Aquatics Program Manager (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,000 - $65,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around April 28, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Recreation, this position develops and manages aquatics programs and is responsible for the management of the aquatics facility. The incumbent is responsible for the day to day operations of at 50 meter aquatics facility, including, but not limited to, facility scheduling, lifeguard certification, training and scheduling and aquatic program development. Conduct and manage the CPR, AED and first aid training for departmental staff. Working with program areas within the Recreation & Athletics department to ensure proper training for all student staff. This position is also responsible to oversee the cleanliness and maintenance of the water systems, drains and pool decks through subordinate staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program/Operations:

• Establish risk management policies and guidelines that are written, implemented, trained and updated. Coordinates and documents emergency action plans for natural disasters, drowning, heart attack, diving injury, etc., as appropriate. Initiate, organize and manage a robust aquatics program in conjunction with other programmers within the recreation program on campus. Ensures that staff enforces rules of conduct and safety in an impartial and effective manner. Sets up and maintains regulations and conditions conducive to maximum sanitation and a wholesome environment for the swimming program. Inventories and evaluates pool equipment quarterly (include rescue, safety/first aid, activity and events). Researches, selects and purchases pool equipment and pool chemicals.
• Establishes future estimated pool equipment/maintenance needs. Responsible for all risk management related duties pertinent to aquatic program participants and staff to include appropriate training and establishment of policies and procedures to reduce general liability and enhance overall safety. Keeps up to date on changing federal, state, and local laws regarding aquatic facilities and emergency response. Serves as the primary point of contact for all aquatics related suggestions and complaints, works with students, faculty, staff, and community members to resolve those issues. Works within the approved annual budget. Oversees operational expenditures and consults with supervisor on all major expenses, planned or unplanned, relating to the operation and maintenance of the aquatic facilities. Prepares monthly management reports to senior department management staff for patron usage numbers, energy program results, memberships and staff payroll totals, etc. Prepares expense & revenue reports for analysis and makes recommendations for departmental cost savings.

Staff Training, Development and Supervision:

• Recruits, hires, supervises, assigns duties, mentors, initiates disciplinary actions, resolves complaints/ grievances and conducts performance evaluations for all lifeguards, swim instructors, and student staff on a daily basis. Responsible for record keeping and biweekly submission of accurate time sheets for student and professional staff payrolls. Creates, encourages and supports professional development opportunities for all Aquatics staff. Provides professional association involvement, training programs and individual mentoring. Develops and maintains staff operations manuals. Conducts regular staff meetings with student staff and professional staff. Promotes unity and leadership among staff through staff development functions, training, etc. Oversees quality of operations by conducting regular evaluations of Aquatics and Safety staff.

Facility Management:

• Creates program policies and procedures for swimming pool maintenance/upkeep guidelines and pool chemical testing. Enforces cleanliness of the facilities, in a manner consistent with University and state regulations. Works with staff to maintain daily and or weekly checklists; coordinates & works with maintenance when problems arise. Develop awareness in formal and informal inspection of equipment conditions and needs, report needs to supervisor. Ensures compliance with all Federal, State & County regulations. Oversees and manages day to day pool preventative maintenance for the aquatics complex. Manages facility use schedules for aquatics center using EMS software. Works with Athletic Event Operations Manager to coordinate special events in the aquatics center. Makes recommendations for facilities improvements.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
• Masters degree in related field from an accredited institution. (Preferred)
• 2 years management experience.
• 2 years in professional aquatics management.
• Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification
• Standard First Aid Instructor Certification
• Lifeguard Certification
• California Title 22 Instructor Certification (must be obtained within 3 months of hire)
• Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator Certification (obtain within 3 months of hire)
• Water Safety Instructor
• Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (obtain within 3 months of hire).

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrates advanced client service leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking skills to resolve non-standard issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language. Demonstrated ability to incorporate key program information for inclusion in web-based and other marketing materials.
• Advanced proficiency in the use of computer applications relevant to job duties.
• Advanced knowledge of campus policies and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of program activity and best practices. Demonstrated ability to analyze and improve programs and processes as needed.
• Skills to deliver highly effective service orientation, program management, and make sound judgments decisions; able to use critical thinking skills to develop original and creative problem solving ideas in a varied and challenging environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization.
• Experience with Fusion, Activenet or Class software or equal.
• Strong knowledge of program activity and industry best practices.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.