Team Lead Aquatics

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

This position is responsible for guiding swim instructors and lifeguards in the day to day pool operation. The Team Lead ensures the delivery of safe, responsive aquatic programming while coaching staff and volunteers for excellence in programming and service. The Team Lead partners with the Aquatics Operations Coordinator to address service challenges, nurture staff development, and build a team.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Supports aquatic department to build a high functioning aquatics team. Ensure swim instructors and lifeguards understand role expectations, receive regular feedback/appreciation and work together to support each other.
• Support Aquatics Operations Coordinator in delivery of communication to swim instructors and lifeguards.
• Coach and support staff and volunteers through role modeling, relationship building and The Y Way Service Standards.
• Supports the Aquatics Operations Coordinator in responding to service issues with possible solutions in a timely manner.
• Is an active on-deck/in-water mentor – Role models and consistently applies safety rules, policies, guidelines, in the aquatics area.
• Continually coaching and training of aquatic staff to meet scanning, health & safety, opportunities for growth, program quality improvement, The Y Way and YMCA Swim Instructor standards.

Program and Service Delivery

• Monitors and reinforces member/guest behavior in accordance with the YMCA Member and Participant Code of Conduct.
• Prepares and delivers aquatics huddles in conjunction with the program quality plan.
• Fulfills lifeguard and instructor shifts as assigned.
• Act as a backup when needed.

Health Safety Child Protection

• Maintains a safe and supportive environment for all by following YMCA Health Safety Child Protection and Emergency policies and procedures.
• Enforce pool rules and respond to emergencies if needed.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an aquatic environment.
• Minimum 3 months experience in a Leadership capacity in an aquatic environment.
• Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C.
• Must hold one of YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI) or Lifesaving Instructor (LSI).
• Lifesaving National Lifeguard (NL).
• Lifesaving Supervisor Training, First Aid Instructor (FAI) or National Lifeguard Instructor (NLI) an asset.
• YMCA will provide Oxygen Administration (O2) with 6 months of hire date.
• National Coaching Certification (NCCP) are an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check.
• Ability to maintain certification-level currency without expiry, as well as physical readiness.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other forms of technology effectively.

While we do appreciate interest from all candidates, only those with previous Aquatics Leadership experience will be considered for the role.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.