Get to Know Chase, Our Aquatics Manager
Name: Chase V.
Title: Aquatics Manager
So, what does your title mean you do at the Wilderness?
I am the second in command for Aquatics behind the Director of Aquatics. I lead a team of four Assistant Managers and an Administrative Manager. My job is multifaceted, including making a department schedule, mentoring young employees, running operations for up to seven waterparks at a time, planning and implementing of department projects, injury response/reporting and updating department SOPs in tandem with the director. I also work closely with HR regarding our recruiting, J1 recruiting and personnel related issues.
What is the best part of your job?
My favorite aspect of my position is the unexpected nature of my position. I always say that this position is basically two completely different jobs depending on the season. Wintertime is obviously more low key and I can focus more broadly on projects and planning. Summer is a whole different beast. There are seven waterparks running concurrently at any given time in the summer and up to 350 employees in the Aquatics department alone! Needless to say, the work is plentiful but it is very fulfilling. My boss says it best: “At full capacity, we are the size of a small town.” I have seen and experienced so much over the years that I have worked here, and I take a lot of pride in my position and the Wilderness in general.
How long have you worked at the Wilderness and in what roles?
I started working at the Wilderness in December of 2012 and left a couple of times with my most recent tenure starting in August of 2014. I started working here when I was 16 as a Slide Attendant and I obtained my lifeguard certification in 2013. I was promoted to Aquatics Supervisor in May of 2016 and achieved my certifications for American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Emergency Medical Responder in 2017. I was promoted again to Assistant Aquatics Manager in April of 2018 and in March 2021 I was promoted to my current position.
Favorite wet attraction at the Wilderness?
The Hurricane because in my opinion it is our most extreme thrill ride. No matter how many times I have ridden it over the years, I still have fun when I go down it.
Favorite dry attraction at the Wilderness?
Aquavia Lumina – I took my family there shortly after it opened, and they all loved it.
Favorite food venue at Wilderness?
Mama Tiger – I love their chicken bowl. I always add extra fresh jalapenos (I love jalapenos). A close second would be the Detroit style pizza place at Camp Social.
Favorite thing to eat at Wilderness?
Survivor’s Special: Mashed Potato Chicken Bowl. It is only available every so often and it is like a famous bowl but better.
Piece of advice for first time guests?
Take the tour at Aquavia Lumina. It is truly tremendous.
Now for some fun stuff:
Favorite toy as a kid?
Football
All-time favorite movie?
Django Unchained
All-time favorite TV series?
The Office or How I Met Your Mother
Favorite ice cream flavor or Pistol Pete concoction?
Moose Tracks
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Pepperoni, Banana Peppers, Sausage, Mushroom, Hot Giardiniera (not all on the same pizza)