Director of Aquatic Operations

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Director of Aquatic Operations - YMCA of Montclair

Lead multi-site aquatic operations for a mission-driven YMCA-overseeing pools, lifeguards, and swim programs that keep your community safe, healthy, and connected in the water every day.

Job Highlights

Title: Director of Aquatic Operations
Organization: YMCA of Montclair
Location: Montclair, NJ (multiple aquatic facilities)
Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary : $75k - $80k
Reports to: Branch Executive Director
Primary Function/Department: Aquatics / Outdoor & Indoor Pools
Leadership Level: Director-Level Leadership Position

Top qualifications (5-7+ years aquatics leadership):

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of progressive aquatic leadership experience , including managing multiple pools and diverse aquatic programs (swim lessons, water fitness, lifeguard training, rentals, teams).
• Proven experience in staff supervision , scheduling, performance management, and operational leadership for lifeguards, instructors, and aquatic supervisors.
• Strong knowledge of pool operations, aquatic risk management, OSHA & state bathing codes , and health department requirements.
• Experience managing department budgets , monitoring revenue/expenses, and driving growth in swim and membership programs.

Call to action: If you're an experienced Aquatics Director / Director of Aquatic Operations ready to lead multi-pool operations, grow swim programs, and build high-performing lifeguard teams in a mission-driven YMCA, apply today to join the YMCA of Montclair.

Position Summary

The Director of Aquatic Operations provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and daily management for all aquatic facilities, programs, staff, and partnerships at the YMCA of Montclair. This role ensures safe, high-quality, mission-driven aquatic experiences across multiple pool facilities while advancing the YMCA's values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility .

The Director oversees:

• Pool and facility operations
• Staffing and scheduling
• Swim lesson programming and private lessons
• Aquatic rentals and community partnerships
• Risk management and safety compliance
• Member engagement and customer experience

As a key leader, the Director creates an inclusive, welcoming, high-performing aquatic environment for members, participants, staff, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

Aquatic Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee daily operations of two or more aquatic facilities , ensuring safe, clean, and efficient operation.
• Develop and manage comprehensive pool schedules (lap swim, recreational swim, group and private lessons, team usage, rentals, and special events).
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations , YMCA standards, state bathing code , OSHA, and aquatic best practices.
• Coordinate pool maintenance needs in partnership with facilities/maintenance staff.
• Monitor pool chemistry, safety equipment, and operational readiness .
• Develop and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and ensure all aquatic staff are properly trained and prepared.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and risk management audits .

Program Development & Member Experience

• Oversee all aquatic programming , including:
  • Group swim lessons
  • Private and semi-private lessons
  • Water fitness classes
  • Lifeguard training and certification programs
  • Community aquatic events and specialty programs
• Evaluate program performance and implement improvements based on participation trends, member feedback, and organizational goals .
• Expand aquatic offerings to meet community needs and increase participation and retention .
• Ensure exceptional customer service and member engagement in all aquatic areas.
• Promote inclusive aquatic opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Staffing, Training & Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, develop, and evaluate aquatic staff , including:
  • Lifeguards
  • Swim instructors
  • Deck supervisors
  • Coordinators and head guards
  • Assistant aquatic leaders
• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and operational efficiency.
• Maintain staffing levels that meet safety standards and program demand .
• Lead regular staff meetings, in-service trainings, and ongoing education .
• Foster a positive team culture focused on accountability, inclusion, safety, and professional growth.
• Support employee engagement and retention within the aquatic department.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the aquatic department operating budget .
• Monitor revenue and expenses related to:
  • Group and private swim lessons
  • Water fitness and specialty programs
  • Aquatic rentals and partnerships
  • Certifications and training programs
• Analyze financial performance and adjust programming, pricing, or staffing as needed.
• Support membership growth and retention through consistently high-quality aquatic experiences.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue enhancement .

Partnerships, Rentals & Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain community partnerships with schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, swim teams, camps, and community groups.
• Coordinate and oversee pool rentals and facility usage agreements.
• Ensure all partnership and rental activities align with organizational policies, insurance requirements, and safety standards .
• Serve as the primary point of contact for aquatic partners and rental groups.

Risk Management, Safety & Abuse Prevention

• Attend staff meetings and required Abuse Risk Management training ; adhere to procedures for managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to assess abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk , professional boundaries, and policy adherence.
• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using YMCA disciplinary procedures and mandated reporting requirements.
• Communicate and model the YMCA's commitment to child protection and abuse prevention .
• Maintain current knowledge of aquatic safety standards and industry best practices .
• Ensure all aquatic staff certifications remain current.
• Lead incident reporting, documentation, and follow-up .
• Ensure compliance with:
  • OSHA standards
  • State bathing code regulations
  • Child abuse prevention policies
  • YMCA aquatic standards
  • Local health department requirements

Leadership & Organizational Collaboration

• Participate in branch leadership meetings and association-wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with membership, wellness, youth development, facilities, and camp departments to support cross-departmental goals.
• Support association-wide events, fundraising initiatives, and strategic priorities .
• Promote the YMCA mission and values within the aquatic department and the broader community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered .
• 5-7 years of progressive aquatic leadership experience , including:
  • Managing multiple aquatic facilities
  • Overseeing diverse aquatic programs (swim lessons, water fitness, lifeguard training, rentals)
  • Supervising and scheduling aquatic staff and lifeguards
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Staff supervision, coaching, and performance management
  • Operational leadership and problem-solving
  • Aquatic risk management and pool operations
  • Managing department budgets and financial performance
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Required Certifications

Must obtain and maintain the following (YMCA or American Red Cross preferred):

• CPO - Certified Pool Operator
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer
• AED certification
• First Aid certification
• Lifeguard Certification

Preferred certifications:

• Lifeguard Instructor certification
• Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer certification

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

(With or without reasonable accommodations)

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds .
• Ability to work in humid pool environments for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and perform aquatic rescues when necessary.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to emergencies (e.g., distress signals, alarms).
• Work in a fast-paced aquatic and recreational environment .
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, humidity, and wet conditions .