Aquatics Team Leader

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Student Experience fosters equitable learning environments in which all students can thrive to their full potential. Through our commitment to integrating research, theory, and practice across all of the programs, resources, and supports we provide, Student Experience leads an ecosystem of people, places, and spaces that empower student thriving. Our vision is for all Mustangs to discover their personalized pathway through Western’s rich, wholistic learning environment; engage in brave conversations with our diverse community on and off campus, and develop the courage to be uncomfortable without fear of failure in order to thrive throughout their degree and after graduation. At Western, the Student Experience portfolio is organized into three inter-dependent pillars that provide the programmes and supports that inspire Western Students to discover themselves; engage with their communities and thrive as learners. These pillars are: Wellness & Wellbeing (comprised of the following departments: Health & Wellness, Student Support & Case Management and Wellness & Equity Education), Sport & Recreation (comprised of the following departments: Recreation & Active Well-being, Sport and Spirit & Connection), and Leadership & Learning (comprised of the following departments: Academic Support & Engagement and Careers & Experience). Professional and student staff working across these three pillars collaborate with student organizations and academic and administrative leaders throughout campus to foster inclusive and wholistic learning environments that maximize the potential of each student.

The Sport & Recreation pillar collectively works to enrich student thriving through a focus on developing leadership and success in sport and recreation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we engage Mustangs in active well-being and inspire spirit and tradition in order to strengthen the bonds of the Western community. Our vision is for students to discover balance in their lives and pursue challenges without fear of failure, ultimately enhancing their ability to thrive.

Recreation & Active Well-being includes facilities, programming, and services that promote emotional, mental, physical, social and overall wellbeing through the participation in active living. By participating in programming, students will be encouraged to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle, will have increased self-confidence, improved stress management, and will have enhanced social connections within our community. Recreation also offers experiential experiences for students through our many leadership opportunities. Participation in recreation improves the quality of life and helps to develop a thriving lifestyle for students, staff, and faculty during their time on campus and throughout their lives.

Responsibilities

Purpose of Role:
Western Sports & Recreation is looking for a passionate and motivated leader to play an important leadership role in the Aquatics team by supporting the Program Manager in the leadership of the aquatics team. The Team Leader supports the Program Manager with administrative duties such as scheduling, hiring new staff, facilitating staff training, assisting with team meetings, and providing a leadership presence when professional staff are not in the building. The Team Leader is also the first responder in emergency situations and ensures the safety and security of the aquatics facilities. The ideal candidate will be a positive and responsive individual with a professional demeanor who is dedicated to providing the best possible aquatic experience to the Western community while modeling appropriate behaviors essential to fostering an inclusive and equitable community at Western.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the promotion and development of leadership and job-essential skills training for the aquatics team.
• Assist with the student staff recruitment, orientation, training, and development including the leadership of specific certification and recertification training sessions.
• Assist in the instruction of Advanced Aquatic and Standard First Aid courses and ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction in swimming lessons.
• Support the communication channels between teams, professional staff, and other program staff.
• Initiate staff meetings, design training sessions, and prepare news bulletins.
• Ensure that safety rules and policies are followed, respond as the first point of contact to emergency situations and administer first aid as required.
• Assist in the scheduling of employee shifts, weekly payroll administration, employee documentation, and data collection.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Certification
• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Instructor Certification an asset
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Instructor Certification
• Current Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor Certification an asset
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR
• Current Canadian Red Cross Instructor and/or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification
• Must be committed to work 20 hours per week within a flexible schedule
• Current full-time student at Western (enrolled in minimum 3.5 courses), and expect to retain full-time student status for the duration of this appointment preferred
• Meets the visual acuity criterion of 20/25 vision when on duty (this can be met through the use of corrective lenses) (Must be MD verified at point of offer)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to be a productive team player who enjoys contributing to team goals
• Ability to foster teamwork and encourage team members to learn from each other
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students, and the public
• Independent decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities

Experience:

• Prior experience working in a leadership position on campus and/or in a fitness and recreation facility
• Prior lifeguarding and swim instruction experience
• Prior customer service experience
• Familiarity with Campus Recreation programs, services, and facilities is preferred

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record, and police information) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.
Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.