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City of Alexandria

Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics

City of Alexandria, Alexandria, Virginia, us, 22350

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Aquatics Recreation Coordinator/ GS 17

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district. The City of Alexandria is an independent City with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority expressly granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Aquatics Recreation Coordinator position for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA). A Message from the Director Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all. As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it. Hashim T. Taylor, Director Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities About Us

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life, health, and character of our community. With more than 900 acres of parkland, 100 parks and open spaces, and over 30 recreation, nature, and cultural facilities, RPCA delivers programs and services that connect people to each other and to the world around them. From Old Town’s Waterfront Park to Ben Brenman Park, Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, Patrick Henry Recreation Center, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, our facilities and programs reflect the City’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and service. RPCA’s employees help ensure that every experience, whether a community event, park visit, or recreation program, is safe, welcoming, and enriching for all. Overview

The Aquatics Recreation Coordinator supports the Aquatics Manager in leading aquatics programs and staff across multiple City facilities, including Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility, Old Town Pool, Memorial Pool, and Warwick Pool. The position assists with facility operations, serves as Manager on Duty, and works varied hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, and select holidays. Areas of responsibility include: Coordinate and execute the City’s American Red Cross Learn to Swim program, including Water Safety Instructor certification training, swim lesson camps, and the Wahoos swim team. Ensure exceptional customer experiences by meeting program objectives, responding to inquiries, engaging with the community, and serving as Manager on Duty at assigned facilities. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Water Safety Instructors, swim coaches, and seasonal staff. Manage program budgets and operations, including cost recovery, purchasing, scheduling, payroll, and cancellations. The Aquatics Program Coordinator is part of a team of recreation professionals, collaborating with colleagues within the Chinquapin Team, Aquatics Section, Recreation Services Division, and RPCA Department to deliver high-quality aquatics programs and services. What You Should Bring

Every member of our team is accountable for delivering exceptional service to the community. You should bring a solid understanding of aquatic operations and community recreation, along with proven experience planning and leading aquatic programs. You excel at building strong relationships—with teammates, participants, and the public—and at fostering enthusiasm and engagement across all age groups. You communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person, and you use sound judgment, initiative, and flexibility in your work. We’re looking for someone who is dependable, diplomatic, and passionate about serving others. Above all, your personal mission and vision should align with the Department’s commitment to inclusion, excellence, and community impact. Key Performance Indicators Recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified aquatic water safety staff to achieve 100% staffing levels for seasonal instructors by mid-May annually. Schedule mandatory in-service training sessions and emergency drills for all aquatic staff to ensure constant readiness and compliance with the American Red Cross and departmental safety standards. Design, plan, and execute a comprehensive suite of aquatic programs (Learn to Swim, WSI certification, competitive teams, water fitness, etc.) that meet community demand and consistently achieve 75–100% cost recovery. To ensure aquatic facilities and programs operate safely and efficiently in compliance with health and safety and American Red Cross standards. Maintain a 95% customer satisfaction rate through timely, professional, and solution-oriented service regarding registration, facility access, and program inquiries. Manage staff payroll, scheduling, and certification documentation processes with 100% accuracy and within established deadlines. Conduct annual evaluations and market analyses of all programs, making data-driven adjustments to enhance quality and ensure a 95% participant satisfaction rate. Create and manage the marketing and promotional strategies for all aquatic programs (print, digital, social media) in collaboration with the marketing team to maximize enrollment and drive revenue growth. Key Work Projects for 2026

Implement seasonal staffing, onboarding, and training cycles for instructional staff. Plan and execute all spring and summer aquatic programs and schedules. Coordinate Wahoos practices, meets, and facility reservations. Conduct quarterly staff audits, evaluations, and in-service trainings to maintain Red Cross certification standards. Lead two community engagement initiatives annually to promote aquatics participation and awareness. Four-Year College Degree; completion of college-level courses in recreation, physical education, business management or related fields. Experience in community recreation at a level equivalent to a Recreation Supervisor I, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Four years of aquatics programming experience, including hands on experience leading and/or organizing aquatics programs. Certified Water Safety Instructor or ability to acquire upon hire Certified as an Aquatics Facility Operator or Certified Pool Operation, or ability to get within 6 months of hire. Ability to work early morning, late evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Ability to be on call and resolve urgent situations over the phone and by reporting in person to the facility Certified Water Safety Instructor Trainer Knowledge of the principles and best practices of recreation work; good business management skills; good knowledge of community recreation; ability to schedule and coordinate programs on a City-wide basis; effective communication skills; good time management skills; computer skills and knowledge of RecTrac, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience producing a variety of learn to swim programs for all ages. This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment. The position is Full Time.

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