At the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, we're more than a nonprofit. We're a movement dedicated to strengthening communities, developing future leaders, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. As the Aquatics Lead, you'll play a vital role in advancing the YMCA's mission by ensuring safe, high-quality aquatic experiences while helping develop an exceptional team and strengthening one of our community's most impactful programs.

If you're passionate about leadership, safety, youth development, and making a difference every day, this is your opportunity to dive into a rewarding role where your work truly matters.

What You'll Do

Champion Safety & Excellence

You'll help lead aquatics operations with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and risk management, ensuring every swimmer, family, and staff member enjoys a secure and positive experience.

In this role, you'll:

• Help ensure appropriate staffing levels and supervision standards across all aquatic programs.
• Monitor pool mechanical systems and water chemistry to maintain compliance with YMCA, local, and federal standards.
• Support a clean, safe, and welcoming aquatic environment that members can trust.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and preparedness through daily operations and best practices.

Support Dynamic Aquatics Programs

You'll work closely with Aquatics leadership to deliver engaging, high-quality programs that help participants build confidence and life-saving skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting swim lesson programs and ensuring curriculum quality and consistency.
• Assisting with lifeguard certification courses, trainings, and aquatic events.
• Helping implement policies, procedures, and programming that prioritize participant safety and member satisfaction.
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of aquatics programming at the Sherwood Family YMCA.

Develop and Inspire an Amazing Team

Great programs start with great people. As Aquatics Lead, you'll help foster a positive, collaborative team culture where staff feel supported, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

You'll:

• Provide leadership and guidance to aquatic staff, particularly in the absence of department leadership.
• Assist with staff scheduling, substitute coverage, and time-off coordination.
• Help plan and facilitate in-services, emergency drills, and professional development opportunities.
• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous growth among staff members.

Why This Role Matters

Every day, YMCA aquatics professionals make an impact that extends far beyond the pool deck. You'll help teach life-saving water safety skills, support youth development, build confidence in swimmers of all ages, and create meaningful experiences for families throughout our community.

Our Commitment to Safety

Every YMCA employee shares responsibility for protecting children, vulnerable adults, members, employees, volunteers, and guests. We are committed to maintaining professional boundaries, following child protection and abuse prevention policies, completing required trainings, and fostering a culture where safety, respect, and accountability are non-negotiable.

Join Us

If you're ready to lead with purpose, develop others, and make a lasting impact in your community, we'd love to have you on our team. Come help us create safe spaces, strong swimmers, and stronger communities at the Sherwood Family YMCA.