Director of Aquatics
Dept of Parks & Recreation
New York, NY · $110k–$115k a year · Posted October 9, 2026
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About the job
*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES* *This vacancy is only open to 1) current permanent Parks employees serving in the Administrative Community Relations Specialist civil service title or 2) on leave from the title or 3) permanent Parks employees in or on leave from a comparable title (e.g. Administrative Staff Analyst or Administrative Manager) or 4) Parks employees who are reachable on the Administrative Community Relations Specialist civil service list or a comparable civil service list or qualify for a comparable title. [Please indicate the exam title, the exam number, and your list number or comparable title on your resume.] Major Responsibilities • Under general direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and decision, work closely with an assigned Deputy Chief of Recreation under the supervision and guidance of the Assistant Commissioner for Public Programs in the development of aquatics programs. • Manage and direct the Citywide Aquatics staff, providing leadership and guidance. • Provide dynamic leadership for the creation, development and implementation of innovative aquatics programs for New Yorkers of all ages including at Parks partner sites. • Plan and implement citywide special events such as swim meets and the Lap Swim Awards. • Perform in-depth analysis and give oversight into the development of programming and daily operations. • Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, onboarding and training of staff. • Develop on-going staff development training and opportunities for all staff delivering programs. Research trends, approaches and new strategies in aquatics development and program delivery, keeping Parks on the cutting-edge of quality, free and safe programming for all New Yorkers. • Develop new partnerships and serve as a liaison to other city agencies and organizations. Identify and pursue grant opportunities for additional funding and support. • Oversee the monitoring of program records such as attendance data, weekly reports, timesheets and expenditures. Ensure high program standards via site visits, audits, feedback and interviews. • Work with senior management to implement Agency strategic priorities and division initiatives, including development and implementation of performance metrics including those related to the Swim Safety Expansion. • Prepare marketing, publicity and fundraising materials such as brochures, annual reports, flyers and grant applications. • Manage a small fleet assigned to the division. Work Location: TBD How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 805055. All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications. *Current Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume. NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request. Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee between $40.00 to $101.00 based on the salary range of title. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $107.50 background check fee. nyc.gov/parks MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW. For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)