Aquatics Specialist

Aquatics Specialist

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Aquatics Specialist

Salary

$68,668.00 - $90,642.00 Annually

Location

City of Thornton; Trail Winds Recreation Center, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26177

Department

Parks, Recreation, & Community Programs

Division

Recreation and Golf Regular

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/27/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

WORK HOURS

HOURS VARY

PROBATION

One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)

STATUS 2

FLSA EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED

BENEFITS

SEE BENEFITS TAB

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Under direction, supervises and coordinates the operations of the aquatics programs and facilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Assists in developing, administering, coordinating, teaching and promoting aquatics programs including swimming lessons, recreational swim programs, and lifeguard training.

Develops and disseminates program schedules; registers patrons for aquatic programs or classes. Approves refunds of program fees or transfer of registration and fees.

Provides quality customer service by responding to customer issues and concerns in a timely manner. Reviews circumstances and takes appropriate action.

Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance.

Ensures staff and patron adherence to operating policies and procedures.

Performs routine maintenance and repairs of aquatic equipment, diagnosing problems, arranging and assisting with maintenance and repairs, and ensuring the ongoing safety of aquatics facilities. Resolves problems as situations arise.

Maintains chemical balance of pools; maintains records of incidents of attendance, rule violations, accidents, chemical levels and usage.

Maintains and enters data into computer.

Assists with ordering, receiving, stocking and distributing aquatic supplies.

Controls access and supervises general sanitation and safety of aquatic facilities.

Assists with special events including, but not limited to, Thorntonfest, HarvestFest and Winterfest.

Conducts tours and orientations.

Performs work that requires the use of specified respiratory equipment that guards against exposure to airborne hazards. Complies with all Municipal, State, and Federal physical requirements as per respiratory protection standards and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) guidelines.

May lead aquatics programs as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED supplemented by college-level course work in physical education or a related field; two years' experience in aquatics program administration including previous lead or supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. First Aid certificate. Water Safety Instructor or Swim Lesson Instructor training. Lifeguard certification (Red Cross or Ellis). Must have National Pool and Water Park Lifeguard Training certificate and Aquatic Facility Operator certificate OR Certified Pool Operator, or be willing to acquire these certifications the next time the course is offered.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic program administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective customer service.

Knowledge of city of Thornton purchasing policies and procedures.

Knowledge of city of Thornton personnel policies and procedures.

Knowledge of aquatics facilities and equipment used in aquatics programs.

Knowledge of the principles of employee supervision and training.

Skill in routine repair and maintenance of aquatics equipment.

Skill in maintaining a variety of records related to aquatics program operations.

Skill in accurately testing chemical levels of pools and adding or adjusting chemicals to maintain proper chemical balance.

Skill in performing life-saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) activities.

Ability to supervise, direct and train employees.

Ability to diagnose problems, arrange and assist with maintenance and repairs, and ensure the ongoing safety of aquatics facilities.

Ability to read, interpret and apply operating policies and procedures.

Ability to develop, manage, coordinate, promote, and when required, to lead aquatics programs.

Ability to organize and assist with special events.

Ability to promote and provide quality customer service.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, community members and the general public.

Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment including but not limited to SCBA gear.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, talk, and hear. This position is mostly light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have visual acuity to determine accuracy. The employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions, extreme cold, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options

• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy

• Flexible Spending Plan

• Post Employment Health Plan

• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans

• Short & Long-term Disability Plans

• Paid Holidays

• Vacation & Sick Leave

• Multilingual Incentive Pay

• Recreation Pass

• Wellness Program

• In-House Training Opportunities

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program