Recreation Specialist (Aquatics), Grade 21

WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County Department of Recreation is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with a mission to provide high quality, diverse, and accessible community-based programs, activities, and services that serve the recreation and leisure needs of the Montgomery County community. The department manages 39 facilities including recreation centers, senior centers, and indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and provides thousands of programs such as out-of-school activities, aquatics, classes, youth and adult sports programs and leagues, senior programs, and therapeutic recreation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Join our dynamic aquatics team as an Aquatic Recreation Specialist , where youll play a key role in creating safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for our community. In this hands-on position, youll design and lead innovative aquatic programs, support lifeguard training, and help maintain a welcoming and well-run facility. Youll be a go-to resource for patrons, providing exceptional customer service while promoting water safety and community engagement. If youre passionate about aquatic recreation, enjoy working with people, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, wed love to have you make a splash with us!

Recreation is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences and cultures. Recreation encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

As a Recreation Specialist, your duties will include:

• Program Development & Instruction Designs, schedules, and leads aquatic programs such as swim lessons, water fitness classes, safety courses, and recreational activities.
• Facility & Water Safety Oversight Ensures pools and aquatic areas meet safety standards, maintains proper water chemistry, and helps enforce facility rules to protect patrons.
• Lifeguard Supervision & Training Support Assists with onboarding, mentoring, and refreshing lifeguard staff on skills, emergency response procedures, and daily operational expectations.
• Customer Service & Community Engagement Provides support to patrons, answers questions, handles concerns, and promotes a positive and inclusive aquatic environment.
• Administrative & Operational Support Helps with scheduling, program registration, incident reporting, equipment upkeep, and coordination of special events or facility needs.

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Working knowledge of aquatic processes, including general maintenance, chemical handling, safety, staffing requirements
• Working knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, arithmetic, and standard office practices
• Ability to create and maintain working relationships with all stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate office records and generate reports
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proficiency with standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to multitask and manage several clerical responsibilities simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment, courtesy, and professionalism when interacting with the stakeholders

Important things to Know:

• This position will require work beyond a standard 40-hour week , including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on occasion, in outdoor or extreme weather conditions.
• The selected candidate will be required to complete a background investigation and a limited core exam with a drug/alcohol test prior to appointment.
• This position will require onsite facility management responsibilities and will involve travel to various program locations throughout the County and is not eligible for telework .
• To ensure compliance with laws and to support a positive work culture, all required mandatory trainings must be completed within 3 to 6 months of hire, or as specified.

• Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible specialist work involving planning, organizing, supervising and implementing an area-wide, county wide or special interest recreation program.
• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Certification: Current Lifeguard, CPR, AED and First Aid certifications from the American Red Cross or any other agency approved by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
• License: Montgomery County Pool Operators License
• License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid class C (or equivalent) drivers license from the applicant's state of residence if required by the position of assignment