How to hire an aquatic director

How to hire an aquatic director, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aquatic director hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an aquatic director job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aquatic director
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an aquatic director do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an aquatic director, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an aquatic director to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an aquatic director that fits the bill.

   This list presents aquatic director salaries for various positions.

   Type of Aquatic Director	Description	Hourly rate
   Aquatic Director		$11-31
   Pool Manager	A pool manager is in charge of overseeing the daily operations at indoor and outdoor pools. Among their responsibilities include managing budgets and employee schedules, delegating tasks to staff, developing and implementing marketing strategies, and training new workforce members... Show more	$11-24
   Product Management Internship	Product management interns typically work with program managers and other management teams. They usually perform various tasks for an organization, which includes conducting research and analyzing data to develop workable business and product strategies, assisting account management teams in documenting user responses to products, and developing strategies to improve productivity and profitability... Show more	$12-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CPR
   • Water Safety
   • Emergency Situations
   • Adaptive
   • Safety Regulations
   • Kids
   • Aquatic Programs
   • Payroll
   • Safety Procedures
   • Swim Instructors
   • WSI
   • Risk Management
   • Safety Standards
   • Emergency Procedures

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Organize and run daily and evening group activities.
   • Earn certification as national trainer in aquatics, wellness, CPR and first aid.
   • Audit water instructors class curriculum (WSI, aerobics, physical therapy, AFYAP) and coach when necessary.
   • Check pool chemicals and maintain water quality, oversee all swimming activities and perform first aid and CPR as needed.
   • Maintain spreadsheets, payments, payroll, orientations, worker's compensation, terminations, hiring, & disciplinary forms.
   • Monitor and correct bi-weekly payroll.

   More aquatic director duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aquatic director job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An aquatic director can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, aquatic directors' average salary in south carolina is 49% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aquatic directors 65% less than senior-level aquatic directors.
   • Certifications. An aquatic director with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an aquatic director's salary.

   Average aquatic director salary

   $39,785yearly

   $19.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aquatic director salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

   Average aquatic director salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$48,438	$23
   2	New Jersey	$48,351	$23
   3	Delaware	$43,886	$21
   4	Massachusetts	$42,118	$20
   5	California	$40,773	$20
   6	Illinois	$38,313	$18
   7	Iowa	$36,874	$18
   8	Washington	$35,399	$17
   9	Michigan	$35,368	$17
   10	Wisconsin	$35,299	$17
   11	Ohio	$34,851	$17
   12	Virginia	$34,209	$16
   13	Indiana	$32,743	$16
   14	Texas	$31,240	$15
   15	Maine	$31,159	$15
   16	Florida	$31,033	$15
   17	Arizona	$29,253	$14
   18	New Mexico	$27,708	$13
   19	Alabama	$27,646	$13
   20	North Carolina	$25,376	$12

   Average aquatic director salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Medical Center Inc	$55,676	$26.77
   2	Approved Cash	$39,712	$19.09
   3	YMCA	$39,076	$18.79	11
   4	Young Men's Christian	$39,038	$18.77
   5	YMCA of Metro Knoxville	$38,833	$18.67	4
   6	Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA	$38,444	$18.48
   7	Ymca Of Metropolitan Atlanta	$38,417	$18.47	4
   8	Genesis Health Clubs	$38,037	$18.29	2
   9	Asheville School	$37,384	$17.97
   10	Hillcrest Family Services	$37,249	$17.91	1
   11	Central Missouri Community Action	$37,154	$17.86
   12	Jewish Community Center of San Francisco	$36,790	$17.69
   13	The Great Lakes Group	$36,771	$17.68
   14	Great Wolf Resorts	$36,478	$17.54	13
   15	Sumter YMCA	$36,245	$17.43
   16	Good Shepherd Services	$34,607	$16.64
   17	Livunltd	$33,618	$16.16	1
   18	Western State College of Law	$33,303	$16.01
   19	Troon	$32,927	$15.83	6
   20	Parkview Health	$32,515	$15.63

4. Writing an aquatic director job description

   An aquatic director job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an aquatic director job description:

   Aquatic director job description example

   Arch Amenities Group, the world's leading spa, fitness and amenity management firm, is seeking an Aquatics Director for the Mayerson JCC in Cincinnati, OH. The Aquatics Director will be responsible for the overall planning, development, innovation, direction, coordination and administrative organization of all Aquatics related programs and member services including but not limited to: private and group swim lessons. The Aquatics Director will assure program quality and the safety of youth and adult participants and their families, in addition to supervise all aquatic facilities. The Aquatics Director is responsible for direct supervision of the pool operators, lifeguards, instructors and coaches.
   Compensation includes base salary plus commissions on swim lessons and bonus potential. Responsibilities Ensures the “Arch Amenities Group Experience” for guests by maintaining the standards set in Arch Amenities Group Basics to Excellence (BTE), Arch Amenities Group Mission Statement/Values; Standards and Expectations, and Arch Amenities Group Brand Standards. Adheres to policies of Arch Amenities Group. Assists in the development of a comprehensive standard facility operations manual, including written policies and procedures for all facility services, administration, and maintenance using the Arch Amenities Group operations template. Assists in developing monthly client board report. Assists in developing monthly community newsletter content. Prepares any incident or accident reports and forwards them to the Facility Manager and Arch Amenities Group Operations Director. Submits and follows up on refund request for Aquatics department. Directs and manages the development, operations and growth of the aquatics programs and services. Develops and implements annual plans. Ensures that program outcome and revenue targets are met. Assesses all department employees' progress continually; coaches employees with positive reinforcement, and disciplines, when necessary, fairly and consistently; participates in annual performance evaluations, and, when necessary, assists in the termination process. Directs and develops Aquatics Instructors and Coaches for aquatics programs and swim lessons. Establishes new aquatics activities and expands program(s) within the community in accordance with the strategic and annual plans. Implements and analyzes community assessments to determine and respond to related community needs. Creates and submits Purchase Orders for Aquatics items within approved annual budget. Writes articles or press releases for the department, when applicable. Ensures the aquatics staff is fully knowledgeable on the use and benefits of services, products, programs, and activities by conducting regularly scheduled staff meetings and training workshops. Develops and manages the related budgets and meets fiscal objectives. Directly and through team members, monitors revenue and expense; provides reports and projections. Administer and initiate aquatics programs, services and orders all pool supplies for the aquatics program consistent with budget provided by Arch Amenities Group. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in programs and services through surveys, focus groups and/or other monitoring methods. Uses complied program statistics, data and reports to maintain or make appropriate program and service adjustments. Directs the development of timely and accurate program related marketing and communications; produces and ensures distribution of appropriate information to promote programs and services. Ensures that safety procedures are followed and that all programs are in compliance with AAG standards, all applicable regulations and other standards. Ensures program site cleanliness and features meet/exceed expectation. Keeps current with industry trends and applies trends to current and/or new programs. Submits all paperwork and financial reporting, as applicable, in accordance with Arch Amenities Group policy. Ensures appropriate department supervisory coverage when not available to be in the facility. Prepares bulletins and flyers for display on bulletin board, intra-net, and possible newsletter. Ensures that the indoor and, if applicable, outdoor pools are clean and functioning properly at all times. Ensures that proper pH and water chlorine levels per the Virginia Department of Health standards are maintained for the swimming pools. Maintains pool licenses and verifies that all pool employees have current certifications. Attends weekly manager and facility meetings as scheduled. Recruits, hires, trains, evaluates, supervises and provides leadership to staff and volunteers with emphasis on program quality, licensing requirement fulfillment, continuing education, and professional development.
   Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree is preferable in health, fitness, recreation or business management field or related experience.
   • Minimum of one-year experience in an aquatics related management position.
   • Certified as a lifeguard, pool operator, Community C.P.R./AED and First Aid certification (WSI and/or LGI certification preferred).
   • Must be able to build rapport with members and associated community leaders
   • Efficient, well organized, and able to handle a variety of duties simultaneously.
   • Professional manner, discretion and appearance.
   • Strong effective leadership skills and a good work ethic.
   • Proficient in general computer skills, including but not limited to, Word, Excel, Publisher, Power-Point and office equipment.
   • Outwardly positive and enthusiastic attitude towards job, facility and clients.
   • Maintain a character of professionalism and confidence, with a tactful ability to communicate with children and adults.
   • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
   • Ability to stand for a long period of time.
   • Aware of proper body mechanics to prevent injury.
   • Availability When Facility Is Open: This could include nights, weekends, and holidays.
   • This position requires that the Aquatics Director be able to swim well enough to maintain
   current lifeguard certification and in physical shape to perform lifeguarding duties.
   • Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to a negligible pounds of force frequently to move objects.
   • This position required the ability to climb, balance, kneel, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, and lift.
   • This position will require the following physical requirements: seeing, hearing and talking.
   • This position may require exposure to chemical hazards.
   • The position may require exposure to extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain.
   • The position will be required to use the following equipment: computer, calculator and copying machine.
   • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Facility/Job Highlights Arch Amenities Group is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We can recommend jobs specifically for you! Click here to get started.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right aquatic director for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aquatic director job on Zippia to find and recruit aquatic director candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit aquatic directors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aquatic director

   Once you've decided on a perfect aquatic director candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new aquatic director. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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