Supervisor, Aquatics (C****owan R****ecreation Centre)

Job S****tatus: Permanent Full-Time

Pay & Grade: $83,997 to $104,997 Annually Grade/Band**:** 9

Hours of Work**:**35 Hours per week, including evenings, weekends and holidays

Initial location: Kitchener City Hall

**Posting period:**Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 – Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 (at 6:00pm)

Overview

We’re building something extraordinary for our community and beyond - the Cowan Recreation Centre, a state-of-the-art destination for sport, fitness, and community connection.

Opening late 2026, this all-season multi-use recreation complex will feature an impressive lineup of amenities: a large aquatics centre with two stainless steel pools, a FIFA-sized indoor turf field, a versatile quad gymnasium, an indoor walking track, two dedicated cricket practice nets, and four multi-purpose rooms for community programs and events.

We are looking for a collaborative and energetic leader who is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and engaging aquatic experiences for the community!

Reporting to the Manager, CRC, as Supervisor of Aquatics at the Cowan Recreation Centre, this position will be accountable for the daily operation of the aquatics facility including supervising staff and volunteers; administering facility budgets; developing and scheduling programs to meet the community needs such as camp programs, recreational swims, lessons, fitness classes and skill development courses to patrons of all ages and abilities.

If you’re ready to be part of the leadership team at one of Ontario’s most ambitious recreational facilities — where the community comes together to Connect, where athletes from across Kitchener, Ontario, and Canada come to Compete, and where we all truly Belong — we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for one full-time coordinator, and 60-100 part time employees (Head Guards, Instructor Guards, Aqua Fitness Instructors and Aquatic Assistants)
• Develops employee schedules based on qualifications, skill set, and employee availability.
• Utilizes employee recognition programs and team events to create a positive workplace culture.
• Develops a schedule for aquatic leadership programming city-wide and schedules staff to deliver the programming.
• Plans strategically for recruitment, retention, and succession planning of aquatic team.
• Coaches and mentors team for success through effective performance management strategies.
• Develops comprehensive training plan that addresses the following: effective safety supervision, customer service expectations, rescue response, skill retention, swim instruction, & service delivery shortfalls.
• Reviews and updates procedures and processes for the facility as required related to operations, safety, and customer service.
• Investigates accidents and develops action plans to prevent reoccurrence.
• Develops short- and long-term asset management plans.
• Develops a balanced offering of diverse and inclusive programs that are accessible for all ages and meet the needs of the community.
• Assesses customer feedback through web surveys and feedback forms. Ensures that escalated customer service issues are addressed.
• Monitors participation and registration patterns to determine operating hours, program offerings, and staffing levels.
• Develops, administers, and monitors aquatics operating budget and amends activities to ensure budget compliance.
• Identifies and develop grants and sponsorship opportunities either directly or in conjunction with partners and other aquatic supervisors.
• Collaborates with other Kitchener Aquatic Supervisors and Manager of Aquatics on strategic initiatives such as the Swim to Survive program, drowning prevention, and shared best practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Certifications

• Minimum 3-year degree/diploma
• National Lifeguard Service Certification
• Lifesaving and swim instructors
• Standard First Aid and CPR C.
• Aquatic Supervisor Training
• Aqua Fitness Certification
• Additional trainer certifications would be considered an asset

Experience

• 2-4 years’ experience in a similar role or related experience

Work Environment

• Will be expected to work flexible hours (outside of Mon-Fri, 9 to 5), including evenings, weekends, and holidays through a rotating schedule with facility management team.
• Will be scheduled on rotation with facility management team to respond to emergencies outside of working hours

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Aquatic and safety knowledge is required to appropriately plan, direct, and implement programs and make decisions in an aquatic environment.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures to plan and implement customer service, financial and project management processes.
• Knowledge of Ontario Health Regulations, TSSA standards for water slides.
• Communication and human relations skills to effectively interact and problem-solve with staff, volunteers, and partners within a diverse community setting.
• Leadership skills such as training, coaching, and mentoring, to relay the physical, physiological, and safety aspects of swimming and aquatic exercise to employees.
• Experience in dealing with medical emergencies and pool rescues.
• Proven abilities with software programs such as Microsoft Office and Outlook, facility scheduling software, financial and budget software.
• Ability to assess community indicators, to identify gaps and to create programs that fulfil legitimate needs.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with community partners to develop collaborative community programs, services, and initiatives.
• Prioritization and organization skills are required to co-ordinate staff work schedules for the efficient provision of quality programs.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

Note: All interested applicants are encouraged to apply. In the event there is no successful applicant with the stated level of education and experience, other applicants will be considered if a combination of their education and experience meets the following pre-determined equivalency:

• 2-Year Diploma (or 2-Year Specialized Post Secondary Program) with 10 or more years’ related and relevant experience, or
• 4-Year Honours Degree with minimum 1 year related and relevant experience

**Department/Division:**Community Services, Sport

**Group:**Non-Union/Management

Competition Number**:** 2025-312

Job Code: 0114

Number of positions**:** 1

Why work at the City of Kitchener