Job Description

Level: Entry
Job Location: Andover Branch - Andover, MA 01810
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $48,000.00 - $50,000.00 Salary
Job Shift: AnyPOSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Senior Aquatics Director and aligned with the Merrimack Valley YMCA's goals, the Assistant Aquatics Director is responsible for managing all programs and daily operations of the Aquatics Department. This role includes overseeing Aquatic Staff, maintaining a safe environment, developing and implementing aquatics programing, ensuring fiscal accountability, and championing a culture of service excellence. This individual will be focused on safety and quality standards throughout the department.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Physical & Mental Demands:
- Must meet physical requirements for aquatic certifications, including swimming, lifting, and responding to emergencies.
- Ability to maintain alertness for extended periods and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Essential Functions:
- Direct and supervise aquatic activities to meet YMCA objectives.
- Participate in the branch management team, addressing program registration and operational issues.
- Retain responsibilities of Head Lifeguard and Head Swim Instructor duties, ensuring quality and safety standards of both programs.
Key Responsibilities
Staff Engagement and Motivation: Create and implement strategies for motivating staff through:
- Clear communication practices.
- Professional development opportunities (training, workshops).
- Recognition and rewards programs for outstanding performance.
- Team-building activities to foster collaboration.
- Goal setting processes to encourage individual and team accountability.
- Feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
Scheduling and Coverage
- Maintain Accurate and Current Schedules: Ensure all pool and staff schedules are up-to-date and complete.
- Shift Coverage: Proactively manage shift coverage, including emergency staffing needs, to ensure operational continuity.
SOP Management: Develop and Audit SOPs: Build, implement, and regularly audit departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with Local and state regulatory authorities (Y-USA, Board of Health, State Codes) and Industry best practices for:
- Staff onboarding and training.
- Continuing education requirements.
- Pool maintenance and chemical checks.
- Record-keeping standards.
Direct Service
- Conduct Swim Lessons: Teach a minimum of 5 hours of private swim lessons and 10+ hours of group swim lessons each week, ensuring high-quality instruction.
- Schedule/cover 5-10 Lifeguard hours per week (or more as needed)
Training Coordination: Work with the Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) team to:
- Coordinate and track weekly drills.
- Organize monthly in-service training sessions for staff to enhance skills and compliance.
Private Lesson Management
- Manage the intake, scheduling, and billing processes for private swim lessons, ensuring they meet revenue goals.
Marketing and Outreach
- Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information, including participation in community events and outreach initiatives to promote aquatics programs.
Partnership Development
- Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations to enhance and expand the aquatics program.
Committee Participation
- Participate as a member of the Aquatics sub-committee safety team and other relevant committees to contribute to policy and safety improvements.
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director to support the overall mission and goals of the aquatics program.
Financial Development:
- Lead and support the Annual Campaign to meet fundraising goals.
- Create innovative fundraising ideas and assist with special events.
- Track and manage staff hours to adhere to budget constraints.
Other Duties:
- Provide evening and weekend building coverage as scheduled.
- Contribute to measurable increases in revenue and community engagement.
- Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) and perform additional duties as assigned.
Effect on End Results:
- Ensure strong relationships with members and donors, reflected in retention and participation.
- Maintain high safety standards with well-trained staff.
- Deliver innovative programming that increases member satisfaction and community involvement.

QualificationsEducation/

Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience, preferred not required.
- 1-2 years of related experience (e.g., Aquatics Coordinator, Head Lifeguard).
- Must hold certifications: Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR, Water Safety or YSL Instructor, LifeGuard Instructor, CPO. (YMCA preferred) or willing to achieve within the first 60 days.
- Proficient in Microsoft and Google Suites.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals.
Working Conditions:
- Significant on-deck time for lifeguarding, onboarding, training and teaching swim lessons.
- Requires regular weekend and evening shifts (40 hours/week).