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Aquatics Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Aquatics - Lifeguard

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Aquatic Director or Assistant Aquatic Director or Aquatic Coordinator Job titles directly reporting to this position: None Job titles indirectly reporting to this position: None Essential Duties and ...

Aquatics Instructor

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$22.10 - $49.22/hr

Arlington County Aquatics is seeking reliable, enthusiastic, positive individuals who can work with children of all ages. Our successful, well-established program offers programs starting from parent ...

Aquatics Leader

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$95K/yr

Position Summary The Aquatics Manager will service as the leader of our department, and is responsible for the activities and growth of the Aquatics program including financial management, hiring ...

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Aquatics Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$21.8K

$51.8K

$69.7K

How much do aquatics director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquatics director in Reston, VA is $51,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquatics director?

Aquatics Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations of aquatic facilities such as swimming pools and water parks. Their duties typically include managing staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, organizing swim lessons and aquatic programs, and maintaining facility compliance with health and safety regulations. Aquatics Directors often coordinate events, supervise lifeguards, monitor budgets, and ensure all equipment is properly maintained. They play a key role in promoting water safety and creating enjoyable aquatic experiences for participants of all ages.

What does an aquatics director do?

An aquatics director is responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of a pool facility, such as a college aquatics complex, a pool at a YMCA gym, or a recreational community pool. Your duties and responsibilities include hiring and training new employees to teach classes or lead programs, promoting exercise in the community, holding events at your location, creating the yearly budget, and assessing the efficiency of departments under your supervision. In some jobs, such as those in a university, you may work under the supervision of the director of athletics or another senior administrator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquatics director?

To thrive as an Aquatics Director, you need expertise in aquatic program management, lifeguarding, and swimming instruction, typically supported by certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Familiarity with scheduling software, pool maintenance systems, and risk management procedures is also required. Leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for supervising staff and ensuring a safe and positive environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining program quality, ensuring participant safety, and effectively managing aquatics operations.

What are some typical challenges an aquatics director faces when managing a team of lifeguards and instructors?

As an Aquatics Director, one of the main challenges is maintaining high safety standards while ensuring that all team members are properly trained and motivated. Balancing scheduling needs, managing certifications, and fostering good communication among staff can be demanding, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, handling emergency situations and addressing parent or patron concerns requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Supporting staff development and promoting a positive team culture are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Aquatics Director vs Swim Coach?

AspectAquatics DirectorSwim Coach
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, Water Safety InstructorCPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, coaching certifications
Work EnvironmentRecreational facilities, pools, community centersSwimming pools, training sessions, competitions
ResponsibilitiesOversees aquatic programs, manages staff, ensures safety policiesTeaches swim techniques, trains athletes, develops training plans

While both roles work in aquatic settings and require safety certifications, an Aquatics Director manages overall programs and staff, focusing on operations and safety. A Swim Coach concentrates on training swimmers and improving their performance. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquatics jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Aquatics jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Aquatics Director jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Aquatics Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Aquatics Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Aquatics Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Aquatics Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,779 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

YMCA Alexandria - Assistant Aquatics Director

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$41K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

At the Y, Every Splash Starts with Strong Leadership
Position: Assistant Aquatics Director Salary: $41,000.00 - $45,000.00
The YMCA of Alexandria is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven leader to serve as Assistant Aquatics Director. In this role, you will help shape a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatics experience that advances youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across our community.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead and Develop People
    Partner with the Aquatics Director to recruit, onboard, and develop aquatics staff. Foster a culture grounded in safety, accountability, inclusion, and teamwork.
  • Deliver Exceptional Member Experiences
    Oversee daily aquatics operations, including staff scheduling and program execution. Ensure consistent, high-quality experiences.
  • Champion Safety and Readiness
    Lead staff certifications, in-service trainings, and ongoing skill development. Maintain a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring the highest standards of safety for members, participants, and staff.
  • Ensure Operational Excellence
    Monitor pool conditions, equipment, and facility readiness. Address maintenance needs promptly to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all.
  • Strengthen Systems and Accountability
    Review logs, reports, and payroll for accuracy and compliance. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Who You Are:
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred with 3+ years of aquatics, recreation, or related leadership experience
  • Certifications: Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED (Professional Rescuer), and First Aid certifications required; aquatic instructor/trainer certifications a plus
  • Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of aquatics operations, facility management, safety standards, and program delivery
  • Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a talent for building connections with members, staff, and the community

Required Aquatics Safety Skills:
  • Lift a minimum of 40 pounds - equipment, people, and chemicals
  • Ability to climb
  • Use a variety of aquatic and cleaning equipment
  • Swim 500 yards
  • Tread water for two minutes. (Legs only)
  • Retrieve training victim from bottom deep end
  • Complete active and passive victim rescue with tube
  • Ability to backboard victim
  • Must be able to see and hear participants in distress or asking for assistance

Why Join the YMCA?
At the YMCA, you're not just building a career-you're building community.
  • Mission-Driven Impact: Contribute to meaningful, measurable change every day
  • Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive environment grounded in shared values
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Wellness & Belonging: Complimentary YMCA membership for you and your household
  • Retirement Security: 10% employer contribution + 403(b) and Roth options
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO and holidays
  • Professional Growth: Access to leadership development, training, and certifications
  • Welcoming Environment: A culture where all individuals feel valued and empowered

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect.