Aquatics and Safety Program Assistant - job 3 of 4

Overview

The Aquatics and Safety Program Assistant reports to the Coordinator of Aquatics and Safety and plays a key role in supporting daily operations, oversight of Aquatics staff, and development of Aquatics and Safety programs. This position has an emphasis on managing the Learn-to-Swim program – including scheduling of personnel, development of program offering schedule by semester, training support, and long-term planning – but it also contributes to broader aquatics operations such as lifeguard support and scheduling/administering American Red Cross Certification courses. This position serves as a resource for student leaders and communicates regularly with the Coordinator of Aquatics and Safety regarding operational needs, staffing feedback, and opportunities for program enhancement. As a member of the Campus Recreation team, the Aquatics and Safety Program Assistant is expected to contribute positively to departmental goals and help foster a welcoming and development-focused atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of Lifeguard and Swim Instructor staff.
• Plan and subsequently delegate staff onboarding/individual training including orientations to Aquatics Student Leadership.
• Assist in developing and attend monthly All-Staff Aquatics Trainings, as well as develop in-service trainings for Swim Instructors in collaboration with Lead Water Safety Instructors.
• Support the development and delivery of health and safety programs, including American Red Cross certification courses and emergency response trainings.
• Conduct regular performance audits to ensure aquatic staff meet expectations in safety, instruction, and customer service.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for swim lesson communications, including coordinating between instructors, parents/guardians, and Campus Recreation staff; manage program updates, cancellations, reminders, and participant feedback.
• Ensure timely delivery of progress reports and report cards; maintain accurate records of participant achievements and level advancements.
• Create schedules and assign instructor pairings for Learn-to-Swim sessions; assist in facility scheduling for all aquatic programming.
• Support Learn-to-Swim and KHS academic course instruction, including teaching or assisting in the water as needed.
• Monitor and maintain aquatic equipment inventory, coordinating repairs and implementing a replacement plan—particularly for Learn-to-Swim supplies.
• Ensure emergency action plans are followed and provide support during emergency situations.
• Contribute to program assessment, data collection, and strategic planning efforts for continuous improvement.
• Assist in the creation of internal documentation, training manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Represent Aquatics and Campus Recreation by attending departmental meetings, supporting special events, and serving on university committees as assigned.
• Act as a positive role model and resource for staff and participants, helping foster a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment.
• This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

Qualifications

Minimum

• A minimum of one-year of experience in aquatics and/or facilities supervision
• Excellent swimming skills and physical conditioning; Routinely lifting up to 50lbs, bending, squatting, and prolonged standing.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
• Knowledge of pool equipment and maintenance
• Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions
• Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills- politely assertive, tact, patient, and diplomatic while dealing with complex problems
• Attention to detail with high level of accuracy and the ability to adap
• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification (or ability to obtain this certification within 6 months of hire)

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or related field or equivalent experience
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification
• American Red Cross CPR/AED & First Aid or Lifeguard Instructor Certification
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer Certification

Position Details

• The position reports to the Coordinator of Aquatics & Safety
• Hourly wage commensurate with experience ($16-$20/hour)
• Employees can expect to work 20-30/hours per week
• Employees will be required to work some weekend and/or night shifts

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded to the candidate profile

2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

ADA

Excellent swimming skills and physical conditioning; Routinely lifting up to 50lbs (75lbs maximum), bending, squatting, and prolonged standing.

College/Department Highlights

The Department of Campus Recreation at Utah State University is housed in the Division of Student Affairs and is one of the most dynamic growing departments on campus. Campus Recreation provides wellness and healthy lifestyle-oriented programs, events, and services to Utah State University students and employees via five program areas: Aquatics, Fitness, Club Sports, Intramurals, Outdoor Recreation. Facility operations supplement the program area functions and provide seamless customer service to USU students, employees, and the community. Campus Recreation creates opportunities for students to enhance the college experience through play, wellness, and adventure. To learn more about Campus Recreation, visit our website at campusrec.usu.edu.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 02/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023