The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is seeking a dynamic, motivated Aquatics professional to lead, elevate, and expand our swim lesson programs and water safety initiatives. We’re looking for someone who brings genuine enthusiasm for water safety, strong communication skills, and a commitment to creating exceptional learning experiences for swimmers of all ages.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-volume, organized program environment, values collaboration, and takes pride in delivering high-quality aquatic programs to the community.
A strong passion for aquatics and staff development is essential, along with the ability to strengthen learn-to-swim programs through thoughtful planning, effective scheduling, and comprehensive staff training. Join us in protecting our community and shaping a positive, educational, and fun aquatic environment.
Summary
Incumbents provide skilled professional recreation programming for a geographic area, several specialty fields, or a major facility. Assignment may include providing Citywide programming in several specialty fields such as special events, aquatics, special interest classes, adaptive, youth and adult sports, tennis, youth council, civic engagement initiatives, and teens. Incumbents develop and coordinate a variety of Citywide classes, programs, and events for citizens of all ages; coordinate, implement, maintain, and evaluate programs; and may oversee facility operations. Responsibilities include preparing and coordinating the master schedule; staffing specific programs, including the recruitment of instructors and officials; and supervising part time staff and volunteers. Incumbents also perform administrative duties such as compiling data, maintaining program budget, preparing reports, soliciting bids, and providing quality customer service.
EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field, and three years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed in the job description.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License.
Positions that work in licensed programs require certification in Community Infant, Child, Adult CPR, and First Aid within six months of hire.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview.
Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening may include:
- Criminal Background screening
- Drug Screen
- Education & Experience Verification
- E-Verify
- Fingerprinting
- 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check
To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click
HERE
The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.
The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please Click Here
01
I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.
- I acknowledge the above statement.
02
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
03
Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?
04
Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:
- Master's Degree, or higher, in Recreation or a related field
- Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field
- Associate's Degree
- High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
- None of the above
05
How many years of experience do you have in recreation or a related field?
- 7 years or more
- 5 years to less than 7 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- Less than 1 year
- None of the above
06
Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?
07
I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.
- I acknowledge the statement above
08
How many years of experience do you have coordinating facility operations, programing and events?
- 7 years or more
- 5 years to less than 7 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- None of the Above
09
How many years of experience do you have supervising part-time staff?
- 7 years or more
- 5 years to less than 7 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- None of the above
10
How many employees did you supervise?
- 80 employees or more
- 40 employees to less than 80 employees
- 20 employees to less than 40 employees
- 10 employees to less than 20 employees
- 1 employee to less than 10 employees
- None of the above
11
Please list any aquatic software systems or scheduling platforms you have utilized. If you has not utilized aquatic software systems or scheduling platforms, type "N/A".
12
Please list all certifications you currently hold as it relates to this position. If you do not hold any current certifications, type "N/A".
13
What experience do you have with training and staff development? Select all that apply.
- Coaching or corrective action
- Conducting performance evaluations
- Creating staff schedule
- Leading staff trainings or certifications
- Recruitment, hiring and onboarding
- None of the above
14
Please identify if you have experience with any of the following aquatic programs. Select all that apply
- Event planning and facilitation
- Facility rentals
- High school swim & dive teams
- Open swim/free swim
- Masters
- Recreation swim & dive teams
- Swim lessons/learn to swim
- USA swimming
- Water aerobics/classes
- Water polo
- Other aquatic experience
15
What experience do you have in organizing, improving and overseeing swim lesson programming? If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
16
Please provide a brief description of your experience and your passion for aquatics.
