Aquatics Manager

AQUATICS MANAGER - CARD

Lead the Launch. Build the Team. Shape Aquatics in Chico.

CARD is launching a world-class aquatics facility and we need the right leader to build it. Opening in late 2026, the new facility features a 50-meter competition pool, warm-up pool, leisure pool, water slides, lazy river, and splash pad -- complementing existing operations at Pleasant Valley Recreation Center and the Chapman Splash Pad. This is a regional aquatics destination and a genuine community investment, and we are looking for an experienced aquatics professional ready to build it from the ground up.

Chico, California offers an exceptional quality of life and a lower cost of living than most California metros. If you are ready to lead at scale and leave a lasting mark on a community that is invested in getting this right, we want to hear from you.

Why This Role:

• Build something that lasts: You will shape the programs, the team, the culture, and the operational standards of a world-class facility from day one. What you build here will define aquatics in this community for a generation
• Lead at real scale: A substantial department budget, a full-time team you will hire and develop, and up to 150 seasonal staff. This is a division-level leadership role with the scope to match
• The organization and the community: CARD is mission-driven with a strong team culture, and Chico is a genuinely great place to live -- outdoor recreation, a vibrant community, and a project that will be truly transformational for the entire region 

What You'll Do: You will lead the operational launch of a new regional aquatics facility while managing existing operations across multiple sites. You will build and oversee a full-time team, direct a large seasonal workforce, manage a substantial budget, develop a comprehensive program suite, and ensure every facility runs safely and compliantly every day.

Who You Are: You are an experienced aquatics professional with genuine technical depth and the leadership instincts to build something from the ground up. You have managed complex operations, developed strong teams, and made sound decisions under pressure. You know when to act and when to bring things forward. You are not looking for a role to maintain -- you are looking for one to build.

More information on CARD and the position can be found at www.chiocrec.gov