Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

Salary Range 3,885.00 - 4,966.00 Job Summary Are you a fan of a well-used park, an urban trail, a beautiful greenspace, a vibrant community center, a summertime community event? Do you value what parks, recreation and cultural programs and services contribute to a community and its livability, and do you like the idea of surrounding yourself with others who feel similarly? If so then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

Were currently recruiting for a Recreation Specialist in Aquatics. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform a variety of hands-on, specialized aquatics programming and operational tasks and duties in support of the overall Aquatics program and operations City-wide. Duties include lifeguarding, instructing swim lessons, assists in maintaining water quality and operational compliance for pools, water features and related aquatics facilities and assets. Provides front-line customer service, troubleshooting and proactively resolves operational issues. Serves as lead for weekend programming and operations and/or in the absence of other Aquatics or program FTE staff. Contributes to monthly in-services and on-going temporary staff training and (re)certification. Maintains all necessary certifications and established protocol to safely perform assigned duties. Supports overall Community Center programming and operations as needed and assigned.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the AFSCME union. The schedule for this position varies depending on the season. Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Obtain and maintain Ellis & Associates Lifeguard certification and compliance with protocols and duties of Lifeguarding.
• Obtain and maintain Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification and be able to instruct or lead a variety of swim lesson and water safety programs as needed and assigned.
• Obtain and maintain Certified Pool Operator (CPO)/Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification and work in conjunction with Aquatics team to maintain water quality and safe operational standards.
• Serve as Head-Guard or Lead WSI and function as on-deck liaison and first point of contact for patron and temporary staff and/or operational issues, concerns and questions.
• Troubleshoot, intervene and/or resolve front-line emergent program, operational or customer service issues while maintaining established safety protocol and training standards.
• Assist in on-going training, coaching, in-services and (re)certification process for temporary/seasonal Lifeguard, Water Safety and Aquatics Maintenance staff members.
• Ensure communication and incident/issue follow-up with Aquatics team, Programs team and/or Center Directors utilizing approve forms, processes and communication protocol.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings and weekends. On-call for emergent staff coverage needs.
• Effectively communication and enforce policy, procedure and guideline with participants, parents and the community.
• Maintain calm, composure and utilize training to respond to emergency situations or events in Aquatics programs and/or facilities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience:

• 2 yrs Experience Working in Aquatics Environment with Experience in Lifeguarding, Swim Lessons and Fundamental Pool Water Chemistry and Operations.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Outlook/TEAMS Intermediate
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) Beginner
• Active.Net Beginner

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

At the time of hire :

• ILTP (E&A) Lifeguard certification held for a minimum of 6 months; Equivalent Lifeguard Certifications (Red Cross, Star Guard, and American Lifeguard Association) will be considered based on ability to obtain ILTP within one (1) month of hire date.
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification

Ability to obtain:

Within one (1) year of hire :

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) certification
• Confine Space and Fall Protection training and certification

Knowledge

• Compliance with establish training and certification for lifeguarding (Ellis & Associates) and water safety and swim Lesson programs (Red Cross) to safely and effectively perform and deploy these programs and duties.
• Knowledge of established water quality and aquatic facilities operations to ensure compliance with CPO/AFO, federal, state and local standards and guidelines.

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: Operation of Aquatic Facility and Associated Aquatics programming.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Obtain and maintain Ellis and Associate Lifeguard Certification
• Obtain and maintain Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification
• Obtain and maintain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) / Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification.
• Maintain training and poise in emergent situations and interactions with staff and patrons.
• Develop & maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members & others

• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouvers Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance

• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, a driving abstract and possible Medical Evaluation for some equipment used in CPO/AFO duties.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope youll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call ... or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date June 25, 2025