Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.
The Aquatics Coordinator plays a vital role in managing the daily operations, safety, and programming of the Perkins pool. This multi-faceted role blends direct lifeguarding and student engagement with administrative oversight and facility maintenance. Working collaboratively with the Adapted Physical Education (APE) department, Facilities team, and Student Life staff, the Coordinator ensures a clean, sanitary, and inclusive pool environment.
This is a flexible position requiring availability during both school day and evening hours to accommodate academic classes and residential/cottage recreational swim opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to safety, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for supporting students with diverse needs and disabilities.
Provide primary coverage as a certified American Red Cross lifeguard for a minimum of 35–40 hours per week during the school day, with flexibility to encompass evening hours.
Support and coordinate pool coverage outside of school day classes (8–12 hours a week as needed).
Assist teachers in swim classes, PE classes, or cottages on an as-needed basis (particularly when the pool is closed and administrative duties are complete).
When not performing specific lifeguard duties, work directly with students under the guidance of the Director and Assistant Directors of Student Life.
Actively facilitate safe, student-specific transfers over the pool’s 3-foot perimeter wall, utilization of lifts and over the wall ladder, in conjunction with physical therapist
Collaborate with the PE/Swim team to develop and maintain a master swim schedule and assist with pool accessibility.
Communicate with evening cottage staff to develop schedules for recreational swim opportunities.
Maintain instant communication with all campus programs and cottages regarding pool status and closures via email and telephone.
Work with PE/swim teachers to communicate and train staff on student-specific protocols, swim abilities, and safety measures.
Reinforce aquatics classroom concepts and procedures during recreational swim through clear communication with cottage staff.
Participate in APE team meetings on an as-needed basis and work effectively as a core member of the APE team.
Work closely with the head Pool Operator (CPO) from facilities to manage daily operations, including chemical water testing and treating the pool.
Place work orders for all aquatic facility maintenance and repairs (e.g., showers, tiling, lighting, heating).
Identify hazards and unsafe practices, making immediate recommendations for minimizing or eliminating them.
Maintain, update, and implement the Perkins Pool Policy and Procedures Manual and facility Emergency Action Plans (EAP), including fire evacuations, lockdown procedures, and specific seizure/Diastat & shunt protocol documents.
Attend Watertown Health Department meetings when relevant.
Supervise part-time evening and weekend recreation lifeguards.
Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process of lifeguards.
Train all part-time lifeguards on Perkins pool procedures, protocols, equipment, and lifts.
Order and maintain all pool supplies, standard swim training equipment (life jackets, noodles, belt floats), and adaptive devices, working within the approved budget.
Maintain and audit inventory of adaptive equipment (shower chairs, adaptive flotation devices) and assist in determining specifications for new adapted equipment.
Stock locker rooms daily with student personal hygiene supplies and staff personal protective equipment (PPE); coordinate with the facility laundry room to ensure a consistent supply of clean towels.
Read the daily log book and maintain meticulous records (attendance, chemical testing records, pool closures, incident reports, shock logs, and student protocols).
Perform routine facility checks including:
Inspecting lifeguard equipment, First Aid kits, and PFDs.
Inspecting shower chairs (checking seatbelts, brakes, and wheels).
Inspecting/organizing slings.
Cleaning the desk area and organizing the supply closet.
Checking staff and student locker rooms.
Measure pool chemicals throughout the day
Strong communication, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
Experience and administrative knowledge of planning, scheduling, and conducting aquatic/recreational programs.
Previous experience working with individuals with various disabilities.
Familiarity with adapted swim equipment (e.g., belt floats, specialized PFDs) and safe transferring techniques (e.g., mechanical lifts, sling protocols, and transfers over low perimeter walls).
Competency in tracking inventory, maintaining precise daily logs, and making fiscal recommendations within an approved budget.
Mastery of aquatic facility Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), active drowning surveillance, spinal injury management, and emergency evacuation procedures.
Part-time evening and weekend recreation lifeguards
High School Diploma or equivalent.
2 years of lifeguard experience preferred.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
Must be or become a Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
Must complete American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard Management training within one year of hire.
If not already qualified upon hire, must become certified within one year to conduct in-service training, certifications, and recertifications for all aquatics personnel.
Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification (and maintenance of yearly updates).
Experience and administrative knowledge of planning, scheduling, and conducting aquatic/recreational programs.
Previous experience working with individuals with various disabilities.
Participation in/willingness to complete a 15-hour recertification course for ARC Lifeguard Certification.
The following shared salary range is what Perkins reasonably expects, in good faith, to pay for the position. The applicable range could differ based on experience and qualification.
$21.15-$29.88
Perkins offers a comprehensive benefits package for part time and full time employees, including:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Wellness programs available.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Plan with employer match
Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day one
Paid Time Off
Extras: Employee Recognition Programs, EAP, legal services, referral bonuses, credit union access, pre-tax MBTA passes and more!
Perkins is a mission-driven community that supports your well-being at work and beyond. We are located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.
Perkins is an equal opportunity employer. View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.