Director of Aquatic Operations

Job Description:

Date posted: May 21, 2026

Location: YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park Street, Montclair, NJ, USA

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Aquatic Operations provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and daily management for all aquatic facilities, programs, staff, and partnerships at the YMCA of Montclair. This role ensures safe, high‑quality, mission‑driven aquatic experiences across multiple pool facilities while advancing the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner collaborating with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Aquatic Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee daily operations of two or more aquatic facilities, ensuring safe, clean, and efficient operation.
• Develop and manage comprehensive pool schedules (lap swim, recreational swim, group and private lessons, team usage, rentals, and special events).
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations, YMCA standards, state bathing code, OSHA, and aquatic best practices.
• Coordinate pool maintenance needs in partnership with facilities/maintenance staff.
• Monitor pool chemistry, safety equipment, and operational readiness.
• Develop and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and ensure all aquatic staff are properly trained and prepared.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and risk management audits.

Program Development & Member Experience

Oversee all aquatic programming, including:

• Group swim lessons
• Private and semi‑private lessons
• Water fitness classes
• Lifeguard training and certification programs
• Community aquatic events and specialty programs
• Evaluate program performance and implement improvements based on participation trends, member feedback, and organizational goals.
• Expand aquatic offerings to meet community needs and increase participation and retention.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and member engagement in all aquatic areas
• Promote inclusive aquatic opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Staffing, Training & Leadership

Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, develop, and evaluate aquatic staff, including:

• Lifeguards
• Swim instructors
• Deck supervisors
• Coordinators and headguards
• Assistant aquatic leaders
• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and operational efficiency.
• Maintain staffing levels that meet safety standards and program demand.
• Lead regular staff meetings, in-service training, and ongoing education.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on accountability, inclusion, safety, and professional growth.
• Support employee engagement and retention within the aquatic department.

Budgeting & Financial Management

Develop and manage the aquatic department operating budget.

Monitor revenue and expenses related to:

• Group and private swim lessons
• Water fitness and specialty programs
• Aquatic rentals and partnerships
• Certifications and training programs
• Analyze financial performance and adjust programming, pricing, or staffing as needed.
• Support membership growth and retention through consistently high‑quality aquatic experiences.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue enhancement.

Partnerships, Rentals & Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain community partnerships with schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, swim teams, camps, and community groups.
• Coordinate and oversee pool rentals and facility usage agreements.
• Ensure all partnership and rental activities align with organizational policies, insurance requirements, and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for aquatic partners and rental groups.

Risk Management, Safety & Abuse Prevention

• Attend staff meetings and required Abuse Risk Management training; adhere to procedures for managing high‑risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to assess abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk, professional boundaries, and policy adherence.
• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using YMCA disciplinary procedures and mandated reporting requirements.
• Communicate and model the YMCA’s commitment to child protection and abuse prevention.
• Maintain current knowledge of aquatic safety standards and industry best practices.
• Ensure all aquatic staff certifications remain current.
• Lead incident reporting, documentation, and follow‑up.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • OSHA standards
  • State bathing code regulations
  • Child abuse prevention policies
  • YMCA aquatic standards
  • Local health department requirements

 LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Participate in branch leadership meetings and association‑wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with membership, wellness, youth development, facilities, and camp departments to support cross‑departmental goals.
• Support association‑wide events, fundraising initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Promote the YMCA mission and values within the aquatic department and the broader community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5–7 years of progressive aquatic leadership experience, including:
• Managing multiple aquatic facilities
• Overseeing diverse aquatic programs (swim lessons, water fitness, lifeguard training, rentals)
• Supervising and scheduling aquatic staff and lifeguards
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Staff supervision, coaching, and performance management
• Operational leadership and problem‑solving
• Aquatic risk management and pool operations
• Managing department budgets and financial performance

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:

Must obtain and maintain the following (YMCA or American Red Cross preferred):

• CPO – Certified Pool Operator
• CPR for Professional Rescuer
• AED certification
• First Aid certification
• Lifeguard Certification

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS:

• Lifeguard Instructor certification
• Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in humid pool environments for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and perform aquatic rescues when necessary.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to emergencies (e.g., distress signals, alarms).
• Work in a fast‑paced aquatic and recreational environment.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, humidity, and wet conditions.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply through this link to be considered for the position.

Director of Aquatic Operations – Apply Here

Contact Information

Lisa Kievit

25 Park Street

phone: 973-559-9281