Aquatics Lead- Swim Lessons in Duluth, Minnesota at Duluth YMCA

Summary/Objective 

The Aquatics Lead-Swim Lessons-Downtown Branch is a part-time, front-line position responsible for delivering high-quality aquatics programming through on-deck staffing hours. This will include group and swim lesson instruction and supervision. This may include lifeguarding, swim team coaching, and/or safety training instruction. In addition, the Aquatics Lead supports the work of the Y—a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—by maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. Administrative duties are assigned as needed to support the success of the aquatics department.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Essential Functions 

• Assists in supervising aquatics staff and volunteers, including evaluations of performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve department and Y goals in conjunction with the Director.  
• Provide on-deck coverage as a swim instructor (group and private), swim lesson supervisor, and/or safety training instructor.
• Maintain a safe and engaging aquatic environment that supports skill development, confidence, and enjoyment for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Deliver high-quality customer service and respond to member needs, inquiries, and concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Assists with swimming lessons and may assist with swim team and/or lifeguard shifts as needed. 
• Gives breaks, ensure proper coverage of pool and provides “on-call” support as needed in conjunction with the Director. 
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance. 
• Support aquatics operations with off-deck administrative duties as assigned, which may include, but is not limited to: conducting safety and program audits, scheduling staff and programming, coordinating swim lessons and related communications, assisting with onboarding and training of staff, representing the Y at community events, marketing and distribution of program information, supporting fundraising activities and special events.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.   
• Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.

YMCA Competencies 

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.  
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.  
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they affect relationships. 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. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

In conjunction with the Aquatics Director and/or Coordinator, the Swim Lessons Aquatics Lead will play a role in supervision of part-time aquatics staff as needed.

Work Environment 

The Aquatics Lead will work in and near the indoor pool. This may include being in the pool teaching swimming lessons or on the deck lifeguarding. As needed, the Aquatics Lead may also work in an office setting using a desk, computer, and other office supplies to ensure compliance and direction of the aquatics department.

Physical Demands 

The Aquatics Lead will require sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities. 

While performing the duties of this job, the Aquatics Lead is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is frequently very active and often requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The Aquatics Lead must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a part-time, hourly position. Days and hours vary based on the needs of the department and the Y. The majority of hours will be spent on the pool deck, teaching, or supervising. Additional hours may be spent in an office, conference room, or out at community events as needed. Days and times are based on needs of the department which will be identified by our Aquatics Director in conjoiner with the Branch Executive Director.

Travel 

This position is on-site at the YMCA at the Duluth YMCA in Duluth. Travel may be necessary to other branch locations of the Lake Superior YMCA as well as to local meetings, events, and trainings.

Required Education and Experience 

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in aquatics programming.
• Certifications: YMCA Swim Instructor v6 Certification and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid. Higher levels of certification are accepted.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products and computer skills.

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Experience in a supervisory role.
• Associates Degree (2-year degree) or higher in related field
• Currently have and/or are willing to obtain: ARC Pool Lifeguard Certification
• Currently have and/or are willing to obtain: YMCA Swim Instructor v6 Trainer Certification

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

Must be able to pass a background check.

EEO Statement 

The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment with regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.