Assistant Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

Westminster, Colorado

Westminster, Colorado United States

Posted: Apr 13, 2026

Salary: $21.71 - $27.79 Hourly USD

Full Time
Accounting and Finance
Parks and Recreation

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Assistant Recreation Specialist - Aquatics is responsible for assisting the Recreation Specialist - Aquatics in providing day-to-day leadership of lifeguard staff, oversees safe and efficient natatorium operations, and assists 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 is subject to change throughout the year. The position requires ability to travel and work at various facilities as needed.

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.

For more information about the city and what it is like working for the city of Westminster, please visit: Employment | Westminster, CO

We are hiring for multiple 20-hour per week positions. 2 positions will be located at City Park Recreation Center and 1 position will be located at the Swim and Fitness Center.

Opportunity Timeline:

Posting closes: Monday, April 27 th at 8:30AM MST
Interview: Tuesday May 5
Second Interview: Monday, May 11, 2026
Conditional Job Offer and Backgrounds: May

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and recreational trails. This position works towards the accomplishment of the Departments mission: “Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.”

Every employee is accountable to:

Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty and ethical behavior
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility and takes calculated risks when appropriate
Participate in personal growth opportunities and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:

Demonstrate preventative lifeguarding and current lifeguard techniques, standards, and procedures related to rescue of drowning swimmers or any user in a distressful situation in or around the swimming pool
Maintain StarGuard Elite Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor Certifications
Enforce pool safety rules with staff and public
Respond calmly and effectively, and handle emergency situations, making proper judgements as to the correct course of action
Coordinate, develop, and implement recreational programs under supervision of the Recreation Specialist - Aquatics
Lead the lifeguard team in daily operations and tasks
Instruct aquatic classes of various types, including but not limited to swimming lessons, lifeguard training, and lifeguard in-services
Support the Hydro Systems Specialist in keeping pool operations safe and functional; demonstrate basic knowledge of pool mechanical operations and chemical testing
Operate standard office equipment such as copy machines, computers, and telephone
Work efficiently in One Drive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and RecTrac, and Outlook; type a minimum of 25 words per minute
Demonstrate knowledge of proper telephone, office, and e-mail etiquette; communicate effectively with recreation and city team
Work with the public effectively and establish effective working relationships with other employees
Support the department’s guest service philosophy and the City’s SPIRIT values

Leadership/Supervisory - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

Foster a participatory organizational climate that is open, positive, reinforcing, and supportive
Encourage employees to be accountable for their work and take ownership in what they do
Demonstrate leadership and courage by making or supporting decisions that reflect the organizational mission and goals even when the decision may be unpopular to some
Demonstrate collaboration and conflict resolution skills with other departments and employees
Help employees to see the value of developing their skills, and assist them in eliminating barriers to their development; encourage employees to step outside their comfort zone to develop their skills
Assist Recreation Specialist in providing meaningful, timely employee feedback and appraisals, and effectively address employee performance problems
Effectively supervise, mentor, and motivate in a team environment

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Tasks Leadership & Supervision

Provide consistent leadership as a member of the aquatics management team
Supervise, mentor, coach, and motivate lifeguards and aquatic staff
Lead lifeguard rotations, deck coverage, and staffing decisions and natatorium capacities to ensure swimmer safety
Assist with staff recruiting, training, onboarding, evaluations, and performance management
Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team environment

Safety, Deck Management & Emergency Response

Maintain a strong on-deck presence and oversee daily pool operations
Enforce pool rules and safety standards firmly, courteously, and consistently
Act as lead responder during emergencies; activate and manage Emergency Action Plans
Monitor activities in swimming pool areas and takes action to prevent drowning, injuries, or accidents
Perform water rescues, first aid, and CPR as needed
Complete accurate and timely incident, accident, and rescue reports

Training & Instruction

Lead and assist with lifeguard in-service trainings and staff meetings
Teach and/or support lifeguard certification courses, CPR/AED/First Aid, and swim lessons
Serve as a role model for proper instruction techniques and lifeguarding skills
Assist with instructor assignments, lesson planning, and program quality control

Facility & Operations Management

Oversee opening and closing procedures and daily operational tasks
Conduct and document water quality testing; assist with chemical adjustments as directed
Support basic pool mechanical operations in collaboration with the Hydro Systems Specialist
Ensure cleanliness of pool, deck, offices, and equipment
Monitor inventory, supplies, and equipment needs

Programming & Administration

Assist with planning, scheduling, and coordination of aquatic programs and facility usage
Support staff scheduling to meet safety ratios, programming needs, and guest demand
Utilize RecTrac, Outlook, When to Work, and other City software for scheduling, communication, and documentation
Provide excellent guest service and act as an ambassador for the department

Maintains regular and punctual attendance
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required :

High school diploma or GED
Must be at least 18 years of age
One (1) full year of experience as a lifeguard at a year-round public pool or two (2) summer seasons at a seasonal pool
CPR/AED for Lifeguards certification, Basic First Aid certification, and Lifeguard Training certification
Ability to obtain StarGuard Lifeguard Instructor Certification within one year - training provided by the City
Ability to obtain Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification within one year - training provided by the City

Preferred :

One year of experience working in recreation/leisure services as a lead or supervisor
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:

Constant near acuity and hearing is needed to perform daily functions and communicate with patrons and staff
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
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
Frequently lifting of 50 pounds from floor to waist, 35 pounds from floor overhead; frequent carry, push, pull 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
Due to the occasional use of hand tools fine motor skills along with firm grasp and frequent reaching below shoulder and overhead is needed
Occasional lifting of ten (10) pounds from floor to overhead to move equipment and supplies; occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds from floor to chest to assist in moving furniture, equipment and patrons on backboards
Occasionally carry 75 pounds up to 50 feet and 50 pounds up to 100 feet to perform emergency rescues; occasionally push/pull 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)

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

Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
Pre-employment drug screen and physical
Must be legally entitled to work in the United States

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:

Health and Dental
Flexible Spending
Pension/Retirement Plans
Term Life Insurance
Long-term Disability
Survivor Benefits
Wellness Program
Career Development Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injury

For a more detailed overview of our General Non Exempt employee benefit package:
Benefit Package

The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.

401(a) Contribution Rates:
Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.

Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule

Less than 3 years - 0%
3 to 4 years - 60%
4 to 5 years - 80%
Over 5 years - 100%
For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vested

The City of Westminster provides employees with innovative and practical ways to improve their commute through two key features, EcoPass and Commute Benefits powered by Commutrics. EcoPass provides unlimited trips on RTD's core transit services and Commute Rewards allows you to record your trips and get rewards based on your commute mode.

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2026 8:30 AM Mountain

City of Westminster, Colorado

303-658-2150

Welcome to employment with the City of Westminster, Colorado!

Centrally located between Denver and Boulder, Colorado, on the US Highway 36 high-tech corridor, Westminster is a beautiful city designed for an exceptional quality of life. The community is a nationally recognized community with a reputation for innovation and progressive management in local government. Over 115,000 residents enjoy superb recreation amenities, beautiful neighborhoods, numerous entertainment and shopping opportunities. Westminster is 80% developed and maintains a goal to preserve 15% (3,300 acres) of its land area for natural open space.

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community. 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.

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).

The City of Westminster is a full-service city employing over 1,600 talented individuals in a variety of jobs. Our employees are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to the local community in areas of:

Law Enforcement
Fire, Medical and Emergency Management
Parks, Open Space, Golf and Recreation
Library Services
Community Development, including City Planning and Engineering
Economic Development
Utilities Operations
Street Maintenance
Plus internal services including: Human Resources, City Management, City Attorney’s Office, Finance, Facilities Management and Fleet Management

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including: Health and Dental Insurance, General Leave that provides vacation, holidays, and illness leave, Flexible Spending, Pension/ Retirement Plans, Term Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Survivor Benefits, Wellness Program, and Education and Training Reimbursement.

You are welcome to apply online for any open City of Westminster position. Please note, that unless otherwise indicated, jobs close at 8:30 a.m. on the posted closing date. Applications can take from 20 to 30 minutes to complete, so please allow plenty of time for completion. Applications submitted after the job closing deadline cannot be accepted.

Current City of Westminster employees may be eligible to apply for internal jobs when they are available.

Business hours for City Hall, and several administrative offices are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, working schedules may vary depending on the needs of the operation.

Westminster Colorado

About Company

Assistant Recreation Specialist - Aquatics