Aquatics Coordinator

As one of Ottawa's largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, BGC Ottawa provides FREE, subsidized, and cost-efficient community-based services and life-changing programs to an annual average of 5,000 young Members each year. We provide safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. From anti-racism to Reconciliation to LGBTQ2S+, food security to scholarships to job readiness, our programs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions: equity, acceptance, support and opportunity. As a growing team that embraces different ways of thinking, abilities and experiences, we aim to make our staff feel safe. We want you to feel heard, respected and empowered. We believe in our diverse shared power as being the key to serving our members, volunteers, community and each other with the utmost care. BGC Ottawa is about building positive and inclusive environments for all.

BGC Ottawa is seeking applications for a full-time Aquatics Coordinator / Head Lifeguard. The successful candidate will work out of the Ron Kolbus Clubhouse and will oversee the daily operation of the pool and the delivery of all aquatic programs. This role ensures safety, program quality, and staff leadership while providing direct supervision to part-time, student, contract and seasonal aquatic staff. The position requires availability for evenings and weekends based on program needs within a flexible 40-hour schedule.

Major Responsibility 1: Safety and Risk Management

• Educate patrons on safe swimming habits and enforce rules.
• Perform rescues and first aid necessary for the preservation of life.
• Ensure lifesaving and work equipment is maintained and compliant with aquatic safety regulations.
• Report hazards or potential risks immediately.
• Patrol change rooms regularly to ensure safety and proper conduct.
• Model and promote a safety-first culture within the aquatics environment.

Major Responsibility 2: Coordination of Aquatic Programs

• Supervise the safe operation and delivery of swim instruction, recreation swim, aquatic leadership programs, member programs and pool rentals.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations, organizational policies, procedures and health and safety standards.
• Develop, implement, schedule, administer, promote and evaluate aquatic programs.
• Provide guidance, coaching and supervision to part-time, student, contract and seasonal staff.
• Lead and participate in staff orientation sessions and ongoing in-service training.
• Support teamwork across BGCO aquatic and program teams.
• Act as the on-site contact in the absence of the Clubhouse Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clubhouse Manager.

Major Responsibility 3: Administrative Support and Reporting

• Assist with budget preparation for aquatic programs and rental groups.
• Receive and respond to feedback from the public and staff.
• Track and report statistics for all aquatic program areas.
• Maintain program registration forms and online tracking systems.
• Provide public information about aquatics rules, schedules and programs.
• Complete daily, weekly and monthly pool checklists, including pool tests and usage statistics.
• Create and distribute staff schedules based on program needs, staff availability and budget requirements.
• Submit bi-weekly payroll data to Finance by the 6th and 21st of each month.
• Maintain updated administrative records and reports.

Major Responsibility 4: Facility Support and General Duties

• Support the cleanliness and maintenance of the pool, change rooms, storage spaces and laundry room.
• Monitor and replenish program, first aid and chemical supplies as required.
• Attend meetings, in-service trainings and development sessions as required.
• Support a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all aquatic program users.

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Current National Lifeguard Service certification.
• Current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certification.
• Oxygen / Airway Management certification.
• Emergency First Aid Instructor certification.
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification.
• Lifesaving Instructor certification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• HIGH FIVE PHCD or HIGH FIVE Sport certificate is an asset.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities

• Sensitivity to and awareness of diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently or within a team.
• Ability to build positive and constructive relationships with children, youth, families and staff.
• Genuine interest in working with young people.
• Ability to supervise part-time staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of aquatic safety standards and child and youth development principles.
• Experience in a not-for-profit or community-based setting is an asset.

Please note: the following are required for this position:

• Current Police Records check (vulnerable sector).
• Ability to work evenings.

These are the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The majority of the work is performed in an indoor aquatic environment that is generally clean and comfortable. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach, climb, bend, kneel and occasionally lift equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to focus on a computer screen for extended periods. Noise levels are typically moderate to loud. Evening and weekend work is required based on programming. BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. This means all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

BGC Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.