Facility/Aquatics Manager

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Facility/Aquatics Manager oversees daily operations, repair and maintenance, and improvement projects for Canham Natatorium and the Indoor Training Center. The role is responsible for ensuring the assigned facilities meet high standards for efficient operation, safety, maintenance, cleanliness, security, customer service and event execution.


Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Facility Operations and Capital Projects, the position manages a team of full-time and part-time employees, oversees facility budgets, and collaborates closely with coaches, event management, and maintenance partners to deliver exceptional experiences for athletes, staff, and visitors. Evening and weekend work is required.

Responsibilities*

Facility & Aquatics Operations

  • Manage the daily operations of assigned facilities, including safety, security, scheduling, setups, teardowns, cleanliness, repairs and maintenance, interior and exterior quality control and equipment operation.
  • Oversee safe and efficient operation of the Canham Natatorium pools and mechanical systems, including water chemistry, filtration, and circulation.
  • Ensure all pools comply with local, state, and national health, safety, and environmental regulations and maintain current certifications.
  • Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure quality standards are met and address maintenance needs promptly.
  • Oversee artificial turf maintenance and repair at the Indoor Training Center.
  • Coordinate with internal partners (Athletic Maintenance, U-M F&O, UM-AEC, contractors and vendors) to complete preventive and corrective maintenance and facility improvement projects.
  • Oversee landscaping, snow removal, and parking lot maintenance in assigned areas.
  • Coordinate cleaning and janitorial services, including performance evaluation, scheduling, processing payments, supply and equipment inventory management, and event cleanups.
  • Provide timely response to facility-related emergencies, including evenings and weekends.

Event & Game Management

  • Provide on-site event management and troubleshooting for assigned events, including athletic competitions, practices, rentals, and championships, including timing/scoring equipment,
    scoreboards/video boards, lighting, plumbing, electrical, concessions equipment, competition surfaces, janitorial, HVAC, A/V equipment, broadcast television networks, DV Sport and other facility or event related components.
  • Collaborate with coaches, operations staff, and event management teams to ensure successful execution of swimming, diving, and water polo events, as well as other special events.


Leadership & Staff Management

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate assigned full-time and temporary staff (typically two full-time Athletic Facility Specialists and 4-8 student, temporary or seasonal employees).
  • Lead staff meetings to communicate expectations, plans, and departmental updates.
  • Approve time and payroll, monitor productivity, and ensure compliance with AFSCME contractual obligations.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and outstanding customer service.


Operations Administration & Compliance

  • Develop and manage annual facility expense and revenue budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Perform administrative activities, including the preparation of special reports, inventory management and operational improvement projects.
  • Maintain accurate records of certifications and training.
  • Create and implement facility-specific safety and risk management plans, and ensure compliance with University EHS, ADA, NCAA, and Big Ten standards.

Required Qualifications*

  • Minimum of 3 years working in Facility Operations, Event Operations, Intercollegiate Athletics or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to work an irregular schedule, including nights and weekends.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage changing demands.
  • Ability to lead a team and outstanding interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with all team members and customers.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management, Kinesiology or related field.
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification, or ability to obtain certifications upon hire.
  • CPR/AED, First Aid certifications, or ability to obtain certifications upon hire.
  • Experience with operating large pool mechanical systems and related equipment.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include: 

Generous time off 
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting 
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance 
Life insurance 
Long-term disability coverage 
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.