Aquatics Director Jobs
Aquatics Director jobs are open across municipal recreation departments, YMCAs, fitness clubs, schools, and resorts, from entry-level coordinator roles to senior director positions, with specializations in aquatic programming, competitive swim coaching, and lifeguard training. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 29+ Aquatics Director jobs
GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
Under the direction of the Aquatics Director and in accordance with Association policies, the Assistant Aquatics Director will be responsible for the sound operation of aquatic schedules and other aquatic safety based programs. The Assistant Aquatics Director will assist in the recruiting, training, and evaluation of aquatic staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist in recruitment and training of aquatic staff.
2. Be accountable for coverage of all assigned lifeguard and/or swim instructor shifts.
3. Teach and/or guard in the absence of a scheduled lifeguard or swim instructor as necessary.
4. Coordinate substitute procedures for staff; record all changes and maintain up-to-date staff schedule.
5. Assist with leadership at all lifeguard/swim instructor in-service trainings and meetings.
6. Supervise aquatic staff in the absence of the Aquatic Director.
7. Inspect and ensure high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, and repair of aquatic equipment and supplies, including first aid supplies.
8. Ensure pool safety by enforcing pool rules and policies.
9. Meet and communicate with Aquatic Director on a weekly basis to discuss growth, development, and operation of the aquatic department.
10. Personally provide a minimum of 10-20 hours per week of direct service as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.
11. Evening and weekend hours required, coordinate schedule with Aquatic Director. 1
12. Coordinate and schedule private swim lessons.
13. Assist Aquatic Director with special events.
14. Facilitate outreach lessons in elementary schools.
15. Facilitate scout troop events.
16. Coordinate and schedule quarterly jump and scan drills for all lifeguards, working with senior lifeguards to execute scheduled drills and maintain accurate records.
17. Use personal initiative for professional growth experience through study, and conference/training attendance.
18. Uphold and exemplify high standards of customer service.
19. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Aquatic Director.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. This position requires certification in ARC Lifeguarding or YMCA Lifeguarding, current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Standard First Aid certifications. Previous supervisory, swim instructor, and lifeguard experience preferred; Associates degree or higher a plus.
2. Demonstrated experience providing positive leadership skills and role modeling exemplary service for other staff. The position requires dependability, strong communication skills with staff and members, and the ability to present a mature and personable image. The incumbent will exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
Under the direction of the Aquatics Director and in accordance with Association policies, the Assistant Aquatics Director will be responsible for the sound operation of aquatic schedules and other aquatic safety based programs. The Assistant Aquatics Director will assist in the recruiting, training, and evaluation of aquatic staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist in recruitment and training of aquatic staff.
2. Be accountable for coverage of all assigned lifeguard and/or swim instructor shifts.
3. Teach and/or guard in the absence of a scheduled lifeguard or swim instructor as necessary.
4. Coordinate substitute procedures for staff; record all changes and maintain up-to-date staff schedule.
5. Assist with leadership at all lifeguard/swim instructor in-service trainings and meetings.
6. Supervise aquatic staff in the absence of the Aquatic Director.
7. Inspect and ensure high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, and repair of aquatic equipment and supplies, including first aid supplies.
8. Ensure pool safety by enforcing pool rules and policies.
9. Meet and communicate with Aquatic Director on a weekly basis to discuss growth, development, and operation of the aquatic department.
10. Personally provide a minimum of 10-20 hours per week of direct service as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.
11. Evening and weekend hours required, coordinate schedule with Aquatic Director. 1
12. Coordinate and schedule private swim lessons.
13. Assist Aquatic Director with special events.
14. Facilitate outreach lessons in elementary schools.
15. Facilitate scout troop events.
16. Coordinate and schedule quarterly jump and scan drills for all lifeguards, working with senior lifeguards to execute scheduled drills and maintain accurate records.
17. Use personal initiative for professional growth experience through study, and conference/training attendance.
18. Uphold and exemplify high standards of customer service.
19. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Aquatic Director.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. This position requires certification in ARC Lifeguarding or YMCA Lifeguarding, current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Standard First Aid certifications. Previous supervisory, swim instructor, and lifeguard experience preferred; Associates degree or higher a plus.
2. Demonstrated experience providing positive leadership skills and role modeling exemplary service for other staff. The position requires dependability, strong communication skills with staff and members, and the ability to present a mature and personable image. The incumbent will exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.
See All 29 Aquatics Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aquatics Director JobsAquatics Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aquatics director jobs.
- Current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or Water Safety Instructor certification
- Experience managing aquatic staff including hiring, scheduling, and training lifeguards
- Knowledge of local health department pool regulations and safety compliance standards
- Bachelor's degree in recreation management, kinesiology, physical education, or a related field
- Experience developing and budgeting aquatic programming for diverse participant populations
Tips for Your Aquatics Director Job Search
Lead your resume with certifications
Aquatics director postings almost always list CPO, AFO, or Red Cross Lifeguarding certifications as requirements. Put these in a dedicated credentials section near the top so hiring managers spot them before reading anything else about your background.
Quantify your aquatic program outcomes
Generic management language won't stand out. Replace it with numbers tied to your programs: enrollment growth, participant retention, safety record length, or budget you managed. Directors who frame results in operational terms move faster through screening.
Target postings by facility type
A YMCA aquatics director role and a resort pool director role require different emphases. Filter openings by facility type and tailor your cover letter to match the specific population served, whether that's competitive youth swimmers, senior fitness participants, or hotel guests.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists aquatics director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Aquatics director interviews frequently include emergency response scenarios, such as how you'd handle a near-drowning incident or a staffing shortage during a busy public swim session. Walk through your decision process step by step, referencing your chain of command and documentation habits.
Negotiate start date around certification renewals
If your CPO or lifeguard instructor certification expires within six months of your hire date, address it proactively during the offer stage. Proposing a start date that lands after renewal shows operational foresight and removes a potential onboarding complication for the employer.
Aquatics Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most aquatics directors?
The companies hiring the most aquatics directors right now include YMCA, Great Wolf Lodge, and YMCA of Central Texas, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Michigan, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, and fitness club chains consistently account for the largest volume of postings nationwide.
How many aquatics director jobs are remote?
About 0% of aquatics director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of pool operations and staff supervision. Administrative functions like programming planning, budget management, and policy development are the sub-areas most likely to allow some remote flexibility within otherwise on-site roles.
How do you become an aquatics director?
Start by earning a CPO or AFO certification and completing a Water Safety Instructor or Lifeguard Instructor credential. Build several years of experience as a head lifeguard, aquatics supervisor, or assistant director. A degree in recreation management, kinesiology, or a related field strengthens your candidacy, and demonstrated budget and staff management experience is what most employers require before promoting to or hiring at the director level.
Can you get an aquatics director job with limited experience?
Some smaller facilities, such as community pools or boutique fitness clubs, hire candidates with strong certification portfolios and two or three years of supervisory experience even without a full director background. Focus on roles titled aquatics supervisor or assistant aquatics director first, build a record of program growth and safety compliance, and use that position to move into a full director role within a few years.
What does the aquatics director interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on certifications, experience level, and availability. A second round typically involves an in-person or panel interview with questions covering staff management, emergency response protocols, and budget planning. Facilities with competitive swim programs may also ask about coaching philosophy. Some larger organizations include a facility walkthrough or a scenario exercise before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to aquatics director jobs?
You can find and apply to aquatics director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred facility type, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 29 Aquatics Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aquatics Director Jobs