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Posted June 24, 2026

Aquatics & Safety Coordinator

Portland State University
Portland, Oregon, United States 97201 Full Time
Reference: 285438749

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details

Proposed Start Date 08/31/2026
Classification Title Advising and Student Services
Rank N - No Rank
Working Title Aquatics & Safety Coordinator
Department 332601 - REC Fitness Administration
Position Number D94419
Representation AU - AAUP
Renewable Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE 1
Tenure Status N - not applicable


Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our unwavering purpose is to support learners in following their dreams and achieving their goals for a better life for their families and communities. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. Approximately 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs.

Celebrating its 16th year, Portland State’s Rec Center is located in the heart of campus on the Urban Plaza. Our facilities and programs are universally designed to provide opportunities for everyone to accomplish their health and wellbeing goals. All students enrolled in at least one credit have access to Campus Rec. We also offer memberships for PSU faculty, staff, and alums. A foundational piece of our operations, the aquatic facilities include a lap pool and a 10-person whirlpool spa, both offering natural light and views of downtown Portland. The swimming pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide.
Position Summary
The Aquatic and Safety Coordinator provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the daily operations and programming of the Campus Rec Aquatics & Safety Program. This includes supervising organized and informal aquatics activities, a comprehensive safety response and training program for medical emergencies, and water safety. In addition to administrative functions necessary within the department and university, responsibilities include supervising student employees, teaching or coordinating non-credit instruction, pool maintenance as needed, and training American Red Cross-certified instructors and lifeguards.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Operations in Campus Rec. To ensure success, this position collaborates with all other Campus Recreation staff members, especially the Associate Director of Programs. This position plays an integral role in Campus Rec’s strategic plan and student success, while also serving as an active member of the Portland State Community by serving on committees and attending events.

In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers:

Minimum Qualifications
  • BA/BS from an accredited university and 3 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 1 year of Full-time, relevant professional experience in the operations of an Aquatics and Safety Program.
  • Certifications and advanced skills associated:
    • Must possess and provide the following certifications :
      • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
      • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

    • Must possess and provide a Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certificate from the National Swimming Pool Foundation within six months of hire.
    • Have the skills and ability to be accepted to a Red Cross Training Academy within 6 months of hire AND
      • Possess and provide American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer within 12 months of hire
  • Possess, provide, and maintain a valid certificate and authorization as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and support staff.
  • Demonstrated experience working in and creating an inclusive and culturally respectful environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within established and ad hoc teams.
  • A self-starter able to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and have exceptional attention to detail.
  • Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
  • Ability to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree from an accredited university.
  • Three or more years of professional experience in the administration of an Aquatics & Safety program.
  • Possess and provide the following certifications :
    • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer
    • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer

  • Work experience in a public setting, preferably at a university.
  • Experience in supervising or coordinating student leaders.
  • Experience providing programs and services to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrates experience with Campus Rec’s mission and values.
Key Cultural Competencies
  • Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
  • Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
  • Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary depends on several factors, and new employees typically start at the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation that takes into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge, and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position is $58,596, but may be negotiated above this rate, depending on the factors above, the hiring department’s budget, and HR approval.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium-paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rate for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator


Search Details

Posting Close Date 07/09/2026
Projected Close Date for Posting Closes
Application screening begins
Quick Link


Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. This position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Are you currently employed as an AAUP academic professional?
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Do you have a Bachelor's Degree and three or more years of management experience in aquatics, or a Master's Degree and one or more years of management experience in Aquatics?
    • Bachelor's Degree and three or more years of management experience in aquatics
    • Master's Degree and one or more years of management experience in Aquatics
    • Neither
  3. * Do you have the required certifications in water safety, first aid/CPR, Life Guarding, and Certified Pool Operation (able to obtain within 6 months)?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * Please describe you philosophy on student development in higher education and specifically an Aquatics and Safety Program. Please limit your answer to 350 words.

    (Open Ended Question)

  5. * What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, how have you demonstrated that commitment and how would you develop and apply your commitment at Campus Rec.

    (Open Ended Question)

  6. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • PSU Website
    • Indeed.com
    • HERCJobs
    • Urban League of Portland
    • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
    • Oregon Employment Department
    • Social Media
    • Person Referral
    • Career Builder
    • Glass Door
    • Other - Please describe in the next Question
  7. If you selected Other, please describe.

    (Open Ended Question)



Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Professional References
  4. Other 2 (describe)
  5. Other 4 (describe)
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    PI285438749

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