Recreation Specialist-Aquatics

JOB LOCATION

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The deadline to submit applications is April 26, 2025. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

The hiring salary range for this position is $49,847.06 - $62,308.82 annually.

 The City of Aurora is seeking highly motivated and talented individuals for a career in the Recreation Division. The Recreation Specialist – Aquatics assists in the management of city indoor and/or outdoor pools and other programs while ensuring quality customer service.   This position reports to the Recreation Supervisor - Aquatics.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Aquatics Specialist is responsible for assisting in the management of all safety aspects of our recreational water facilities operations. The position will assist the Aquatic Supervisor to ensure all standard operating procedures are always met. This position is responsible for the safety of our guests and crew that utilizes the facilities. This position will coordinate all aquatic training, recruitment, hiring, and aqua fitness classes for all facilities.  This position will also work weekly as the manager on duty as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE

• Supports, coordinates, and supervises aquatic programs and/or facility staff and activities.

• Daily inspection of all recreational water facilities, reporting & follow-up of all maintenance jobs required.

• Maintains a high degree of “floor presence” to observe operations with strong focus on safety & security

• Focus on lifeguard staff rotations, children monitoring, interaction of lifeguard staff with Guests, and enforcement of guest conduct policy

• Timely review & resolution of guest comments / complaints

• Safe & timely opening & closure of pools

• Responsible for the coordination and administration of recruiting, hiring, training, of lifeguard employees for all pool locations working with the Aquatic Supervisors. This includes participating in job fairs, marketing events, visits to local schools, etc

• Leads by example to ensure excellent customer service for citizens and program participants by establishing high customer service standards for staff and ensuring a high level of accountability to meet those expectations

• Will assist the Aquatic Supervisor in the oversite of one or more facilities including lifeguard duties, water chemistry testing, water treatment, and programs

• Responsible to coordinate their own licenses renewal in a timely fashion

• Assists with the supervision, leadership, and implementation of a variety of ongoing programs and special events including swim lessons, swim teams, aqua fitness, lifeguard training classes, community first aid and CPR classes, underwater hockey, dog swim event, etc

• Conducts and implements needs assessments, safety checks, programs standards and evaluates program effectiveness, and prepares administrative reports

• Conduct weekly physical inspection of all lifeguard staff & supervisor issued equipment

• Will lifeguard as needed

• Will instruct swim lessons

• Works a flexible schedule that will include night, weekend, and holiday hours

• Performs additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration, Leisure Services, Physical Education or a related field or equivalent experience preferred

Experience: 

• At least 2 years progressively responsible experience in either Aquatics or Recreation Management or a related field, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience

Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatics programming, planning and development. Requires knowledge of standard aquatic chemical management, mechanical equipment and water balance

Abilities: 

• Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens 

• Requires the ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy; communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Must possess the ability to respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.

• Must have the ability to establish and fulfill goals and objectives; plan, organize aquatic programs; supervise and direct the work of employees and volunteers while upholding quality customer service internally and externally

• The ability to motivate staff, create a positive work environment, and hold staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills

• Shifts for this position require the candidate to be available to work evenings, weekends, weekdays and holidays

Skills: 

• Strong organization, management, leadership, communication, interpersonal, customer service and planning skills are required

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

• Colorado Driver's License with a good driving history

• CPR/First Aid/AED certifications required

• Lifeguard certification required

• WSI (Water Safety Instructor) and LGT (Lifeguard Training) certifications required (or will obtain within first six months)

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)

• WSIT (Water Safety Instructor Trainer) and LGIT (Lifeguard Instructor Trainer) certifications preferred

Certifications must be obtained prior to or within 90 days of hire.  You will occasionally use your own personal equipment (i.e. Vehicle, cell phone, laptop, tools, etc.) while on the job.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.