Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

Des Peres Parks & Recreation

Are you ready to dive into a leadership role where your passion for aquatics meets community impact? The Lodge Des Peres is calling on experienced and energetic aquatics professionals to apply for our Aquatics Specialist position—an exciting opportunity to lead daily operations, mentor staff, and shape the future of our indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities! As the Aquatics Specialist, you’ll oversee day-to-day management of our state-of-the-art aquatic centers, directly supervising a dedicated team of lifeguards, pool managers, and programming staff. You'll be on the front lines of ensuring safety, maintaining high-quality operations, and delivering exceptional service to the Des Peres community.  And the timing couldn’t be better—The Lodge Des Peres is currently undergoing a full indoor/outdoor aquatic facility evaluation, meaning your voice will help shape the future of aquatics in our city. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a lasting impact.

Position Summary:

Minimum Salary $56,031

Maximum Salary $78,443

Reports To: Recreation Supervisor - Aquatics

Responsible for coordinating the daily operations and management of an aquatic facility within a recreational complex. Will oversee day-to-day management of our state-of-the-art aquatic center, directly supervising a dedicated team of lifeguards, pool managers, and programming staff. You'll be on the front lines of ensuring safety, maintaining high-quality operations, and delivering exceptional service to the Des Peres community with an enthusiasm for continuous improvement and program innovation.

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Education: Bachelors Degree (Related Field)

Experience: 1 year of previous relevant work experience is required.

Certifications: Lifeguard/CPR/AED, First Aid, CPO, LGI

Recreation Specialist - Aquatics functions include but are not limited to the following:

Daily Operations Management:

o Oversee the daily operations of the aquatic facility, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality. Monitor pool operations and mechanical systems, addressing issues promptly and coordinating repairs as needed. Implement and enforce facility policies and procedures to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

Staff Supervision and Training:

o Supervise lifeguards, head lifeguards, pool managers, and programming staff, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards. Assist in hiring, training, and scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage and effective performance. Provide leadership and support to staff, fostering a positive and professional work environment. Directly supervise Private Swim lessons.

Program Coordination:

o Assist in planning and implementing aquatic programs, classes, and events. Collaborate with the Supervisor to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements. Engage with patrons to promote participation and respond to feedback.

Safety and Compliance:

o Conduct regular inspections of the pool and facility to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Respond to emergencies and incidents, providing first aid and coordinating appropriate actions. Maintain certifications and ensure staff compliance with training requirements.

Administrative Duties:

o Maintain accurate records of attendance, staff schedules, certifications, and incidents. Prepare reports on facility usage, programming, and operational issues.

Customer Service and Community Engagement:

o Address patron inquiries, concerns, and complaints professionally and effectively. Provide excellent customer service, ensuring a positive experience for facility users. Promote programs and events through engagement with the community

Dependability and Professionalism:

o Adhere to schedules, meet deadlines, and maintain a reliable attendance record. Act in accordance with departmental policies, demonstrating professionalism and accountability. The individual in this role is expected to contribute to the team's efforts by completing other related tasks as needed.

Success Framework: The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities have been identified by our team as building blocks towards efficiency and effectiveness in this role.

• Knowledge of Pool Operations: Strong understanding of aquatic facility operations, including water chemistry, filtration systems, and mechanical maintenance.

• Safety Protocols: Knowledge of safety standards, emergency response procedures, and lifeguard practices

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to supervise, train, and motivate staff to maintain high performance and adherence to standards.

• Customer Service Orientation: Excellent interpersonal skills for engaging with patrons and resolving concerns.  

Equipment and Tools commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job: 

• Microsoft Office, Civic Rec: Parks and Recreation Software, Incode Payroll Software, SharePoint Intranet 

Work Environment or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job:

• Typically, the work is conducted in an office environment as well as the Aquatics facility. Occasionally, work is performed in adverse weather conditions.

Physical Abilities: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time.

• Work requires the ability to complete repetitive wrist, hand, and/or fine motor movement.

• Work requires the ability to grasp, pull, push, and reach.

• Work requires the ability to climb and balance.

• Work requires the ability to talk, hear, listen, and comprehend.

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

• Work requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and employees may be required to comply with the changes.

The City of Des Peres is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the City’s policy that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunity in employment action in accordance with federal, state, or local laws. All decisions will be made without regard to race; color; religion; sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions); sexual orientation; gender identity; age; national origin; ancestry; physical or mental disability; citizenship; marital or familial status; genetic information; status as a victim of domestic violence; military or veteran status; lack of permanent mailing address or use of a shelter/social service provider; or any other protected classification. All employment decisions, including hiring, compensation, and benefits, leaves of absence, promotion, discipline, transfers, layoffs, recall, separations, and termination will comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

We celebrate diversity and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and our community, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees that is free of harassment and discrimination of any kind. Come as you are – your differences are our strengths.

The City of Des Peres makes every effort to fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation for the application, interview, or a particular testing process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (314) 835-6157.

The City of Des Peres is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. A pre-employment drug screen is required for all positions.

The City of Des Peres participates in E-Verify.

Application Process:

Send cover letter & resume to:                 

Kathleen Beebe

HR Coordinator

12325 Manchester Road, Des Peres, Missouri 63131

kbeebe@desperesmo.org

https://www.desperesmo.org/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=70&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Recreation-Specialist-Aquatics-117