Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That's the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Aquatics Team Lead at YMCA of Northern Alberta creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while working on strategies to improve the members' experience, affecting an increase in retention, program quality and overall member satisfaction in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

1. Supports aquatic department to build a high functioning aquatics team. Ensure swim instructors and lifeguards understand role expectations, receive regular feedback/appreciation and work together to support each other. Support Aquatics Operations Coordinator in delivery of critical messages to swim instructor team.
2. Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization; helps participants and families connect with each other and the YMCA; and encourages parent or caregiver involvement.
3. Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers program participants and families to other programs.
4. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures, pool standards and best practices; responds to situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures; completes related reports or recommendations as required.
5. Ensures YMCA Aquatics Service that Shines and the Y Way standards are consistently met or exceeded and supports the Aquatics Operations Coordinator in responding to service issues with possible solutions in a timely manner.
6. Is an active on-deck/in-water mentor – Role models and consistently applies safety rules, policies, guidelines, in the aquatics area.
7. Continually coaching and training of aquatic staff to meet scanning, health & safety, opportunities for growth, program quality improvement, The Y Way and YMCA Swim Instructor standards.
8. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
9. Supports the Aquatic Operations Coordinator by implementing all aquatics program quality plans and program audits. Prepares and delivers aquatics huddles in conjunction with the program quality plan.
10. Ensuring aquatics facility and programs are safe by conducting audits and evaluations, reviewing checklists and equipment, performing health & safety checks. Daily walk arounds are being completed and action is taken to correct unsafe or high-risk areas.
11. Supports the department, branch and association in implementing and achieving goals

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Minimum 1-2 years' experience in an aquatic's environment.
• Certifications: Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C. Must hold one of YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI) or Lifesaving Instructor (LSI), Lifesaving National Lifeguard (NL)
• Must obtain Lifesaving Swim Instructor (LSI) within first year of hire date
• Lifesaving Supervisor Training, First Aid Instructor (FAI) or National Lifeguard Instructor (NLI) an asset
• Oxygen Administration, Aquatics Emergency Care and National Coaching Certification (NCCP) are an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check
• Must obtain employer specific WHMIS and child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date
• Ability to maintain certification-level currency without expiry, as well as physical and mental readiness.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.