency procedures

Maintain water quality logs, incident reports, and daily operational records

Coordinate pool maintenance and equipment care

Collaboration & Community Engagement

Work with leadership, program staff, and medical staff to support camper needs

Provide and expand a positive, inclusive experience for the public and camp community

Support special events and community aquatics programming

Develop contacts for new streams of revenue, materials, and equipment for the pool.

Required Qualifications

Must be 21 years or older

Current Lifeguard Certification (Red Cross or equivalent)

CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

Experience teaching swim lessons or aquatic classes

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification

Pool Operator Certification (CPO)

Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)

Experience working with individuals with disabilities

Previous aquatics or recreation leadership experience

401(k)

Housing (based on availability)

Meals (when campers in attendance)

Paid time off and holidays (as applicable)

Educational opportunities

Why Work at Camp Courageous?

Lead a diverse aquatics program serving both the public and campers

Build long-term professional experience in aquatics leadership

Make a meaningful impact every day

OPTIONAL: THERAPEUTIC RECREATION INTERN SUPERVISOR:

• Obtain and/or maintain Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
• Meet National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements for upkeep and renewal of CTRS credential, including CEUs, annual maintenance fees and five- year cycle recertification.
• Develop, maintain and update Internship Manual.
• Recruit, hire and supervise qualified therapeutic recreation interns.
• Assist intern in orientation to the camp, its policies, procedures and activities.
• Meet daily with intern to discuss progress, assignments, concerns, etc.
• Assist intern with school assignment requirements such as bi-weekly reports, evaluations and other assignments.
• Assist intern with writing program and camper goals and objectives, evaluations, progress notes and other documentation as required by NCTRC.

Camp Courageous provides year-round recreational, respite, and travel program for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The camp is run primarily on donations, giving all individuals the opportunity to give through gifts of time, materials, financial, and other means that support the camp.