Recreation Leader - Aquatics — Gainesville, FL at City

About the City of Gainesville

Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville—you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job; it's a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

The Recreation Leader - Aquatics serves as a hands-on leader within the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department. This role is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and exceptional aquatic experiences for the community while overseeing the daily operations, safety, and administration of the City's aquatic facilities and programs.

About the Role

In this position, you will supervise a large team of aquatics staff, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool supervisors. Your day will involve managing recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance oversight while ensuring strict compliance with local, state, and industry safety standards. You will act as a key resource for aquatic operations, risk management, and customer service, maintaining high-quality facilities through oversight of water quality, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.

Beyond administration, you will coordinate aquatic user groups, manage operational records, and serve as a vital link between the City and the public. The successful candidate will be committed to fostering a culture of safety and excellence, ensuring that every swimmer and visitor has a positive experience.

Benefits and Culture

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All regular employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid holidays a year, a pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. We also offer unique perks including on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff, and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Hiring Process and Application

Internal Applicants: If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree, or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee, please apply internally via the Career Icon in your Workday account.

External Applicants: Interested candidates should apply through the City's online portal. The position remains open until filled.

Accommodations: If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, please contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or call 352-334-5077.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply; Veterans' Preference ensures that eligible veterans are given consideration at each step of the selection process. Individuals with a disability who require special accommodations during the selection process should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Work location

Work model: On-site

6th Street Rail-Trail, Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, 32610, United States

Gainesville, Florida

Key Responsibilities

check_circleOversee daily operations, safety, and staffing of aquatic facilities and programs
check_circleSupervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool supervisors including recruitment and training
check_circleManage water quality, facility maintenance, and equipment inventories
check_circleEnsure compliance with local, state, and industry safety standards
check_circleCollect fees and supervise employees handling cash for programs and events
check_circleConduct performance evaluations and recommend personnel actions for staff
check_circleCoordinate with outside groups and businesses for facility activities
check_circleMaintain operational records and assist in risk management and emergency preparedness
check_circleOversee social media content, website posts, and marketing of recreational programs

Requirements

verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalency
verified3 years progressively responsible experience in recreational programming, instruction, management or related activities
verifiedValid State of Florida Driver License within 30 days of appointment
verifiedNational Recreation and Parks Association certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) within 18 months
verifiedAmerican Red Cross certification in CPR, AED and First Aid within 6 months
verifiedAmerican Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) within 12 months
verifiedAmerican Red Cross Lifeguard (LG) upon appointment
verifiedCertified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) within 18 months
verifiedAbility to pass pre-employment swimming tests and skills
verified

Nice to Have

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) certification. American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleHealth insurance, life insurance, and paid leavecheck_circle11 paid holidays per yearcheck_circlePension plancheck_circleDeferred compensation planOn-site fitness centers

Company

City of Gainesville

Industry

Government Administration

Headquarters

Gainesville, Florida

Open Roles

Gainesville is defining a new kind of city - a new American city - that aspires to become a model for other communities

The City of Gainesville operates as a government administration entity headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, serving as the cultural, educational, and commercial hub for north central Florida. Recognized nationally for its quality of life, the municipality has secured top rankings on multiple platforms, including being named the number one city to live on Livability.com and the best city to start a career on Zippia. The city functions under a Commission-Manager form of government and stands as one of the region's largest employers with approximately 2,200 staff members. The organization manages a comprehensive portfolio of municipal services and assets, which includes a regional transit system, a municipal airport, a 72-hole championship golf course, and a public utility. Serving a metro area population exceeding 339,000 residents across 63 square miles, the city benefits from its proximity to major Florida markets like Orlando, Tampa, and Sarasota, as well as the state's beaches. The local economy and community life are significantly shaped by the presence of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. Residents and professionals seeking to join the workforce can explore current opportunities through the official city employment portal. The municipality continues to provide essential services while maintaining its status as a premier location for families and students within the state.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: CPR, Aed, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Certified Pool Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, Certified Parks And Recreation Professional.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Frequently asked questions about Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville

What does a Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville will oversee daily operations, safety, and staffing of aquatic facilities and programs; supervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool supervisors including recruitment and training; manage water quality, facility maintenance, and equipment inventories; and ensure compliance with local, state, and industry safety standards.

What are the requirements for this Recreation Leader - Aquatics role?expand_more

To qualify for the Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville position, applicants should have: High school diploma or equivalency; 3 years progressively responsible experience in recreational programming, instruction, management or related activities; Valid State of Florida Driver License within 30 days of appointment; National Recreation and Parks Association certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) within 18 months; American Red Cross certification in CPR, AED and First Aid within 6 months; and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) within 12 months.

Where is the Recreation Leader - Aquatics role at City of Gainesville located?expand_more

Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville is based in 6th Street Rail-Trail, Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, 32610, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Recreation Leader - Aquatics job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

City of Gainesville has listed this Recreation Leader - Aquatics role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Recreation Leader - Aquatics role?expand_more

Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville typically requires 3+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Recreation Leader - Aquatics role at City of Gainesville?expand_more

Key skills for Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville include CPR; Aed; First Aid; Water Safety Instructor; Water Safety Instructor Trainer; Lifeguard; Lifeguard Instructor; and Certified Pool Operator.

What education is required for Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: High school diploma or equivalent required, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

What category does the Recreation Leader - Aquatics role belong to?expand_more

Recreation Leader - Aquatics at City of Gainesville is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.

About City of Gainesville

The organization manages a comprehensive portfolio of municipal services and assets, which includes a regional transit system, a municipal airport, a 72-hole championship golf course, and a public utility. Serving a metro area population exceeding 339,000 residents across 63 square miles, the city benefits from its proximity to major Florida markets like Orlando, Tampa, and Sarasota, as well as the state's beaches. The local economy and community life are significantly shaped by the presence of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.

Residents and professionals seeking to join the workforce can explore current opportunities through the official city employment portal. The municipality continues to provide essential services while maintaining its status as a premier location for families and students within the state.

Browse more roles: All City of Gainesville jobs, scientific & qa jobs on Recrutus.

Recreation Leader - Aquatics