Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Chilson pools and Seasonal Aquatic Facilities, including staff supervision, ensuring safety regulations are followed, maintaining pool cleanliness, staff development, scheduling, training, leading aquatics programs, and providing excellent customer service to guests, while upholding all water safety standards and emergency response procedures. The salary range for this position is $23.26- $31.40 per hour with a hiring range of $23.26 - $27.33 , depending on qualifications and experience.


First reading of applicants to take place on Monday 8.31.26.

A current resume and cover letter are required.

Dive into a rewarding career as a Recreation Specialist in Aquatics! We’re looking for a dedicated and energetic individual to support a variety of aquatics operations, with a primary focus on leading our swim lesson program. As a key member of our aquatics team, you’ll utilize your expertise to help create a safe, positive and welcoming environment for guests of all ages. Whether you're overseeing lifeguard development, providing emergency response, or leading aquatic programs, your passion for water safety will make a lasting impact on our community. This position works Tuesday-Saturday. Join us today!

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of:

• Accountability & Integrity
• Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust
• Collaboration, Innovation
• Safety
• Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness.

Our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance. Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Essential Functions:

• Enhance the Recreation Division image and ensures a quality visit to aquatics area.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, supervising lifeguards, swim instructors and other aquatic staff.
• Create staff schedules and assign duties based on facility and program needs.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to staff.
• Develop and implement in-service trainings.
• Monitor pool water quality, chemical levels, and maintain proper filtration systems.
• Perform routine pool maintenance tasks, including cleaning and safety/facility equipment checks.
• Open and close aquatic facilities according to established procedures.
• Assist with the development and implementation of aquatics programs, including swim lessons, and special events.
• Guard all swim areas and enforce pool rules and regulations to maintain a safe aquatic environment.
• Respond to emergencies in the pool area, including performing rescues and administering first aid.
• Assist with monitoring the budget, compiling supply inventories, purchasing program supplies, and equipment.
• Establish and maintain a good public relations image with guests through communications, positive interactions and consistent enforcement of all policies and procedures.

Other Job Functions:

• Assist with special events and department functions as requested.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Assist with maintenance/opening/closing of seasonal outdoor aquatic facilities.
• Assist with the pool preventative and maintenance operations aquatics areas and facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Level and Management Expectations:

Supervisor for Temporary and Limited Benefitted Employees:

• May monitor day-to-day operations. May provide direction to direct reports following standard practices and procedures.
• May oversee tactical operations of support or trade employees.
• May make recommendations regarding personnel decisions related to hiring, performance, or disciplinary actions.
• Champions and embodies the City's mission, vision, values, and culture.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or related field required.

Experience:

Required:

• 1 year swim lesson instruction experience.
• 1 year lifeguarding experience.

Preferred:

• Experience leading or supervising others desired.

An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year for year basis.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Current Lifeguard, CPR, AED and First Aid certification required at time of hire.
• Certified Pool Operators’ certification, or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire date required.
• Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred.
• Swim Instructor certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess general working knowledge of pool and aquatics area operations.
• Must have general knowledge of swim lesson programming and pool maintenance.
• Must be able to react quickly and correctly in emergency situations and will be required to perform the necessary lifesaving procedures.
• Make sound judgments, exercise conflict resolution, and exhibit patience when dealing with stressful and/or disciplinary situations.
• Responsible for operating the facility in a manner that ensures the safety of all guests by supervision of staff and applications of appropriate rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the absence of supervisor.
• Knowledge of all rules and regulations pertaining to water safety and be able to communicate with staff and guests alike in a friendly, positive, and professional manner.
• Must have excellent time management skills, a strong attention to detail, the ability to take initiative, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Possess excellent communication and customer service skills.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions. Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs) and use of medium weight tools.
• Frequent exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.
• Occasional exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.

Continuous Floating Holiday:

• This position may work evenings, weekends, and holidays. As a result, the position is eligible for Continuous Floating Holiday.

Additional Screening Information:

• This position is safety sensitive.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie, and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!

In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.


This position is safety sensitive. Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a background check, including criminal sex offender search, a driving record and pre-employment drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.