Goldfish Swim School is seeking a high-performing Aquatics Manager to lead and elevate our aquatics program in Burlington.

This is a hands-on leadership role—you will be expected to lead from the water, not from behind a desk. You will take ownership of instructional quality, staff performance, and overall aquatics program execution.

Role Structure

• 40% In-Water Instruction & Coaching
• 40% Deck Leadership & Supervision
• 20% Administration & Program Management

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Deck Supervisors, Instructors, and Deck Teachers
• Conduct performance evaluations and enforce high standards
• Train all new aquatic hires and support ongoing staff development
• Lead monthly performance reviews and team meetings
• Support hiring decisions and performance management of aquatic staff

In-Water Excellence (Core Requirement)

• Teach lessons for approximately 40% of your schedule
• Model best-in-class instruction, energy, and engagement
• Coach instructors live during lessons to improve performance
• Set the standard for safety, quality, and professionalism

Operations & Program Oversight

• Audit schedules, class structures, and rosters using iClass Pro
• Optimize class sizes and adjust programming (merge, open, or close classes)
• Monitor student progression and ensure accurate level placement
• Oversee staffing coverage and address absenteeism or scheduling gaps
• Generate and review operational reports (attendance, cancellations, training logs)

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all aquatic safety standards and operational procedures
• Ensure staff compliance with training, certifications, and supervision protocols
• Support emergency readiness and incident response procedures
• Maintain awareness of pool system conditions and escalate concerns when needed

Customer Experience

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding student progress
• Act as a Goldfish brand ambassador
• Support special needs programming and ensure program quality

Performance Accountability (KPIs)

You will be directly accountable for:

• Student progression and program quality
• Class utilization and scheduling efficiency
• Staff performance and development outcomes
• Customer satisfaction and retention
• Accuracy and consistency of operational reporting

These KPIs are representative of the role and not exhaustive. Additional performance metrics may be introduced or adjusted based on business needs, operational priorities, and growth objectives.

Who This Role Is For

• Leaders who are comfortable spending significant time in the water
• Individuals who lead by example and hold high standards
• Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, team-driven environments
• Those who take ownership of both people development and operations

Requirements

• Experience in aquatics instruction or leadership
• National Lifeguard Instructor/Examiner (or equivalent) preferred
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Vulnerable Sector Check (required)
• Experience working with children or youth programs preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• $27.50 – $30.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Employee health benefits
• Paid training and professional development
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization

Work Environment

• Warm, humid (90°) pool environment
• Significant time spent in water and on deck
• Physically active role requiring extended periods of standing, movement, and instruction

About Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School is an award-winning swim school focused on teaching children life-saving skills in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Our facility features a 90-degree pool, small class sizes, and a proven curriculum designed for success.

We operate a high-energy, high-accountability environment where leaders are visible, engaged, and set the tone on every shift.

Important Note

This is a hands-on, in-water leadership role. If you are seeking a primarily administrative position, this role will not be the right fit.

Each Goldfish Swim School is an independently owned and operated franchise. The respective Franchisee is the employer at each Goldfish Swim School location. Each franchisee can set their own wages, benefit programs and terms and conditions of employment, which may vary at each Goldfish Swim School location.