Aquatics Program Manager

Shape the Future of Aquatics–Join Missoula as the Aquatics Program Manager!

Competitive Compensation: The posted wage range reflects the entry rate for this position. The full range is $33.94 to $40.88/hour and may increase each year based on approved cost-of-living adjustments.
Career Development: Expand your leadership and management skills through program development, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Broad Impact: Develop diverse programs from swim lessons to water-based fitness and contribute to achieving Missoula’s strategic goals for recreation and public health.
Community-Centered Role: Play a key part in implementing the City of Missoula’s Strategic Plan by enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting health, wellness, and inclusivity across the community.
Collaborative Environment: Lead a team of aquatics professionals, working closely with city leaders, national and state policy experts, and local stakeholders.

As the Aquatics Program Manager, you’ll oversee our aquatics facilities’ operations, safety, and maintenance, develop innovative programming, and manage budgets. You’ll support Missoula’s Strategic Plan by ensuring that our aquatics services promote active lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and equitable access to recreational resources. Your role will help connect residents to the outdoors, contribute to community wellness, and align aquatics services with the city’s vision for sustainable growth and public benefit.

Qualifications We Seek:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in aquatics program development, facility management, or related fields, including three years as a certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with skills in leadership, team development, and fostering inclusive work environments.
• Required certifications such as Aquatics Facility Operator, Lifeguard, and Water Safety Instructor, or the ability to obtain them within designated timeframes.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards, budgeting, community outreach, and strategic planning.

Apply by submitting the City of Missoula Application and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and motivation for this role. Screening begins on November 25, 2024. 

Failure to attach a cover letter to your application will result in an incomplete application.  No additional attachments will be reviewed. Please review your application to ensure all relevant information is included.

Essential Functions

• Promotes, develops, and administers a wide variety of aquatic based programs ranging from swim lessons and water exercise classes to lifetime and competitive skills, and special events.
• Oversee the safety, sanitation, and daily operations of indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities to meet the need of the programs and services.
• Supervise various employees, including assigning and reviewing work, performance evaluations, and training; participate in hiring, discipline, and termination decisions; provide support by correcting deficiencies, and building strengths to ensure effective working relationships.
• Develop community outreach market strategies for aquatics programming.
  Manage and coordinate facility and park usage for various programs, outside rentals, special events, open recreation swim activities, etc. to ensure maximum value and benefit to the community.
• Coordinate the activities of concessions and aquatics facility management with other department managers to facilitate efficient, effective, and professional departmental operations and delivery of services.
• Develop and monitor facility and program budgets, including fee schedules, etc.; prepare proposed operating and capital budgets for the Aquatics division.
• Participate in the management of the aquatics budget to ensure revenue for operational and maintenance costs, and to generate a balance for future expansion and attractions.  
• Monitor and participate in maintenance and aquatics development goals and objectives; develop and/or adjust workplans to achieve the goals.
• Coordinate the purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Oversee all safety aspects of aquatics facilities and the development and implementation of aquatics risk management policies and procedures; collaborate with Aquatics facility staff to oversee all sanitation aspects of aquatics facilities and equipment.
• Collaborate with National and State Policy leaders, elected officials, and other regarding interpretation of Federal and State laws regarding pool construction and operation and the economical use of city resources.  
• Assist with strategic planning for the department.
• Prepare a variety of reports, planning documents, and other materials.
• Respond to various complaints and inquiries. 
• Perform other duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications and Additional Application Materials

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years’ experience in aquatics program development, facility management, user group coordination, or another relevant field, including 3 years working as a certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor.
• Requires a valid Montana drivers license, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire, with verified acceptable driving record.
• Requires finger print background check to work with vulnerable populations.
• Must have prior supervisory experience.
• Must have an Aquatics Facility Operator certification, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Must have current Lifeguard certification, or the ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire.
• Must have American Red Cross, or equivalent program, Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• American Red Cross, or equivalent program, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer certification, preferred.
• American Red Cross, or equivalent program, Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification, preferred.
• NRPA Aquatics Management Professional certification, preferred.
• Events Management and/ or Maintenance Management certifications, preferred.