Campus Recreation Mission, Vision, and Values

Vision

Job Title

Aquatics Specialist

Job Description Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of Aquatics, the Aquatics Specialist will assist in the administration, supervision, management, and on-site operations of the Tootell Aquatic Center (TAC) and related programs. Primarily responsible for creating, implementing, supervising, and promoting, organized and informal aquatics-related programs and activities. Assist with the identification and implementation of the Department’s strategic goals that foster engagement and promote a life-long commitment to holistic well-being for the University of Rhode Island community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day leadership and direction to develop, promote, conduct, and evaluate TAC programs to include, but not limited to, the following: learn-to-swim swimming lessons (Youth: 6 months – 6 years old); fitness aquatics classes (Senior Water Exercise); Design-A-Program; private swim lessons; birthday parties, etc. Assist the Coordinator of Aquatics by overseeing the American Red Cross, in-house trainings, and other certification programs, and related programs and activities designed to meet the needs of the University and surrounding communities.
• Serve as Learn-to-Swim instructor, private swim instructor, aquatic fitness instructor, birthday party facilitator, teach specialized group exercise classes, or other programs as needed.
• Recruit, select, orientate & train, supervise, mentor, schedule, administrator payroll for, maintain certification records for, meet with and evaluate staff. Evaluate a diverse student staff, including, but not limited to, learn-to-swim instructors, private swim instructors, aquatic fitness instructors, birthday party facilitators, office assistants, program assistants, design-ap instructors, and temporary workers.
• Assist the Coordinator of Aquatics with the supervision and training of lifeguards.
• Work in conjunction with other full-time staff on staff training and other employees’ events (i.e., staff appreciation) with an emphasis on leadership development, student engagement, and a path to success.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of Aquatics to ensure that all swimming pools and related areas are operating at the standards set forth by the Department of Campus Recreation, local, State, and/or national agencies. Ensure adherence to all risk management mitigation policies and practices. Assist full-time staff with facilitating Emergency Action Plan training. Communicate maintenance and risk management issues to the Coordinator of Aquatics.
• Assist in the overall supervision of the Tootell Aquatics Center, ensuring clean, efficient, secure, safe, and hazard-free use and operation.
• Assist in managing and overseeing the registration process for the learn-to-swim program and other aquatic-related activities, utilizing computer registration software system.
• Assist in the preparation and management of the budget, ensuring accurate forecasting and allocation of resources for aquatics programs and activities.
• Procure equipment and supplies for aquatic related activities and programs and maintain accurate inventory of equipment following department and University protocol.
• Continue to develop expert knowledge in areas of specialization and serve as a resource to all team members.
• Provide input to the Assistant Director of Marketing and Outreach with promotional plans for, but not limited to, the following: learn-to-swim program, birthday parties, private swim lessons, special aquatic events, First Aid, CPR, AED courses, Design-A-Program, WSI, Lifeguard courses, and website content.
• Work on a team that collaborates effectively with fellow colleagues and achieves targeted goals.
• Assist in the preparation and management of the budget, ensure accurate forecasting and location of resources for aquatics programs and activities. Crete portions of the Aquatic mid-year and end-of-year reports by maintaining, collecting, and compiling statistical data requiring aquatics program revenue, generation via its programs by providing participation data and event usage pattern data which will be used for future planning purposes.
• Compile key performance indicators (assessments, learning outcomes, program statistics, annual report, etc.) and make recommendations for change when needed. Participate in departmental strategic goals and long-term planning processes.
• Participate in benchmarking studies aimed at identifying best practices, expand programs and services, improve facilities/programs, and/or other initiatives which support and enhance student’s engagement and success.
• May serve as liaison to the American Red Cross and other agencies providing certification programs, ensuring the issuance of appropriate certificates, and the appropriate record are maintained.
• Be involved with and make meaningful contributions to departmental, divisional, and institutional initiatives, as well as within professional organizations.
• Promote and sustain a culture of transparency, professionalism, integrity, respect, and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Attend departmental, divisional, and University meetings.
• Support a culture that promotes collaboration, focusing on customer services, safety, quality control, sustainability, and accessibility.
• Contribute to an environment that values high expectations, accountability, and balanced lifestyle choices. Work in a team-centered environment and collaborate effectively with fellow colleagues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum of one year of professional experience in swimming pool or waterfront teaching and operations, preferably in a collegiate, community, or recreational setting. OR Minimum of two years of graduate assistantship/internship work experience in collegiate aquatics. 
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated teaching experience with learn to swim aquatics programs.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
• Must possess and maintain a valid certificate from the American Red Cross: CPR for adults, infants, and children, AED (Automatic External Defibrillations) and First Aid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid certificate and authorization as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
• Must hold or acquire within the first year of appointment, the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer certificate.

Required Documents

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. A valid Certificate from the American Red Cross (CPR for adults, infants, and children), AED (Automatic External Defibrillations), and First Aid.
4. Valid certificate and authorization as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
5. References – the names and contact information of three professional references.

First Considerations: Wednesday, June 18

Questions: For questions, please contact Associate Diretcor of Campus Recreation, Dr. Jarrell Garcia, jarrell.garcia@uri.edu

The University of Rhode Island is an equal-opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.

About University of Rhode Island

Located in the historic village of Kingston, the University of Rhode Island features a scenic 1,200-acre campus blending ivy-covered buildings with modern architecture. Just 30 miles south of Providence, URI offers easy access to Boston and New York City. As the state’s flagship public research university and an R1 institution, URI is nationally recognized for its land- and sea-grant research and commitment to urban initiatives. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive environment for over 17,000 students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Department of Campus Recreation mission is to enrich the URI Community through diverse, recreational opportunities. We are driven to inspire a sense of belonging and to promote a life-long commitment to holistic well-being. Core program areas include Aquatics, Club Sports, Facility Operations & Services, Fitness, Health & Well-being, Intramural Sports, Marketing & Outreach, and Sailing. Facilities include a 275,000-square-foot, three-building Athletic and Recreation Complex with a three-pool aquatic center, a 33,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center, a sailing center, and expansive outdoor recreation fields. Learn more at uri.edu/campusrec. “Be active, Be well, Belong.”

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