Waukegan, IL – FT – Recreation Specialist – Aquatic Programs

Status of Employment:

Full-Time, Year-Round, Exempt

Compensation:

We provide a highly competitive, employee friendly benefit and incentive package to support you in your personal and professional journey which includes:

medical, dental, vision coverage or opt out incentive.
life insurance.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) defined benefit pension and 457 deferred compensation plan.
flexible spending account.
paid time off starting first day of employment: 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 12 holidays, 4 floating holidays, sick time accrues monthly, and discretionary time earned annually.
Park District facility usage and program discounts.
cell phone reimbursement.
training and professional development opportunities.
student loan repayment program.

Essential Functions Description/Duties:

Responsible for the overall planning, organization, and supervision of aquatic programs, activities, and special events and operation of indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities.

Assist with the planning, organization, implementation, and oversight of recreational/general interest programs and special events with emphasis on aquatic activities.
Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of aquatic operational procedures.
Assist in the assigning and scheduling of aquatics personnel to maximize customer satisfaction.
Remain current on aquatic safety procedures.
Provide service to patrons at aquatic facilities and maintain high levels of satisfaction.
Communicate safety procedures to employees, patrons, and guests.
Provide direct leadership and supervision to all assigned recreation programs and services.
Provide developmentally appropriate activities that meet the needs and interests of the participants.
Assist in the development and implement long-range plans and strategies. Develop and implement annual goals and objectives.
Oversee aquatic lessons and interact with customers to manage efficiency and needed program improvements.
Evaluate effectiveness of aquatic programs and services and make recommendations on additions and/or deletions.
Assist in the development and implementation of program details consistent with recreation marketing strategy.
Assist in the development and implementation a marketing strategy for recreation programs, services, and facilities consisting of appropriate pricing and promotional efforts.
Assists with membership recruitment, registration, retention, and marketing.
Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
Contract with independent contractors and vendors for programs and services as needed.
Review and prepare costs for assigned programs, services, and facilities for the annual budget.
Secure alternative funding through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising.
Purchase, distribute, and maintain proper inventory of all necessary supplies and materials.
Prepare and maintain management reports and records regarding programs and services.
Transport supplies using park district vehicles.
Assist with management of Field House and pool.
Assist with scheduling aquatic facility program use.
Monitor safety and cleanliness of the aquatic facility including such amenities as the floor/deck, equipment, and locker rooms.
Perform basic aquatic mechanical room operations and basic pool chemical applications.
Establish a cooperative planning and working relationship with community agencies and organizations.
Attend pertinent departmental/park district meetings and in-house training sessions.
Conduct self in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the park district.
Participate in park district safety and training program to ensure that work performed, and services provided are implemented in a safe manner.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelors degree in Recreation and Parks Administration, Sports Management, Fitness Management, Exercise Physiology/Science, or related field.

Experience:

Minimum one (1) year experience in a recreational setting, preferably in a recreation department, swimming program, or aquatic facility. May be obtained through a combination of seasonal, part time, or temporary positions.

Knowledge:

General knowledge of recreation, parks, and leisure services field.
General knowledge of recreation principles and philosophy.
Specific knowledge of aquatic programs and services.
Specific knowledge of aquatics equipment and training.
Specific knowledge of lifeguard and water safety standards.
Specific knowledge of swim lesson administration.
Thorough knowledge of personnel management.
Sound fiscal management.

License/Certification:

Valid drivers license required.
Lifeguard Instructor certificate required within six (6) months.
Water Safety Instructor Certification required within six (6) months.
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certificate required within one (1) year.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certificate required within one (1) year or as soon as eligible.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year.

Hours:

40 hours per week. Work schedule may vary and will include regular nights and weekends. May involve additional hours on an as needed basis.

Conditions of Continued Employment

All the following are required:

submit proof of date of birth.
provide copy of drivers license.
provide drivers abstract.
provide verification of education.
submit to a reference check and employment verification.
submit to a state criminal background check.
submit to a pre-placement physical.
submit to pre-placement drug testing.
submit to a random, reasonable cause, and post-accident alcohol and drug testing.
satisfactorily complete a six (6) month introductory period.
provide a copy of Lifeguard Instructor certificate within six (6) months of employment and renewal certificates as required.
provide a copy of Water Safety Instructor certificate within six (6) months of employment and renewal certificates as required.
Provide a copy of Certified Pool Operator certificate within one (1) year of employment and renewal certificates as required.
provide a copy of Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certificate within one (1) year of employment or as soon as eligible, and renewal certificates as required.
provide a copy of First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year of employment and renewal certificates as required.

Residency

Employees are strongly encouraged, but not required, to become residents within the boundaries of the Waukegan Park District.

Contact:

Javier Martinez

Manager of Fitness & Aquatics

jmartinez@waukeganparks.org

847-782-3621