Aquatics and Strategic Programs Coordinator - Parks & Recreation

The City of Grove City is a vibrant and growing community committed to providing exceptional public services and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. One of its key divisions, the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department, is dedicated to offering a wide range of recreational opportunities, programs, and facilities designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. The department oversees numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, including The Big Splash, the city's outdoor pool that serves as a focal point for aquatic activities and community gatherings. With a mission centered on accessibility, inclusion, and operational excellence, the department prioritizes creating safe, innovative, and engaging recreational experiences for all demographics within the community. The Grove City Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking an Aquatics and Strategic Programs Coordinator to join their dynamic team on a full-time, non-uniformed basis. This vital role is appointed by the Mayor in consultation with the Administrative Assistant and reports directly to the Adaptive and Strategic Programs Supervisor. The position is designed for a proactive professional who thrives on leadership, coordination, and innovation within the aquatic and broader recreational programming landscape. The Coordinator will be instrumental in managing and advancing aquatic operations at The Big Splash, ensuring that all programs and activities comply with health and safety standards while delivering excellent customer experiences. Beyond aquatics, the role encompasses strategic program development, assisting the department in wide-ranging initiatives such as inclusion programs, community events, and outreach efforts that bolster access and engagement throughout Grove City. The Coordinator will help lead efforts in data collection, reporting, and evaluation to measure the success and impact of these programs, supporting continuous improvement and alignment with the department's long-term goals. Moreover, responsibilities include collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders, participation in grant writing, and the pursuit of partnership opportunities that contribute to the sustainability and growth of recreational services. This position demands a professional skilled in communication, leadership, and team coordination, capable of managing seasonal and part-time staff effectively. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the department’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Vibrancy, while cultivating a welcoming and safe environment for both employees and community members. Moreover, candidates must be flexible, ready to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call hours, especially during peak pool seasons. The City of Grove City emphasizes a Drug-Free Workplace policy and requires all candidates who receive an offer to pass mandatory drug testing, including screening for marijuana. The employee must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy. The position requires a medium level of physical activity, including the frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing up to 50 pounds, exposure to various weather conditions, and direct interaction with the public in outdoor aquatic environments. Emphasizing professional development, the role prefers candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Aquatic Management, or a related field, though equivalent education and experience will be considered. Certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is preferred or must be obtained within the first six months of employment. The City offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, a Health Savings Account with substantial city funding, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement, all demonstrating Grove City’s commitment to employee well-being and growth. This comprehensive role within the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department is not only a job but a chance to deeply impact community health, accessibility, and vibrancy through aquatic and strategic programming. It offers an opportunity for professionals to bring their expertise and passion for recreation into a supportive environment that values innovation, safety, and community connection across all age groups and abilities.

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, sports management, aquatic management or related field preferred
• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in recreation, aquatics, or public service
• Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability
• Must be available weekends, evenings, holidays, and on-call hours
• Proven ability in oral and written communication
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, civic leaders and the public
• Drug-free workplace status and pass drug testing including marijuana
• Ability to perform medium work including lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and crowds
• Commitment to departmental rules, regulations, ethics, and safety standards