Aquatics Manager Burlington
Full Time • Burlington, Burlington - Ontario
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.
Compensación: $27.50 - $30.00 per hour
Tropical Vibes & Impacting Lives!
You feel it the moment you walk in. There’s more than vibrant colors, a tropical theme and happy children. There’s something different, something extraordinary. Something truly GOLDEN. It’s passion. Not just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming…it’s a special passion for changing – even saving – lives, by being a part of kids learning to swim.
When you work at Goldfish, you're not just an employee. You're a part of something bigger. You're making an impact; a splash in the lives of the children in your community. You're an integral part of a team, working together to move forward a mission. You’re also making waves in your future, learning life lessons in and out of the pool through mentorship, leadership and passion. At Goldfish, it’s more than a job - it’s an endless pool of possibilities, opportunities and life-changing moments!
Making Waves with Passion, Purpose & Core Values!
At Goldfish, our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and behind every decision that we make. To us, these values are more than just words - they're embraced with purpose in our everyday lives, and what allows us to make a splash in our community, and in the lives of our members and our team!
We go above and beyond with every detail to create a GOLDEN Experience!
We believe in nurturing a culture that provides WOW! Customer Service
We do the right things, make the right decisions and treat people with Integrity • Compassion • Trust
We meet and exceed expectations so you see Extraordinary Results
We make a big deal about life’s accomplishments by remembering to Celebrate!
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.
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Paid Training
We set you up for Extraordinary Results! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never learned to swim yourself or if you’re a seasoned swimmer, we are proud to provide our team with paid training, certifications and ongoing support.
Flexible Schedules
Work life balance is essential to any team! At Goldfish, we understand you have commitments outside of work - family, school, sports, whatever it may be - and we celebrate that! We offer convenient schedules to accommodate YOU!
All Are Welcome
At Goldfish, we value Diversity & Inclusion! We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment for all by treating everyone with Integrity, Compassion and Trust as we work together to make waves for water safety.
Make Waves...In Your Community
Our team members are literal life-savers. Superheroes. Wavemakers. At Goldfish, you’re helping keep the children of your community safer in and around water - and that’s something to CELEBRATE!
Make Waves...In Your Career
Dip your toe into a pool of possibilities at Goldfish! You’ll learn life lessons through leadership, mentorship and ongoing training. From customer service to education, healthcare to business, you’ll gain impactful work experience that is sure to make a splash in your future, no matter what your career path!
High Fives & Tropical Vibes!
We believe in making a big deal about life’s accomplishments by remembering to CELEBRATE! We give high fives, dance and have some serious fun while doing some serious work. And with tiki huts, palm trees and surfboards, every work day will make you feel like you’re on vacay!
Going for Gold!
We align with partners who not only share our passion for water safety, but also share our core values. Helping us make a splash are World Record Holders and Olympic Gold Medalists Ryan Murphy and Cullen Jones! We are also committed to making waves, giving back and saving lives through our partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation.
Grow with Goldfish
There’s no limit to where you can go with Goldfish! We’ve seen part time team members #GrowUpGoldfish - becoming managers, joining the Franchise Support Team, and even going on to own and operate their own Goldfish Swim School! Dip a toe or dive all the way into the pool of possibilities and endless opportunities!