Aquatics Lead (Internal Only) na Willamalane Park and Recreation District

AQUATICS LEAD

Part-time, benefitted, nonexempt, AFSCME-represented position

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 

Open to internal applicants only through 5pm on 11/24/2025

Desired start date 12/1/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION:

General Statement of Duties: Aids in general aquatic department operations including, but not limited to, daily review and adjustments of pool chemicals, general lifeguard duties, general programmer duties, concessionaire duties, and/or general swim lesson duties. An individual in this position will be expected to aid the aquatic department where needed while also providing guest services as necessary. Work schedule is dependent upon departmental needs and subject to Supervisor approval and change. Does other job-related duties or tasks as assigned.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for daily facility operations, patron safety, completion of applicable reports and records, general lifeguard duties, general programmer duties, and general swim lesson instructor duties.  Monitors performance of guest services provided by the lifeguards, front desk staff, water fitness instructors, swim lesson instructors and swim lesson programmers. Provides feedback to Aquatic Supervisor(s) to assist in implementing best practices and to ensure compliance with approved maintenance protocol. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a department supervisor who reviews work primarily on the basis of direct observation and interaction, and information from co-workers and guests. Although not a supervisor, the employee may be required to lead other staff under the direction of aquatic supervisors. 

Examples of Essential Duties Performed:

(Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)

• Provide Programmer services, including but not limited to: 
  • Perform water-chemical checks, water clarity and overall pool conditions and make necessary adjustments; follow documentation procedures and other guest services.
  • Perform daily slide inspections and maintain necessary equipment for staff and patron safety.
  • Monitor and assess, ongoing facility operations, staff performance, and guest services. Report potential improvements to the Aquatic Supervisor(s). 
  • Implement guest service and promotional programs, community service and educational programs, group and corporate rentals, special events, and maintenance/facility operations and procedures.
• Provide Lifeguard services, including but not limited to: 
  • Respond to emergency situations. Propose suggestions for improvements to the Aquatic Emergency Action Plan.
  • Work with Aquatic Supervisors and Coordinators to suggest monthly training topics. Attend and participate in in-service training as appropriate and relevant to assignments and duties.
  • Provide consistent opening, mid-day or closing duties when assigned.
  • Solicit guest and staff compliance with facility use, program policies and injury prevention guidelines as necessary. Take active roles to anticipate, initiate, and perform services for guests and staff as appropriate and needed.
• Provide Swim Lesson Instructor services, including but not limited to: 
  • Teach, instruct, and facilitate student learning in accordance with Willamalane swim lesson programming.
  • Meet with parents/guardians of students for high quality feedback of the students’ performance.
  • Provide 4th grade swim lesson instruction.
    
• Provide Concessionaire services, including but not limited to: 
  • Cleaning of concessions area and dishwashing.
  • Preparation and selling of food to customers.
  • Operation of Point-of-Sale terminal and cash handling. 
  • Support to Concessionaires during normal concessions operations.
• Collaborate with Aquatic Supervisors and Coordinators to help in achieving professional service and performance goals.
• Support the Aquatic Supervisors and Coordinators in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs by providing feedback for improvements.
• Professionally respond to questions, suggestions, and concerns from staff and guests regarding Aquatics programs, activities, policies, and practices.
• Respond professionally to correction and accept direction. Remain personally accountable in seeking resolution to misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance problems of self or others. Operate within progressive chains of responsibility and authority.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge: Possesses or obtains considerable knowledge of professional lifeguard performance, industry standards, maintenance operations, chemical integration and customer service goals; program development, implementation, and evaluation; staff training development, implementation, and evaluation; facility operations and maintenance procedures; possesses or obtains considerable knowledge of swim instructing and facilitation of program curriculum.

Skills: May be called upon to professionally and effectively assist in regular in-service training. Demonstrate excellent communication when working with guest and staff team members; recognizing and resolving service, safety, and operational issues; designing and implementing systems and procedures to accurately achieve professional performance, efficiency, and accountability; lifeguarding skills and methods, including proficiency at submerged rescues in 13 feet of water, emergency care and assessment including but not limited to CPR/AED, and First Aid; facilitate swim lesson curriculum and instruction to students in our program; and the ability and knowledge to perform chemistry and mechanical checks as required.

Physical Demands of the Position:  While performing the duties of this position the employee is frequently required to stand, bend, swim and lift and tow while in the water and on land; the employee is infrequently required to crouch and kneel and use steps and stairs. While on deck, the employee is expected to be standing or moving around the pool deck for the vast majority of the work period. The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry tables and chairs weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance. The employee is occasionally required to help, as needed, in the removal and application of pool mats, which require the maneuvering of a 300-pound mat cart that is heavier when wet. During emergencies and training simulations, the employee frequently must lift and tow persons of varying body weights (generally between 20 and 200 pounds) through water and, with assistance, lift a person onto the pool deck. Employees must be able to meet the American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course requirements which include, swimming 300 yards using freestyle or breaststroke; treading water for 2-minutes without the use of your hands; and retrieving a 10lb object from seven (7) to thirteen (13) feet of water. The duties of this position are performed inside the facility, thus exposure to 88-degree F with humidity; however, during summer months the pool area may be warmer. Exposure to loud noise is high while on deck, and low to moderate in the office and other areas. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: On employee's person at all times; rip-resistant nitrile gloves, safety mask, one-way valve CPR responder mask; liquid proof gloves for general maintenance.

Abilities: Integrate experience, training and judgment to make independent, responsible, professional decisions without direct supervision; observe and monitor staff performance, facility operations, and guest service and program delivery; exercise professional judgment to act effectively in all situations including emergencies; interpret and implement Aquatic department policies and practices; work and communicate effectively and cooperatively with guest and staff team members; identify, recognize, and address staff and guest needs for programs, services, and facility operations; work as a contributing staff team member to identify problem causes, collect accurate information and data, and implement progressive and comprehensive solutions; accept direction and demonstrate continual learning and improvement.

Experience And Training: High school graduation or equivalency plus a minimum of one year of aquatic experience and training which exhibits the knowledge, skills, ability, maturity, and professional judgment to perform the above-described duties. Completion, or has the ability to complete Verbal Judo training within a year of hire. 

Preferred Experience and Training: 

Three or more years of experience in an aquatic position (lifeguard, swim instructor, programmer). Training or certifications in aquatic programming that will be relevant to the position.  These trainings are in addition to those listed in the necessary special requirements below.

Necessary Special Requirements:  Possesses an American Red Cross Professional Lifeguard certification or equivalent, including CPR/AED for lifeguards/professional rescuer certification, Emergency Care and Assessment and BLS/CPR certificates. Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen and background check will be required prior to employment.

Additional Information:

Hours/Shifts:

25-39 hours/week. Schedule will vary depending on departmental needs. 

Additional hours are required for departmental meetings, in-service trainings, opening/closing duties, and occasional events.

This is a benefited position represented by AFSCME Council 75.

Drug Free Workplace

This job is considered safety sensitive; therefore, a drug screen test and criminal background check will be required prior to employment.

Oregon Pay Equity 

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent with Oregon pay equity laws. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Benefits

• Vacation leave benefits will accrue for all hours worked based on years of service.
• Sick leave benefits will accrue based on hours worked.
• Paid holidays (District-recognized holidays)
• Medical and dental, life and long term disability insurance, 1st of the month following date of hire
• Annual cost of living increase (as approved by the Board)
• 50-percent discount on selected child care programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions)
• 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs
• All-Access membership for employee and household members. This provides access to group exercise; drop-in usage at Bob Keefer Center; fitness center usage at Bob Keefer Center and Willamalane Park Swim Center; Exercise on Your Own and water fitness classes; recreation swims; one round of golf per day at Camp Putt.
• Free Wellness programs for employee
• Automatic payroll deduction for union membership dues
• Payroll direct deposit is available