Aquatic Maintenance Mechanic

Overview

The Aquatic Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for the high-level technical operation, repair, and preventative maintenance of the YMCA’s comprehensive aquatic facilities, including swimming pools, spas, and supporting building infrastructure. This role oversees the lifecycle of complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, ensuring all aquatic environments exceed state health and safety standards. The Aquatic Maintenance Mechanic serves as a technical lead to aquatics and maintenance staff and ensures rigorous compliance with California Title 22 and Cal/OSHA regulations. The role blends expert hands-on mechanical skill with the ability to oversee sophisticated computerized control systems to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all members and staff. 

For information on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and oversees comprehensive preventative maintenance and operational procedures for all Association aquatic facilities, including high-capacity filtration units, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic controls

• Ensures all pools and spas strictly adhere to California Title 22 (CalCode) and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) requirements, maintaining audit-ready logs of chemical balances, water clarity, and temperature

• Performs troubleshooting, diagnostic testing, and minor repairs on all aquatic equipment including pumps, motors, heaters, chlorinators, and automated chemical feeders; builds strong working relationships and communicates effectively with external vendors, internal staff, and certified mechanics regarding complex repairs

• Establishes and enforces emergency response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for aquatic incidents; ensure all facilities comply with Cal/OSHA standards for hazardous material handling and workplace safety

• Leads scheduled water treatment and sanitization efforts using specialized chemicals (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, CO2, and hydrochloric acid), maintaining optimal levels to protect equipment and user health

• Supports branch aquatic related projects and operations, including but not limited to: scheduled water cleaning, using chemicals such as chlorine, training of SOPs, preventative maintenance, etc. 

• Conducts regular technical audits of mechanical rooms and pool systems across the Association portfolio to identify infrastructure risks and recommend capital improvements; implement purchasing SOPs for all work and repairs
• Maintains accurate documentation of work orders, repair logs, and vehicle maintenance within the Association’s work order system to ensure operational transparency and timely response
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies
• Knowledge of California Title 22 and EH&S standards; proficient in electronic reporting via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) for mandated hazardous material inventories
• Technical understanding of commercial aquatic infrastructure, including pumps, motors, filtration, heaters, and pneumatic/hydraulic delivery systems; ability to interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and electrical schematics to diagnose and execute repairs on high-tolerance equipment
• Knowledge of water treatment procedures, and safety techniques including the use of automated chemical controllers and manual testing to ensure optimal water balance
• Competency in developing detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations for aquatic facilities; ability to effectively communicate complex processes or policy changes to diverse teams
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a professional demeanor when interacting with staff, participants, and volunteer 
• Demonstrated skill in prioritizing work assignments to meet established deadlines and needs of the facilities
• Ability to safely operate and maintain provided company vehicle in compliance with required documentation and SOPs
• Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or 4+ years' equivalent related experience is required  
• 7+ years' of experience as a commercial pool technician/engineer or similar position including budget administration
• Valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are required 

• Must obtain Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) certification within 60 days of hire 

• Must obtain a valid certification for full-face respirator within 90 days of hire, including annual fit testing and medical clearance 

• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications

• CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $34.43 - USD $41.32 /Hr.

Compensation: 34.43 to 41.32 (USD)