ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Waterfront Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

SmithGroup

Health Studio Leader

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$145K - $163K/yr

... waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem ... Work with the Regional Director and the Regional Practice Director to ensure that marketing & sales ...

All JobsWaterfront JobsWaterfront Director JobsWaterfront Director Jobs in Decatur, GA

Waterfront Director information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13.7K

$60.3K

$140.1K

How much do waterfront director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for waterfront director in Decatur, GA is $60,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a waterfront director do?

A waterfront director oversees the safety and operation of aquatic activities at a facility such as a pool, lake, or beach. They supervise staff, enforce safety protocols, conduct training, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, often holding certifications like lifeguard or water safety instructor. The role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of water safety procedures.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

The role of waterfront director is unlikely to disappear by 2030, but some manual or low-skill jobs such as lifeguards or dock workers may decline due to automation and safety technology advancements. Jobs requiring physical presence at specific locations could be replaced or transformed by remote management tools and automated systems.

What are some common challenges faced by a Waterfront Director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge for Waterfront Directors is ensuring the safety of all participants while managing a diverse team of lifeguards and instructors. This often requires balancing administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling and compliance with safety regulations, with hands-on supervision during busy activity periods. Effective communication, thorough staff training, and regular safety drills can help address these challenges. Building a culture of teamwork and proactive risk management also contributes greatly to a smooth and safe waterfront operation.

What Does a Waterfront Director Do?

Waterfront directors supervise water-based activities, including swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and waterskiing. As a waterfront director, you may plan events, train and schedule staff, monitor safety, care for equipment, and process registrations, such as licenses and boat permits. This position may be required to work extended hours over the summer. You maintain inventory and recommend when to repair or purchase new equipment. You are also in charge of set-up and tear down for the waterfront and may need to participate in other camp activities not related to your department.

What is a Waterfront Director?

A Waterfront Director is responsible for overseeing all aquatic activities and ensuring the safety of participants at a waterfront facility, such as a camp, lake, or beach. They supervise lifeguards and staff, manage equipment, enforce safety protocols, and often provide training in water safety. Waterfront Directors also create activity schedules, maintain water quality standards, and respond to emergencies when necessary. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as certifications in lifeguarding and water safety management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Waterfront Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waterfront Director, you need strong leadership, water safety expertise, and certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, often supported by experience in aquatic program management. Familiarity with watercraft, rescue equipment, and safety protocols, as well as management of scheduling and incident reporting systems, is essential. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills help build trust with staff and participants while maintaining a safe environment. These competencies are crucial to ensuring smooth operations, minimizing risk, and promoting safety and enjoyment at waterfront facilities.

What is the highest paying job in wildlife?

The highest paying jobs in wildlife often include wildlife managers, conservation directors, and research scientists, with senior roles in government agencies or private organizations earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in ecological research, policy, or management.

What is the difference between Waterfront Director vs Lifeguard?

AspectWaterfront DirectorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Waterfront Safety CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentOversees waterfront activities, manages staff, plans programsMonitors swimming areas, ensures safety, responds to emergencies
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff supervision, safety enforcementRescue, monitor swimmers, enforce rules

The Waterfront Director and Lifeguard roles both require CPR and First Aid certifications and operate in aquatic environments. The Waterfront Director manages overall waterfront programs and staff, while the Lifeguard focuses on monitoring swimmers and ensuring safety. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest paying ocean job?

The highest paying ocean-related job is often that of a commercial deep-sea diver or offshore drilling engineer, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and work in challenging environments such as oil rigs or underwater construction projects.
More about Waterfront Director jobs
What are popular job titles related to Waterfront Director jobs in Decatur, GA? For Waterfront Director jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waterfront Director jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Waterfront Director jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Waterfront Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Waterfront Director job openings:
Waterfront Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterfront Director job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,302 per year, or $29 per hour.
Health Studio Leader

Health Studio Leader

SmithGroup

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$145K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
The Atlanta office of SmithGroup is looking for a Health Studio Leader to join our team.
Working with us, you will:
  • Be responsible for growing practice market share and net revenue in conjunction with the local office and corporate practice.
  • Provide leadership and management necessary for the development and growth of the studio consistent with SmithGroup's strategic themes of: growing the firm, building expertise, and designing holistically.
  • Maintain relationships with past clients and develop relationships with current/new clients and work closely with Business Development, Marketing, and discipline leaders to effectively market and grow our services.
  • Work with the Regional Director and the Regional Practice Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed.
  • Provide leadership and be actively involved in projects through all phases, from initial client contacts through marketing pursuits, sales efforts, contract negotiations, project kick-off, feasibility studies, strategic planning, master planning, programming, conceptual studies, schematic, design, design development, construction documentation, bidding and award, construction administration, move-in, follow-up, and on-going client relationship maintenance.
  • Provide leadership on a limited number of key projects as the principal-in-charge and be accountable for the financial performance of your own projects individually and the studio collectively.
  • Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.
  • Be actively involved in professional, civic, or community activities that support the goals and core values of SmithGroup - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity.

An ideal candidate has:
  • A professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.
  • 15+ years related experience preferred and/or training (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in the AE Industry.
  • Healthcare project experience that includes a range of building/program types, complexity and scale.
  • Registration or licensure in relevant field; LEED AP preferred.
  • Proven leadership and demonstrated track record of winning work and growing market share in planning, renovation, or new construction projects.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team setting, delivering high client satisfaction and technical competence.
  • Strong leadership skills in the areas of business development; professional and civic involvement.
  • Strong business acumen and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of the work.
  • The ability to take responsibility and ownership to meet standards, budgets, schedules, and deadlines.
  • A high degree of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to travel 25-35%.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $145,000 to $163,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.

Apply