This position is for our David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids.

OUR CULTURE:

Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE-We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN-We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME-We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE-We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE-We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY-We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun!

The YMCA of Great Grand Rapids utilizes a Membership By Design framework, which is a member involvement and community building model for YMCAs across the country. All staff members—front-line, management, full- and part-time—and volunteers have a role to play in member engagement. These responsibilities can be broken into six steps:

• Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs.
• Staff and volunteers ask members continually about their satisfaction with a program or activity, track responses, listen to suggestions, and respond promptly in a manner consistent with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Relationship Building: Staff and volunteers are open, friendly, and approachable to all YMCA members and participants. Staff and volunteers initiate interaction with and between members.
• Education and Conversion: Staff and volunteers know about and share their knowledge of the YMCA, its programs, its policies, its mission, its values, and how it benefits members and the community.
• Volunteerism and Leadership: Staff and volunteers create opportunities for members to volunteer in their areas of interest, and they ask members to do so whenever appropriate.
• Staff and volunteers encourage members to “own” the YMCA, using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our association” (and actions that match those words) to include members as well as staff and volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Aquatics Specialist is responsible for supervising the aquatic facility and/or aquatic activities to secure the safety of participants. The Lead Aquatics Specialist will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.

This position requires 50% face-to-face leadership (Lifeguard/Swim Instruction/Pool Deck Observation) and 50% office work; and early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

• Keeps Health Department records
• Completes lesson rosters
• Supervises shifts on designated days
• Orientates new staff members
• Informs Director of needed staff re-certifications
• Replenishes First Aid supplies
• Administers emergency First Aid and CPR
• Enforces aquatic rules and procedures
• Washes and maintains deck, equipment and pool bottom; keeps deck free of obstructions
• Maintains supervision of participants
• Takes and records chemical readings
• Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion
• Enforces safety standards and follows emergency procedures
• Run Lifeguard In-service trainings
• Run a minimum of two (2) lifeguard certification or lifeguard crossover classes per year
• Teach swim lessons and/or Lifeguard as the facility needs and in a manner that leads by example to other Aquatics staff
• Support Aquatic Director in running of all required Aquatics Audits
• Assists with scheduling of lifeguards and/or Swim Instructors
• Computer proficiency to support registrations and rosters for swim lesson program

Performs any other functions deemed to be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

COMPENSATION

$15.95 -$19.94 ; Full Time; Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Family Membership and discounted program fees
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, beginning at 3 weeks per year
• 9 Paid Holidays per year
• 10% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More information can be found here.
• Paid Parental Leave
• Discounted childcare
• Long term disability, basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED): one to three months life guarding experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. Some Aquatics supervisory experience preferred. Proficient in computers required. Ability to react quickly to emergency situations. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. YMCA experience preferred. 18 years of age or older required.

CERTIFICATIONS

• YMCA Lifeguard Certification, or equivalent
• YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Certification, required within 180 days of hire
• YMCA Swim Instructor Certification, required within 90 days of hire
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• AED Certification required within the first 60 days
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL

0-5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.