AQUATICS PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Job Specifications

Class Code:	GK4
Analyst:	CJS/TC, CB

Date Originated:	5/10
Dates Revised:	4/13, 2/21

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, coordinate and supervise aquatics programs at an assigned County facility. Perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Aquatics Program Specialist differs from the higher class of Aquatics Coordinator, in that the former focuses on training lifeguards and the public in water rescue and water safety, supervising aquatic aides and lifeguards and enforcing safety policies in the aquatics facilities, while the Aquatics Coordinator coordinates multiple aquatics programs and supervises assigned staff, including Aquatics Program Specialists.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Supervise, organize, motivate and assist with hiring and training of the aquatics staff
• Schedule and evaluate the staff assigned to a swimming facility
• Ensure that safety standards, sanitary requirements and regulations are enforced
• Prepare and maintain routine reports on staff and operations
• Prepare staff schedules
• Supervise the care and maintenance of swim lesson, exercise, first aid, and lifesaving equipment
• Inventory equipment and supplies
• Enforce water safety rules and regulations
• Perform rescues
• Perform first aid and resuscitation
• Act as a liaison between the public, staff and office personnel; evaluate programs and suggest improvements
• Supervise routine maintenance
• Plan and facilitate staff meetings and in-service training; teach aquatics staff the lifeguard, first aid, CPR, and water safety courses required to perform their job
• Teach community courses that qualify the public to apply for lifeguard positions at Simpkins Family Swim Center
• Handle general daily functions of an aquatics facility
• Notify supervisors of disturbances, emergencies and staff performance and facility problems
• Open and close swimming facilities
• Assist in the planning, organization, set up and teardown of accommodations for special events and facility rentals
• Perform cashier, office, and clerical duties; and
• Assist supervisor as requested.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

 Knowledge of:

 Thorough knowledge of:

• The principles, practices and application of lifesaving, first aid and CPR techniques.

Working knowledge of:

• Swimming pool operation, including sanitation and safety;
• The aquatics program area to which assigned.

Some knowledge of:

• Supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of business including participants, staff, parents, and the public
• Write clearly and concisely
• Maintain a professional demeanor
• Accept constructive criticism and direction from supervisors
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain a clean and orderly work site
• Supervise, evaluate, and train lower level staff and volunteers
• Administer first aid
• See program participants in need of assistance from near and far distances
• Provide leadership and motivate staff
• Independently make decisions
• Read, understand and explain County policies and procedures
• Maintain records and periodic reports
• Perform simple arithmetic calculations to make change
• Motivate program participants
• Effectively deal with stressful and emergency situations
• Successfully complete all training provided by the department
• Perform tasks requiring physical strengths and/or stamina to effectively rescue victims, administer first aid, and CPR
• Hear and distinguish a variety of sounds in a noisy environment such as participants in need of assistance, fire alarms, whistle, and approaching vehicles or equipment which might pose a danger
• Speak loudly in order to warn program participants of impending danger.

Education and Experience:

 Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

The full-time equivalent of nine months experience as a lead-worker or supervisor in aquatics programs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS:

License/Certificate:

Possession of a valid American Red Cross (ARC) lifeguard training certificate*;
Possession of a valid ARC CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPR Pro) certificate* or American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Health Care Profession (Provider C);

* Acceptable Lifeguard and CPR Certifications include:

American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED

OR

American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid

WITH

The American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

OR

The American Red Cross CPR – AED for Lifeguards

Post-employment certifications required within six months of hire:

1. ARC Trainer certificates for Lifeguard and Title 22 courses.
2. A valid Oxygen Administration certificate.
3. A valid ARC Water Safety Instructor certificate or a Santa Cruz County Instructor Training Program.

AND

4. Attain one of the following:

• First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)
• ARC Emergency Responder
• First Responder
  OR
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Background Investigation:

Fingerprinting is required for some positions.

Special Working Conditions:

Some positions may involve exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; strong and unpleasant odors and fumes; noise from children; allergens such as poison oak, pollen, and bee stings; pool chemical fluctuations which might cause irritation to eyes and skin; and the possibility of administering first aid which may involve exposure to infections which might cause chronic disease or death.

Other Special Requirements:

Availability to work variable schedules including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 08

Occupational Grouping: 30

Workers' Comp Code: 1160

Previous Job Titles: Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Program Specialist