Manager of Aquatics - YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Job Posting
Position Title: Manager of Aquatics
Reports to: Director of Settlement & Wellness
Location: Aylmer and St. Thomas Ontario
Employment Type: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Wage Range: $26.50/hr-$30/hr, depending on experience
Position Summary
The Aquatics Manager provides managerial leadership of the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin’s Aquatic programs. This role is accountable for program quality, safety and regulatory compliance, staffing, and community partnerships while advancing continuous improvement in alignment with YWCA values, legislation including Ontario Pools Regulation 565, Lifesaving Society standards, funding frameworks and partnership agreements. The Manager of Aquatics manages aquatic program operations including program coordination, delivery and evaluation, staff recruitment, supervision, scheduling and training, risk management, customer service, facility and community partnerships. The Manager of Aquatics is a collaborative leader with strong organizational and communication skills, a passion for aquatics, and experience managing teams and program operations in a fast-paced recreational environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Program Operations & Service Delivery
- Provide leadership and manage the day-to-day operation of all aquatic programs and services at multiple program delivery sites (Seasonal Aylmer outdoor pool, indoor pools at Ontario Police College and Terrace Lodge in Aylmer).
- Ensure high quality, inclusive aquatic programs aligned with legislation, organizational policies, aquatic service standards (ie. Lifesaving Society), agreements.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate swim lessons, aquatic fitness, leadership programs, public swimming, rentals, and special events.
- Monitor program enrollment, capacity, participation, feedback, and trends to support decision making, program deliver and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and maintain accurate records, reports, and program statistics and ensure timely completion of required reporting.
- Serve as the escalation point for complex issues involving, programs, participants, facilities, partnerships, and regulators.
Health, Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all public health regulations, aquatic safety standards, and organizational policies.
- Maintain current Aquatic Program Policies & Procedures, including emergency plans, staff orientation and in-service training and ensure staff readiness through regular training.
- Oversee health and safety practices, incident/accident/emergency responses, reporting and follow up procedures and/or corrective actions.
- Lead facility and partnership agreements, contracts, renewals, and follow up ensuring ongoing accuracy and adherence.
- Conduct routine program inspections and ensure completion of site inspections of pool facilities, equipment and program areas, including maintenance of program records and documentation related to daily pool operations.
- Maintain current Aquatic Program Guide and Schedules.
- Ensure proactive compliance with internal risk management processes.
People Leadership & Human Resources
- Provide leadership and supervision to Aquatics Coordinator, administrative staff and 25+ front-line aquatic staff (Lifeguards, Swim Instructors and Water Safety Assistants) and volunteers.
- Ensure compliance with Safety Supervision Standards of Ontario Pool Regulation 565, including current aquatic staff certifications and qualifications and pool supervision requirements based on pool facility and bather loads.
- Plan and oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision and ongoing professional development, including performance management processes.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment and support staff through regular staff meetings, in-service training, mentorship, coaching, and guidance on quality, responsive program delivery and implementation.
- Support and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative YWCA culture through active participation in professional development opportunities, staff meetings, and organizational events.
Community Relations, Partnerships, Program Leadership
- Liaise with program and facility partners including the Town of Aylmer, Ontario Police College, Terrace Lodge, and other community partners to maintain partnerships and ensure quality, consistent, responsive program operations and delivery
- Collaborate with facility and pool maintenance teams to support safe operations.
- Ensure aquatic facilities, equipment and supplies meet program delivery needs, are maintained, organized, and inventoried.
- Oversee response and follow up with pool closures, program cancellations, seasonal transitions, and special operational requirements.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with service users and community partners.
- Ensure participant inquiries, concerns, and feedback are addressed consistently and professionally.
- Plan and support program development and community engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with YWCA Communications to promote programs, and initiatives
- Represent the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin at meetings, community events, providing presentations as needed.
- Advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion within department
- Model YWCA’s equity driven leadership approach.
Administrative Responsibilities, Systems, Planning and Quality Improvement
- Contribute to annual budget development and monitor expenditures and revenue.
- Approve operational purchases, petty cash and cheque requisitions within delegated authority and approved budget.
- Oversee enrollment, aquatic program scheduling and staffing administration, funding applications, contracts and invoicing.
- Seek out and prepare funding applications in line with program objectives and in response to existing and emerging aquatic service delivery opportunities.
- Oversee aquatic program data and registration systems, processes and program administration, including enrolment records, feedback and reporting tools.
- Review surveys, feedback and program data to inform planning, service delivery and improvement.
- Prepare reports, evaluations, and operational documentation as required, ensuring compliance with reporting timelines.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in relevant field
- Professional training/certifications in Aquatic Management (Aquatic Supervisor, Aquatic Manager, Pool Operator, SEE Auditor)
- Lifesaving Society certifications in Advanced Aquatic Leadership (Swim Instructor, Lifesaving Instructor, National Lifeguard, Swim Instructor Trainer, National Lifeguard Instructor, Examiner)
- Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C (or equivalent) from an approved WSIB provider
- Minimum 3 years experience supervising staff in aquatics, recreation, or a related environment.
- Minimum 3 years experience program management in aquatics, recreation, or a related environment.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Forms, Teams, email)
- Experience with recreation management software.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Skills & Competencies
- Leadership, coaching & team development
- Regulatory compliance and attention to detail
- Financial literacy and operational planning
- Communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution
- Risk Management, judgement & decision making
- Relationship-building and public communication
- Demonstrated ability to identify and manage competing priorities
- Organization, time management, adaptability and accountability
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in pool facility environments with additional office-based hours work.
- Exposure to humid environments and noise levels typical of aquatic facilities, including seasonal outdoor pool environment.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and respond quickly to emergencies.
- Occasional lifting and moving of aquatic equipment.
- Public speaking and community engagement required.
Commitment to Equity
YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and others who reflect the diversity of our community.
Why This Role Matters
This role is foundational to ensuring that YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin can continue to grow, innovate, and respond to community needs—while maintaining strong, safe, and sustainable operations that support women, children, and families across our region.
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to apply through YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin's website:
https://ywcaste.ca/2026/07/27/manager-of-aquatics/
Application deadline: Monday, August 10th, 2026
Interviews will be scheduled throughout the recruitment process. This is a new position.
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Pay: $26.50-$30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 per week
Work Location: In person
