The Assistant Recreation Specialist – Aquatics is responsible for assisting the Recreation Specialist - Aquatics in providing day-to-day leadership of lifeguard staff, overseeing safe and efficient natatorium operations, and assisting with the coordination, supervision, and delivery of aquatic programs. This position plays a key role in staff training, emergency response, water safety, and guest service while supporting aquatics management with scheduling, programming, and administrative tasks. This position requires a strong on-deck presence, excellent judgment in emergency situations, and the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse aquatic staff in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. Aquatic positions are safety sensitive. Work schedules vary based on the facility schedule, closures, and programming, and are subject to change throughout the year. The position requires ability to travel and work at various facilities in Westminster as needed.
For more information about the city and what it is like working for the city of Westminster, please visit: Employment | Westminster, CO
Opportunity Timeline:
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Posting closes: Monday 7/6/26 at 8:30AM MDT
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Screening Interview:7/13/26
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Final Panel Interview:7/20/26
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Conditional Job Offer and Backgrounds: July-August
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Start Date: Tentatively August
The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Tasks
1. Leadership & Supervision
a. Provide consistent leadership as a member of the aquatics management team.
b. Supervise, mentor, coach, and motivate lifeguards and aquatic staff.
c. Lead lifeguard rotations, deck coverage, staffing decisions and natatorium capacities to ensure swimmer safety.
d. Assist with staff recruiting, training, onboarding, evaluations, and performance management.
e. Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team environment.
2. Safety, Deck Management & Emergency Response
a. Maintain a strong on-deck presence and oversee daily pool operations.
b. Enforce pool rules and safety standards firmly, courteously, and consistently.
c. Act as lead responder during emergencies; activate and manage Emergency Action Plans.
d. Monitor activities in swimming pool areas and take action to prevent drowning, injuries, or accidents
e. Perform water rescues, first aid, and CPR as needed.
f. Complete accurate and timely incident, accident, and rescue reports.
3. Training & Instruction
a. Lead and assist with lifeguard in-service trainings and staff meetings.
b. Teach and/or support lifeguard certification courses, CPR/AED/First Aid, and swim lessons.
c. Serve as a role model for proper instruction techniques and lifeguarding skills.
d. Assist with instructor assignments, lesson planning, and program quality control.
4. Facility & Operations Management
a. Oversee opening and closing procedures and daily operational tasks.
b. Conduct and document water quality testing; assist with chemical adjustments as directed.
c. Support basic pool mechanical operations in collaboration with the Hydro Systems Specialist.
d. Ensure cleanliness of pool, deck, offices, and equipment.
e. Monitor inventory, supplies, and equipment needs
5. Programming & Administration
a. Assist with planning, scheduling, and coordination of aquatic programs and facility usage.
b. Support staff scheduling to meet safety ratios, programming needs, and guest demand.
c. Utilize RecTrac, Outlook, When to Work, and other City software for scheduling, communication, and documentation.
d. Provide excellent guest service and act as an ambassador for the department.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
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Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required:
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High school diploma or GED
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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One (1) full year of experience as a lifeguard at a year-round public pool or two (2) summer seasons at a seasonal pool
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CPR/AED for Lifeguards certification, Basic First Aid certification, and Lifeguard Training certification
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Ability to obtain StarGuard Lifeguard Instructor Certification within one year – training provided by the City
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Ability to obtain Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification within one year – training provided by the City
Preferred:
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One year of experience working in recreation/leisure services as a lead or supervisor
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Some college level courses in recreation or education or a closely related subject field
Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.
Physical Requirements
Work is physical in nature and involves:
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Constant near acuity and hearing is needed to perform daily functions and communicate with patrons and staff
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Constant standing, walking on uneven terrain, pool decks, and climbing stairs in a multi-level facility to observe recreation center activity and events for safety and hazards
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Constant near and far acuity to observe program participants for possible troubled swimmers and safety hazards; constant hearing to be aware of troubled individuals that may be out of line of sight
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Frequently lifting of fifty (50) pounds from floor to waist, thirty-five (35) pounds from floor overhead; frequent carry, push, pull fifty (50) pounds of supplies, equipment, and material up to 100 feet for event set up; Occasional carrying of up to 100 pounds of equipment, supplies and materials up to ten (10) feet
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Due to the occasional use of hand tools fine motor skills along with firm grasp and frequent reaching below shoulder and overhead is needed
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Occasional lifting of ten (10) pounds from floor to overhead to move equipment and supplies; occasional lifting of up to seventy-five (75) pounds from floor to chest to assist in moving furniture, equipment and patrons on backboards
Occasionally carry seventy-five (75) pounds up to fifty (50) feet and fifty (50) pounds up to 100 feet to perform emergency rescues; occasionally push/pull seventy-five (75) pounds to remove individuals from pool area in an emergency situation, set up bleachers for events and lane ropes for lap swim (Aquatics programs)
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WORKING CONDITIONS
Work in this position is performed primarily indoors in an office and at recreation centers, with occasional work outside for seasonal programs.
In Aquatic programs, work is constantly performed in a high-volume indoor pool setting with constant exposure to loud noise and wet/humid conditions; work includes periods of high activity and stress during emergency situations; sufficient physical strength, stamina, and conditioning are needed to rescue swimmers in danger of drowning who may resist rescue.
Required Materials and Equipment
Equipment used may include computers, keyboards, copy/fax machines, telephones, calculators, televisions, audio/visual equipment (DVD, CD, etc.), public service announcement equipment, small hand tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, tape measurers, and a variety of recreational equipment and maintenance tools.
In aquatics programs, knowledge of lifeguard equipment to include but not limited to rescue tubes, backboards, bag valve masks, AED, whistles, chemical testing kits, basic pool chemicals, telephones, two-way radios, and megaphones; uses cleaning chemicals and cleaning equipment such as pool vacuum, hose, pressure washer, and scrubbers; operates personal computers and other standard office equipment.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
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Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
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Pre-employment drug screen and physical
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Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
