Aquatics & Safety Coordinator

The Aquatics & Safety Coordinator is responsible for the daily management of aquatics facilities and continued development of aquatic and safety programs within the department. Reporting to the Associate Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness, this role provides leadership to student staff, program development, facility and equipment management, compliance with St. Louis City health codes, industry laws, regulations, and standards governing swimming pools, risk management, assessment, and outreach. The Aquatics & Safety Coordinator supports holistic well-being by offering inclusive, accessible, and innovative aquatics and safety opportunities for the Saint Louis University community.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Management & Development

• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, schedules, and evaluates a staff of 30+ student employees, including lifeguard instructors, swim instructors, lifeguards and pool maintenance

• Provides oversight into the implementation, review, and recommendations related to facility policies and procedures including emergency action plans and standard operating procedures

• Provides ongoing professional development, certification renewal opportunities, and mentorship for student staff and the SLU community

• Conducts regular staff meetings and in-services, promote a culture of accountability, and serve as a role model for inclusive, customer-centered service

Program & Service Coordination

• Oversees a comprehensive aquatics program including adult and youth swim lessons, varsity and club water-based sports, and special event programing

• Manages scheduling for aquatic spaces and registration of aquatic programs

Facility & Equipment Oversight

• Oversees the daily operations of the indoor and seasonal outdoor aquatic spaces on campus, including a 25-meter indoor pool with six-lanes and a dive well, and two outdoor leisure pools

• Manages inventory of first aid and emergency response supplies and equipment

• Conducts daily inspections of all aquatic facilities

• Coordinates preventative maintenance, cleaning, and repair of all swimming pools, surrounding areas, and aquatic equipment

Assessment, Data & Budget

• Collects and analyzes participation data, satisfaction surveys, and usage trends; prepare reports for leadership

• Manages and helps maintain accurate records of incident and accident reports, pool chemicals and Red Cross safety certifications

• Manages program budgets, including payroll, equipment and supply purchases, and cost estimates

• Contributes to departmental strategic planning and assessment efforts

Marketing, Outreach & Collaboration

• Partners with the Associate Director and other marketing staff to promote aquatic and safety services

• Develops outreach initiatives that increase participation and reduce barriers to access

• Collaborates with the Division of Student Development and other University partners to integrate wellness and safety programming across campus

• Represents the department on campus committees and at professional conferences

Other

• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of collegiate recreation and aquatics program operations

• Knowledge of aquatic risk management, emergency action planning, and safety compliance

• Knowledge of staff supervision models and certification requirements for lifeguards, instructors, and aquatic safety personnel

• Knowledge of aquatic facility operations and water-based equipment management

• Strong organizational and documentational skills

• Strong coordination, collaboration, and communication skills

• Strong leadership and student development skills

• Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and safety incidents using established protocols and sound judgment

• Ability to maintain safe, inclusive, and compliant aquatic operations while supporting program access and customer service

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field

• American Red Cross CPR with AED, First Aid, and Lifeguard Instructor Certifications or ability to obtain within first 90 days

• Mental Health First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 90 days

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Positive full-time experience in collegiate recreation or aquatics and safety programming

• Certified Pool Operator Certification

• Experience supervising student employees, managing facilities, and overseeing budgets

• Familiarity with Fusion or similar recreation management software

• Experience developing inclusive, accessible programs for diverse populations