Coordinator, Aquatics & Youth Programs

Department: Athletics and Recreation 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Manager, Recreation & Wellness 

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: March 29, 2026

Requisition ID: 10724 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

As a member of the Athletics & Recreation team, the Coordinator of Aquatics & Youth Programs is responsible for aquatics operations and youth programs as well as the climbing wall and safety certifications. Reporting to the Manager of Recreation & Wellness, the coordinator is responsible for the planning, execution and evaluation of programs ensuring they are of high quality, sustainable and meet all standards for safety and risk mitigation. They are required to monitor revenue generation and maintain operating expenses within an approved budget.

Embracing a student-centred approach, the coordinator will provide exceptional leadership to a large team of student staff and volunteers through strategic implementation of training, development, and mentorship. Programs will foster a sense of belonging, enhance the student experience, and support an inclusive community.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus.  The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, locations in Kitchener and Milton, and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Accountabilities

Personnel Responsibilities (35%):

• Recruit and hire student staff with a commitment to equity and diversity.
• Develop and implement staff training ensuring compliance with university onboard training, legislated requirements and industry standards
• Provide direct supervision, leadership, development and mentoring to a large team of student staff.
• Integrate student leadership opportunities across all staff teams
• Support staff dealing with difficult or stressful situations such as lifeguards following a water rescue or camp staff having to report a disclosure to Child Protective Services
• Develop and implement camp leadership curriculum to support exceptional camp experience

• Ensure all staff have appropriate certifications; Gather and maintain accurate record of required hiring and training documentation.
• Review and approve bi-weekly payroll submissions for a large volume of student staff.

Program Operation Responsibilities (35%):

• Plan and assess day-to-day operations of aquatics, climbing wall, safety certification and youth programs
• Develop new activity-based programming to support sense of belonging for students to build community with a focus on identifying and serving underrepresented groups of students.
• In conjunction with Manager, assess safety and risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with regulation and required standards of care.
• Maintain program policies and procedures ensuring they are clear and accessible to all participants.
• Advance program efficiency and effectiveness through the use of existing and new technology.
• Review and respond to camp and youth program proposals ensuring coach/staff leaders are prepared to operate within university and department guidelines including, but not limited to, fiscal accountability, health and safety, communications and social media
• Collaborate with department partners to coordinate facility booking and event support.
• Collaborate with communications team to develop marketing and promotion plan that will generate awareness of programs and engage students and community.

Facility Operation Support (15%):

• Ensure regular facility safety and operation checks are completed in accordance with facility and provincial regulations
• Ensure aquatic facility checks meet requirements of Ontario regulation for Public Pool operators
• Support with scheduling and facilitation of regular public health inspections
• Document and maintain accurate records of all required checks including but not limited to water testing and air quality in the pool as well as climbing wall structure and floor padding checks
• Implement and enforce processes to ensure appropriate response to tests indicating unsafe conditions or situation requiring specific operational action
• Supervise staff completing minor equipment repairs that may include lane rope/ratchet repair, safety netting, etc
• Design climbing wall routes and install holds
• Advise facility operations staff on camp related needs for safe operation of programs serving young children

Financial & Budgetary Accountabilities (10%):

• Assist with preparation of annual budget.
• Ensure operating expenses including staffing, equipment and other expenses align with approved budget plan.
• Monitor and report on revenue targets associated with program registrations.
• Purchase and maintain inventory of equipment, apparel, and uniforms in compliance with university procurement and finance guidelines

Additional Responsibilities (5%):

• Collaborate with internal and external partners on campus-wide and community-based campaigns and special events.
• Maintain high level of knowledge on emerging industry trends and best practices through regular professional development and network connections.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, preference for area of study in Recreation Management, Kinesiology/Physical Education, Child/Youth Development or other relevant discipline
• Minimum two (2) years experience in aquatic, camp or recreation program administration

• Articulate oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer and office skills using a standard suite of software applications.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintain a positive frame of mind, and set an example of professionalism.
• Evidence of leadership experience and a commitment to student learning and development.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of budget processes and risk management.
• First Aid/CPR and Lifeguard certification required.
• Lifeguard and/or First Aid instructor an asset

This position is eligible for Educational Equivalencies.

Hours of Work

This is a Full-time, Limited-term opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 21st 2027. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to student staff training, event operations and pool operations support. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

This role requires daily in person attendance and is not eligible for a flexible work arrangement as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy).

As per Article 12.7.6, prior approval from a manager is required to return to a previous position after a Limited-Term Position.

Compensation

Level: E

Rate of Pay: $42.83 to $45.28 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $48.95 per hour.  Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job. 

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.