Senior Recreation Specialist - Aquatics Programming

Salary Range 5,045.00 - 6,448.00 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 Senior Recreation Specialist in aquatics. This position is responsible for aquatic program and drop-in activity organization, planning, implementation, supervision, evaluation and budgeting at the Firstenburg and/or Marshall Center Pools/Aquatic Facilities. Duties may include a variety of the following areas: aquatics, youth, teen and adults, recreational swimming programs for all ages and abilities, camps for all ages, drop-in swimming, fitness / exercise, and swim lessons. This position supervises temporary staff and volunteers and requires the ability to be able to facilitate and assist in all recreational program areas as needed. Duties also include pool, spa or water feature operations, water quality monitoring and adjustments and maintenance.

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 is M-F, 8am to 5pm. Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Plan, research, organize, develop, and implement activities/programs, events and drop-ins, related to social development and recreation. This entails staffing, scheduling, purchasing supplies and equipment, and accessing community partners while considering customer needs. Assist with the supervision of the day-to-day operations of swimming pools, spa and water features and maintaining water chemistry and clarity to Washington State standards;
• Plan, research, organize, develop, implement, and evaluate Aquatics activities/programs, events, and drop-ins. This entails staffing, purchasing supplies, and accessing community partners while considering customer needs.
• Provide internal and external customer service in-person, by phone and/or by email for inquiries, requests, comment cards and other related concerns related to programs. Research customer needs for classes and programs. Respond to and resolve sometimes difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints. Professionally address difficult customers and/or behavioral concerns. Take appropriate action for misconduct of customers within program area including removal or suspension.
• Contribute to effective marketing of programs and facilities. Maintain information that is accurate, clear, and engaging via the website, social media, registration site, printed materials, city/building newsletters, quarterly catalog, etc..
• Ensure that all facilities and equipment are regularly monitored for safety and running properly. Participate in the development of effective pool schedules; plan, implement and evaluate assigned programs. Assistant in determining preventative maintenance schedules and small capital improvement and/or replacement projects for associated water quality equipment and systems.
• Supervise between 40-60+ temporary employees including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training, motivating, timesheet approval, evaluation of performance, counseling, staff recognition and facilitating meetings when needed.
• Train and troubleshoot software systems in Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department; ePACT; When to Work; ActiveNet and Workday.
• Maintain inventory, chemical and equipment orders, organize, identification and store as required by fire code and chemical storage laws.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in recreational swimming pools programming or related field with emphasis in pool programming and essential pool operations and maintenance.

Education:

• Equivalent to a Associates Degree and/or Completed 2 year Certification Program.

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate Word
• Intermediate Outlook
• Intermediate Excel
• Workday
• ActiveNet
• When2Work

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Ability to obtain or Possession of:

• ILTP (E&A) Lifeguard certification held for a minimum of 1 year;
• 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) held for a minimum of 1 year with instruction experience.

Within one (1) year of hire:

• ILTP (E&A) Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) certification
• Confined Space Training & Fall Protection

Within two (2) years of hire:

• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)

Knowledge

• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)
• Ellis Lifeguard and Instructor, CPR & First Aid
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO), Confined Space Training.
• Use of personal computers and basic software
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• Marketing strategies and website publications.
• Developing and Implementing staff training for classes and programs.
• Building, swimming pool and field safety inspections.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws that pertain to water quality and workplace safety

Abilities

• Teach Lifeguard classes, WSIT/WSI classes and be able to facilitate in-services and trainings.
• Be an active member of your team, staff, department, and the organization by displaying cooperative, supportive, and consistently good work product, work habits, and work ethics.
• Maintain CPO or AFO certification & confined space training and certification
• Maintain Ellis Lifeguard and Instructor, CPR and First Aid, Red Cross WSI and WSIT Certifications.
• Implement and uphold C ity, department, program and building safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to recruit, interview, hire, train, schedule and lead temporary employees and volunteers.
• Manage discipline actions for customer behaviors and Code of Conduct issues.
• Provide professional customer service and problem-solving customer situations.
• Coordinate employee training and program evaluation techniques.
• Schedule staff including for multiple shifts and duties
• Complete projects and programs professionally, accurately, and successfully.
• Collaborate to make decisions and solve problems.
• Analyze data to evaluate programs and customer needs.
• Monitor expenditures, revenue and participant numbers for cost recovery and budget compliance.
• Effectively work with a diverse population of staff, volunteers and participants of all ages and abilities.
• Facilitate and participate effectively and professionally in meetings to produce goals and outcomes.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouvers Operating Principles.
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work.
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others.
• Consistently provide quality customer 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 and a medical evaluation .

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 August 8, 2025