Swim Academy Head Coach

The Canada Games Centre (CGC) is a vibrant multi-sport community and recreation centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are a 176,000 sqft facility operated by a non-profit society committed to promoting physical literacy, fitness and wellness, and to supporting the needs of high performance sport & athlete development. The Centre runs sport and recreation programs, camps, fitness classes and so much more in an inclusive environment. Located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people, the CGC acknowledges the Peace & Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People.

Together, we inspire healthy active living.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Aquatics Coordinator, Programs, this seasonal role involves planning and delivering high quality summer swim team programming, through long term planning, coaching and leadership for the Canada Games Centre Swim Academy Program (CGCSA).

Responsibilities

• Create a YTP for the summer season and implement long term practice planning.
• Interact with swimmers, parents, and coaches in a manner that adheres to the Canada Games Centre’s long term athlete development model, team philosophy and code of conduct.
• Establish a reliable and professional on-deck presence, with safety and engagement as top priorities.
• Attend all required meets, competitions, team events, time trials, socials and other CGCSA initiatives.
• Communicate with Swim Nova Scotia, submit meet entries within deadlines, and be knowledgeable on qualification standards and other relevant meet details.
• Supervise coaching staff, including recruitment, creating and managing the schedule, completing performance evaluations, and offering guidance.
• Complete goal planning individually, with swimmers, and with swim team groups, and assist with athlete development plans when appropriate. Arrange swimmers into practice groups and set the schedule for swim team practices in accordance with time allotted, pool space and coaches’ availability
• Provide mid-season progress reports and final certificates for each swimmer and plan an end of season banquet.
• Complete all necessary administrative duties within deadlines as set by the Aquatics Coordinator, Programs and Swim Nova Scotia, during set weekly office hours.
• Communicate with the Aquatics Coordinator, Programs, weekly.

Skills

• Good knowledge and understanding of the discipline of swimming
• Ability to confidently lead and develop a coaching team
• Ability to communicate effectively with swimmers and parents
• Have a good working knowledge of child protection procedures
• Ability to forge relationships with neighboring clubs and facility providers
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Be familiar with Swimming Canada and Swim Nova Scotia rules and regulations

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 2 to 4 years of competitive coaching experience
• NCCP Swimming Level 1 or higher, or working toward this certification
• Current member or able to gain membership with the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association (CSCA), Swim Nova Scotia and Swimming Canada
• Proficiency in HyTek Team Manager and Meet Manager Software
• Intermediate Workplace First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid) with CPR Level C (will be offered prior to start)
• Working knowledge of FMS principles, Sport for Life model and the Get More from Sports philosophy
• Computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Office, etc.

Desired

• Desire to continue professional development, including willingness to learn new components of competitive swimming and modern coaching techniques
• Access to transportation to attend Swim Meets around the province.
• Swim for Life Instructor (SFLI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• Official Level 1 or willing to obtain

Working Conditions

• Requirement to work flexible hours – morning, day, evening, and weekends.
• Approximately 10-25 hours per week in May-June and 40 hours per week July – August. Additional hours may be required during swim meets
• Working environment includes physical, emotional, and mental demands
• Safe use of all protective / barrier equipment as required by the employer

Compensation

• The compensation for this position is $22.00 per hour (plus 4% vacation pay)

Notes

• Criminal Record & Child Abuse Registry checks will be required as part of the hiring

What’s in it for you?

• Free facility membership
• Free parking and close proximity to Halifax Transit
• Amazing team environment