The Usdan Pools consist of three different areas, a wading pool (3 feet deep), a swimming pool (4.5 feet deep), and a diving pool (12 feet deep) with two diving boards. The Aquatics Director (AD) oversees all activities and staff working at the swimming pools for the 8-week camp season. Usdan currently follows the American Red Cross system for instruction (Learn to Swim program) and lifeguard certification. (Other certifications may be discussed.) The AD brings expertise in swim instruction and water safety to create a fun, safe environment for young people and faculty to enjoy the water during and immediately following the camp day. The Aquatics Director is responsible for:

• Annual review and documentation of the camp’s safety plan for swimming;
• Adhering to policies and procedures for pool usage, including entry, buddy checks, and exits of the pool;
• In consultation with the Director of Education and the Senior Director of Student Affairs the AD, ensures policies and procedures for changing rooms are being adhered to by all persons;
• Supervising the lifeguards, swim instructors, and swim attendants. Tasks includes assigning responsibilities and duties; managing schedules during the work day; and making sure staff have the appropriate, necessary certifications for their roles;
• Following and implementing Usdan’s procedures for interviewing and hiring new employees to fill open swim staff positions;
• Scheduling routine pool maintenance;
• Modeling positive instruction and mentoring the lifeguards, swim instructors, and swim attendants;
• Conduct regular swim staff meetings;
• Collaborating and communicating with the Deans in regards to students who require extra attention or support;
• Maintaining inventory of Swim supplies and advising on the purchase of new materials as needed;
• Responding to parent and/or caretaker inquiries about the Swim program;
• Participating in Leadership meetings with the Director of Education and Department Chairs;
• Attending Usdan staff training sessions pre-season;
• Attending NYS Department of Health preparation and readiness sessions (pre-season and during)

The Aquatics Director works with a camp full of arts and education professionals to support a diverse body of students.

The successful job candidate will be passionate about swimming and an enthusiastic educator, who works well with people of all ages. As the lead representative of the camp’s Swim program, the Director will be a role model for many students and staff. The successful candidate will have a willingness to try new things, welcome feedback, and be open to collaborating with others. Perhaps most importantly, successful candidates consistently demonstrate empathy and respect for children and colleagues.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to work in an outdoor camp environment and communicate with students and other staff effectively. Usdan provides staff with protocols at the beginning of the season that they are expected to read and follow. At the same time, Usdan staff understands that new challenges may arise during the camp season and often work together to problem solve and figure out solutions as we go. The successful candidate will be adaptable and solutions-oriented.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The Aquatics Director will be expected to follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five years experience teaching, preferably with students of a wide range of ages and experiences.
• Must have experience hiring staff, including selection, interview, and on-boarding.
• Must complete New York State required trainings, including but not limited to a Sexual Harassment Prevention training and a Child Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment Identification course. Links to required trainings will be provided after hiring.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and if eligible as defined by the CDC, have received a COVID-19 booster shot, before the first day of the camp season.
• Must have a minimum of: one season of previous experience as a camp aquatics director at a New York State children’s camp; or two seasons of previous experience consisting of at least 12 weeks as a children’s camp lifeguard which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time; or 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a swimming pool or bathing beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time.
• Must hold accepted and current certifications for Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Certification for Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) is preferred.
• Must possess current certification in a training course for lifeguard supervision and management as described by NYS camp guidelines.