Aquatics Operations Zone Manager - South Region (Manager 1, Parks & Recreation)

Position Description

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR)is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Traditionally, we have provided recreation opportunities through our network of community centers, pools, and other facilities. We are building our capacity to bring recreation programs to the people—not just in our facilities, but also in parks, in streets, and through partners, with goals of reducing racial health disparities and empowering historically underserved communities.

SPR commits to the City of Seattle's Workplace Values and Expectations, and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.

The Recreation Division inspires all people to reach their full potential through recreation programs and activities. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities. With nearly 300 regular employees and a budget of nearly $40 million annually, Recreation is a major operation with significant impact on the communities we serve. In addition to our current operations, we also strive to constantly improve the ways we serve Seattle’s residents, specifically through implementation of the SPR Strategic Plan, innovation in our facility staffing and programming approaches, and learning from national best practices and quality standards.

The Aquatics Unit sits within the Recreation Division. The team is responsible for the operation of 8 indoor swimming pools, 2 small craft boating centers, and 7 boat ramps. In the summer the program ramps up to include 2 outdoor pools, 25 wading pools, and 9 lifeguarded summer beaches. It is staffed by 73 regular staff and as many as 450 summer and temporary intermittent staff.

Swim Seattle

The Swim Seattle initiative combines the efforts of Seattle Parks & Recreation, YMCA, No More Under, Associated Recreation Council, and other drowning prevention partners. The goal of Swim Seattle is to remove barriers to swimming opportunities, centering the communities who need it the most. This position will provide support and oversight in achieving the goals and desired outcomes of this key initiative:

Job Responsibilities

This position reports to the Aquatic Unit Manager, and is responsible for managing the ongoing operation of 4 indoor swimming pools, and a seasonal beach lifeguard program and a summertime “Lifeguard Training Team” teen program. This position supervises 5 direct reports and is responsible for as many as 250 indirect reports.

The Overall Focus On Safety And Outreach Including Managing An Annual Safety Training Program To a High Level As Well As Growing And Maintaining a Large Diversified Workforce That Represents The Community. Outside Of Daily Operations, This Position Will Take The Lead In The Following Areas For The Swimming Line Of Business Within The Aquatic Unit.

• The position manages daily operations of 4 year-round pools, and summer operation of lifeguarded beaches, and ensures that all safety, health, and maintenance protocols are consistently enforced.
• They will manage lifeguard safety training for current employees as well as teen lifeguard training and outreach programs.
• Manages and supervises subordinate supervisors with total direct and indirect supervision of approximately 250 employees. Recruiting, hiring, training, leading and evaluating a staff of aquatics coordinators, lifeguards and others that operate year-round aquatic facilities with expansion to add additional seasonal programs. The position manages a staff of approximately 100 employees, year-round and an additional 150 people in the summertime. Monitors performance, evaluates and manages performance expectations.
• Manages expense budget of about $6M with delegated authority to exercise substantial discretion in allocating financial resources, including budget adjustments. Manages all revenue streams, including collection, accounting, and routing of funds for recreation programs, facility rentals, and merchandise sales; maintains accountability for all reports, reconciliations, and expenditures.
• Plans, develops, creates, implements and evaluates significant programs to achieve broad objectives; defines measurements; Utilizes and applies "best practices" and national standards in risk management decision making.
• Develop and implement strategies to build a diverse workforce, deliver aquatic programs and services consistent with the City's Race & Social Justice initiative.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree* from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Business Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Services or related field.
• Five years of full-time recreation work with increasing responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing a variety of aquatics programs. At least two (2) years of this experience must have been as a supervisor with experience managing budgets and aquatic safety.
• Two additional years of full-time recreation work with final responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing a variety of aquatics programs may be substituted for the Bachelor's Degree.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor will be required within six months of employment.
  
  

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate The Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge and experience in contemporary urban public recreation programming and administration
• Expertise in motivation techniques, delegation skills, and staff management
• Familiarity with facility maintenance operations and planning
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for various settings (public meetings, staff reports, media interactions, etc.)
• Ability to effectively manage professional staff and ensure work quality, efficiency, and clarity of responsibilities
• Effective communication with the public to address questions and resolve issues
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new skills, technologies, and rapidly changing information
• Experience working in an urban, diverse environment with individuals from various cultural backgrounds (economic, ethnic, age, and gender)
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and recreation registration software
• Able to manage multiple projects and assignments under time constraints and changing priorities
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service through various communication channels (verbal, written, electronic)
• Experience in researching, developing, and securing grant funding, including tracking and reporting outcomes
• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Specialized training in aquatic management, including certifications such as Better Beaches, Certified Pool Operator, NRPA Aquatic Facility Technical Training, Risk Management Schools, and Budget and Finance
• Washington State Boater Safety certification
• Red Cross water recreation and safety certifications
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional and Executive Certifications
• Strong understanding of swimming program needs and compliance with Washington State Health Department regulations and best practices
• Knowledge of pool chemistry, mechanical systems, and aquatics operations, including equipment and supply management in accordance with city policies
• Experience developing and managing diverse, representative workforces
• Experience in lifeguard safety training programs
• Expertise in developing and delivering outreach, hiring, and training programs for teens
  
  

Additional Information

Please Submit The Following With Your Online Application

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
  
  

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

The full salary range for this position is $50.08 - $75.12 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

SPR's Core Competencies

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making, and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Leading as an engaged member of a team to build a cohesive team and facilitate the achievement of work group goals.

Aligning Performance for Success: Collaboratively guiding and engaging the team to accomplish defined work goals.

Direction and Delegation: Sharing authority and responsibilities with others to distribute decision-making and accountability throughout the organization; enabling individuals to stretch their capabilities; and accomplishing the organization’s strategic priorities.