Aquatics Supervisor

Duke Recreation & Physical Education

Aquatics Supervisor

Be You.

Position Summary

Duke Recreation & Physical Education is looking for an Aquatics Supervisor to join our Aquatics team. In this role, you’ll be a key on-deck leader for our swim programming—keeping operations running smoothly, supporting instructors and lifeguards, and ensuring every participant has a safe and high-quality experience. You’ll work closely with the Aquatics Coordinator and serve as a go-to resource for staff and patrons alike. This is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills while making a direct impact on a program you’re passionate about.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification or equivalent (required)

• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification (required)

• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification (preferred)

• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and/or CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor certifications (preferred)

• Minimum of two years of experience in an aquatic supervision or recreation environment

• 3 or more years of swim instruction experience, with strong background working with swimmers ages 6 months through adult

• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aquatic environment

• Maintains flexible availability across afternoons, evenings, and weekends, including academic break periods and inclement weather days when the university remains operational

Be Bold.

Core Responsibilities

Program Support & Operations

• Serve as on-deck supervisor during assigned shifts, actively supporting swim programming and maintaining a safe, welcoming pool environment

• Ensure program setup is complete in Fusion software prior to each session, including roster printing and check-in system readiness

• Conduct swim assessments and assist with lesson logistics as needed

• Maintain equipment organization and ensure readiness for all aquatics programs

• Respond to aquatic emergencies and implement Emergency Action Plans in accordance with DRPE protocols

• Enforce all pool rules, safety protocols, and department policies

Administrative & Scheduling Coordination

• Coordinate and manage instructor scheduling in alignment with program needs and participant enrollment

• Provide weekly wrap-up and planning support to ensure seamless program transitions, including weekend coverage

• Monitor and respond to inquiries sent to the general aquatics email inbox, providing timely and accurate information to current and prospective participants

• Maintain accurate operational records, logs, and tracking documentation as directed

Staff Collaboration & Communication

• Attend weekly coordination meetings with Aquatics leadership to align on priorities, staffing, and programming updates

• Work closely with the Aquatics Coordinator on staff feedback, performance support, and development

• Support onboarding, training, and orientation efforts for new instructors and lifeguards

• Communicate schedule changes, programming updates, and facility needs to staff and patrons promptly

Department Engagement

• Model and promote the Duke Rec & PE mission, core values, and customer service standards

• Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development as requested

• Support departmental initiatives and contribute to a collaborative team culture

Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and accountability in all interactions

• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive environment for all participants and staff

• Complete all assigned duties and shifts reliably

• Maintain current CPR/AED/First Aid and Lifeguard certifications

• Submit timecards accurately and on time

Schedule & Compensation

• Must be able to work 29.9 hours per week – On-site

• Flexible availability required, including afternoon/evening shifts Monday–Thursday and one weekend day

• Pay: $21.00 per hour

• Benefits: Vacation/sick accrual, optional health benefits, free Duke Recreation & Physical Education staff membership

Choose Duke.

Join a team that is as passionate about people as it is about the water. Duke Recreation & Physical Education offers a dynamic, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly shape the experience of our community. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your leadership, grow professionally, and be part of a department that is committed to innovation, belonging, and excellence.

Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, and our Recreation & Physical Education department reflects that standard—offering best-in-class facilities, programs, and people. Beyond the meaningful work, you’ll benefit from Duke’s competitive benefits package, including optional health coverage, accrued paid time off, and a complimentary recreation membership. Learn more at hr.duke.edu/benefits.

Screening continues until position is filled.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires the ability to provide recreational assistance generally equivalent to a partial high school education.

Experience

Minimum of two years of swim instruction experience, with demonstrated experience working with youth and adult swimmers.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification (or equivalent) and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer required. Additional certifications preferred; see Preferred Qualifications above.

Job Code: 00000670 STAFF SPECIALIST
Job Level: 07

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $21.00 Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [email protected]; phone: 919-668-1267).