Aquatic & Leisure Specialist

**Job Posting**

Under the direction of the Manager of Aquatic & Leisure Services, the Aquatic & Leisure Specialist is responsible for ensuring the delivery of aquatic programs across Halifax, overseeing programming for indoor/outdoor aquatic facilities, amenities and beaches. This is a safety sensitive position responsible for a wide range of aquatic-based and leisure recreation services and which employs various strategies and processes to manage risk associated with aquatic based programs. This position conducts advanced first aid training, certification and in-servicing in highly specialized equipment and will be responsible for up to $750,000 in revenue and up to $550,000 in expenditures.

The Aquatic & Leisure Specialist provides leadership for up to 125 casual staff, up to 1700 programs annually and other services and projects (i.e., Recreational Swims, Water Exercise Programs, Fitness Centre Programming, Special Events) while ensuring the efficient and effective and coordinated delivery of services to the citizens of Halifax.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Plan and conduct training programs including preparing safety sensitive staff for life threatening emergencies and initiate stress management and critical intervention as required
- Identifies, evaluates and manages risk including programming in remote locations of water based activities, special events, and other delivery of services
- Formulate and implement youth engagement initiatives utilizing a community youth development approach
- Support Halifax owned & community board operated facilities utilizing a community development approach
- Supervise day-to-day operations of Halifax owned and operated aquatic facilities
- Provides inclusive and integrated opportunities for participants with special needs including the completion of assessments and problem solving to remove barriers that impede participation. Work with internal and external stakeholders to provide the necessary supports
- Analyzes and interprets performance indicators on a seasonal basis - implement changes to ensure all programs and services are meeting ever changing community needs
- Research and analyze data on current and future programming trends
- Partner with other recreation and youth serving organizations on program development and alternative service delivery (Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, ISANS, African Diaspora, Arthritis Society, IWK Rehabilitation, Heart & Stroke, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club)
- Design, implement and evaluate up to 1700 direct seasonal programs and services including curriculum development, scheduling, and registration
- Implement municipal, provincial and federal initiatives utilizing a project management approach (i.e. Youth Engagement Strategy, ActiveKids/Healthy Kids, HIGH FIVE®)
- Provide medical first aid to patrons and staff in our indoor and outdoor facilities. Responsible for determining when further medical attention is required, and ensuring staff are responsible in determining when further medical attention is required, and calling 9-1-1 as needed
- Recruits, screens, interviews, hires and supervises up to 125 program instructors, coordinators, wage staff and volunteers; following HR policies & procedures
- Monitor revenues/expenditures and make recommendations as necessary to balance budget. Adjust programming as required

**QUALIFICATIONS**
**Education & Experience**
- 2 year diploma in business, recreation leadership, human resource management or other discipline. Degree in Recreation Management would be considered an asset
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience of lifeguarding and instructing aquatic based and leisure programs
- Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
- Must have current certifications in: National Lifeguard Service Award, Red Cross Instructor and/or Lifesaving Society Instructor, Standard First Aid and AED certification, Oxygen Administration, Rescue Suction training. CPO (Certified Pool Operator) or must be obtained within 6 months of employment

**Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**
- Thorough knowledge of outdoor waterfront recreation programming
- Thorough knowledge of NS Health and Safety Regulations governing Aquatic Facilities, as well as working knowledge of guidelines pertaining to working in extreme temperatures
- Ability to hire, train, motivate, build and support a team of casual staff
- Ability to work with young people and provide safe environment for youth leaders to grow into viable and strong staff members
- Knowledge of quality front-line customer service principles
- Knowledge of standard software and technology utilized i.e., Word, PowerPoint Presentations, Outlook, Excel, Hansen, etc.

**Security Clearance Requirements**:Selected applicants must complete an employment security screening check.

**COMPETENCIES**:Communication, Customer Service, Decision Making, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Risk Management, Valuing Diversity

**WORK STATUS**: 2 Positions: 1 Permanent full-time &