Aquatics Manager Internship - Chicago

The CELTS Aquatics Group Internship Program provides students with a valuable opportunity for professional development, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of a career in the hospitality industry. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Our competitive edge comes from our ability to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent, which in turn allows us to deliver outstanding service to our guests. Therefore, we seek individuals who are passionate about hospitality and take genuine pride in their work.

Each intern will be paired with a mentor from the management team who will help guide the development of essential professional skills related to department management. Interns will meet regularly with their mentors to discuss their accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and set future goals for the program.

Job Summary

The Aquatics Intern is responsible for ensuring guest safety and satisfaction while actively monitoring swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance.

Requirements for Internship Consideration

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited university and taking the appropriate courses to receive college credit for the internship work at CELTS Aquatics Group.
• Failure to enroll in college credit-bearing classes will result in disqualification from the leadership position associated with the internship.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assure outstanding service and a clean, safe, and fun experience for each guest by providing a friendly work environment, including greeting and acknowledging every guest, and maintaining and exceeding departmental quality standards while using our indoor and outdoor pool facilities.
• Ensure lifeguards and slide attendants are staffed and positioned as required to minimize liability to the hotel and guest injuries.
• Ensure all newly hired guards and slide attendants are adequately trained, thoroughly understand their duties, and maintain proper training/certifications consistent with CELTS policies, through regular drop-ins to guarantee all responsibilities are being carried out.
• Respond to accidents/incidents: care for any emergency & non-emergency injury or illness that occurs at the facility. Write incident reports and perform all necessary accident investigations to minimize impact on the facility and prevent future accidents.
• Responsible for schedule creation, payroll, and timekeeping for department employees and temp agencies.
• Navigate employee incidents and issues with a strong Human Resources touch to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
• Direct and coordinate various initiatives intended to promote and maintain a high level of employee morale.
• Observe and evaluate workers' performance and complete performance reviews.
• Caution swimmers regarding unsafe areas.
• Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid.
• Maintain order in swimming areas.
• Inspect facilities for cleanliness and clean swimming pools.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

What You Will Learn During This Internship

• Risk Management
• Leadership
• Onboarding
• Communication
• Scheduling
• Timekeeping
• Payroll
• How to navigate employee issues
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Employee Relations

Education & Experience

• Must be currently enrolled in college courses pursuing a degree in Parks and Recreation or a related field, or a recent graduate preferred.
• Previous aquatic experience required, with at least 1 year of progressive management experience, preferably involving supervision of subordinate personnel and cash management.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

The certifications below are preferred, and candidates with these will be given priority. Training and certifications will be provided:

• Lifeguard certification (Starguard Preferred)

Physical Environment

The role frequently requires the employee to stand, walk, sit, and engage in verbal communication. Occasional duties involve operating objects, tools, or controls; reaching; and using hands to handle, feel, or manage. The employee may also occasionally need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Occasional lifting and moving up to 50 pounds is required. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment involves constant exposure to both wet and dry conditions. The employee will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and pool mechanical systems.