INSTITUTION/DEPARTMENT:  University of Houston is a Division I college with over 46,000 undergraduate and post graduate students enrolled.  This campus is considered to be one of the most diverse student populations in the nation.  The Department of Campus Recreation has a $53 million facility that contains various activity spaces including gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, and an indoor climbing wall.  The aquatic facilities include a natatorium complete with competition pool, indoor spa and dry sauna; and outdoor leisure pool featuring waterfalls, slide, outdoor spa and sand volleyball. The natatorium is home to the UH varsity Swim and Dive program, as well as partners with several local organizations.  

The Assistant Director, Aquatic Operations directs the lifeguard and head guard staff including: recruiting, hiring, supervising, training, scheduling, and evaluating part-time lifeguards and head guards. Evening, weekend and some holiday hours required. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Directs the recruitment, training, supervision, evaluation, and scheduling of 80-100 part-time lifeguards, and head guards. Ensures all part time staff have current American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Lifeguarding Instructor certifications as required by their position. Coordinates and teaches staff recertification courses as needed.
• Develop and implement onboarding requirements and staff development initiatives consisting of ARC certification skills, professional development, physical fitness components and team initiatives. Execute employee awards and recognition programs, and maintain aquatic employee handbooks and operational manuals.
• Develop and administer assessments/evaluations related to student development including technical skills, student learning outcomes, leadership and ensures compliance with university, departmental, ARC, local and state regulations.
• Coordinate and implement aquatic development programs including all monthly in-services, mandatory trainings, emergency drills, weekly quizzes and incentive programs; track and maintain the training and certification database for aquatic staff.
• Coordinate and ensure the completion of daily, weekly, and monthly facility and equipment inspections, chemical checks, preventative maintenance, and cleaning duties; maintain and ensure record retention for all related documents.
• Facilitate day of event operations of major and national swim and dive meets (ie. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, Gulf Swimming LSC events, High School Invitational and Regionals), and special events; periodically serve as departmental representative during meets, as well as the designated certified pool operator as required.
• Prepare pools for daily program use; including chemical balance, mechanical operations, water and air temperature, pool set-up, etc. Perform required maintenance on pool systems including backwashing, bumping, chemical testing and adjustments, troubleshooting of operational components, as well as assuring compliance with State of Texas codes
• Assist in the development and management of the aquatic budget, responsible for lifeguard and head guard wage budget, as well as staff certifications, and lifeguard supplies and equipment.
• Serve on rotating on call schedule for pool operations including nights, weekends and university holidays.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Health Education, Physical Education, Sports Management, Recreation or related field. Master's degree is preferred.  

Experience: Minimum requirements are at least 1 year of direct experience in an aquatic management position. Three years of direct experience preferred including staff and meet management experience, pool operations, and lifeguard training.  Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated leadership ability are also desirable.  Team oriented ideals, strong work ethic, and a desire to learn is important in this position.  

Applicants should demonstrate ability to lead and manage a graduate and undergraduate student staff, interns and volunteers. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated leadership ability are also desirable.

Skills or Certifications: Candidate must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid certifications. Certified Pool Operator/Aquatic Facility Operator, and Water Safety Instructor, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience                                                                                                                                         

APPLICATIONS:

Applications will be taken until the position is filled with review beginning August 21, 2022. Applicants must apply online at the University of Houston, Human Resources page at http://www.uh.edu/human-resources/uh-careers/.  Please submit cover letter, resume and list of 3 references with online application. Transcripts will be required upon hiring.

This position is security sensitive and requires a criminal history investigation of the final candidate.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.