Aquatic Coordinator

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. In addition, please include copies of any certifications relevant to the position (Ex: Lifeguard certification, CPO/AFO).

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

The Aquatic Coordinator will serve as a leader within the Recreation Center, manage a team of lifeguards and swim instructors, provide excellent customer service to members and participants, and maintain cleanliness and order throughout the entire Aquatic Center.

The ideal candidate will have experience in pool management, understand the importance of pool safety and operating procedures, value teamwork and collaboration, and possess a strong work ethic and problem‑solving skills. Experience with day‑to‑day pool operations—including staffing, cleanliness, pool filtration, and pool chemistry—is preferred.

This position is exclusively on‑site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center. Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This position requires frequent work in outdoor environments, including during hot summer months. Handling chemicals for pump room operations is required. Occasional nights and weekends as needed. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on‑site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

$48,000–$52,000 based on experience and qualifications.
* Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1+ years of professional experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis
• Current lifeguard certification
• Certified Pool Operator certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment
• Lifeguard Instructor certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment

• Advanced problem‑solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Conflict resolution skills, initiative, and creative thinking
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Ability to maintain a professional image and demonstrate strong written, oral, and presentation skills
• Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
• Ability to oversee and direct staff
• Knowledge of database systems and web‑based applications as they relate to the department

• Master’s degree

• Oversee daily operations and programming of the Aquatic Center
• Responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising lifeguards, head lifeguards, and swim instructors
• Manage in‑service trainings, emergency action plan implementation, and student development
• Serve as the first point of contact for troubleshooting mechanical…