Summer Camp Waterfront Director

Overview: The Waterfront director is responsible for the safety and management of the waterfront area and staff for the summer season of Camp Hochelaga. For all seasonal staff, the camp season is  June to August*. YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga serves more than 1,000 people each summer through camp  programs, facilities use, and volunteer opportunities that engage the community in YWCA’s mission,  eliminating racism and empowering women.  

*The exact dates are dependent on your specific role, which certifications/trainings you will be a part of, and our  seasonal calendar for camp – we will discuss with you the exact dates during the interview/hiring process 

Salary: This position is classified as seasonal, exempt. Salary is based upon applicant's skills and experience. 

Responsible to: Camp Director

Qualifications: 

• Current Lifeguarding certification (or equivalent as approved by American Camp Association)
• Current Water Safety Instructor certification OR documented experience
• Current Boating instructor or documented experience in boating activities
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications (or equivalent)
• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred
• This is a residential position and must live at the camp for the season 
• Ability to take initiative; proactive without waiting for direction; strong sense of personal  accountability to flawlessly execute consistently
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills 
• Ability to be a consistent and positive mentor and source of support and care for campers ages 6-17  

Responsibilities: 

• Set up the waterfront prior to and during staff training, order supplies and check equipment
• During staff training, assist with teaching staff their aquatics related responsibilities and expectations and provide a program overview in accordance with the American Camping Association (ACA) standards, including certifying staff as lifeguards 
• Conduct initial and end of season inventory and store equipment safely 
• Pack and store all materials and supplies at the end of the season, with the assistance of waterfront specialists and counselors
• Conduct or delegate responsibility for a daily check of waterfront area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, need for reordering, and good repair. (This would include but not limited to the docks and water level, rafts, and the crash boat) 
• Communicate with the Program Director regarding program needs in a timely fashion
• Attend all staff meetings
• Coordinate/conduct swim tests for all incoming campers
• Instruct campers and staff in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuations, waterfront emergency or other emergency situations. 
• Train staff in emergency and safety procedures in assigned program areas
• Teach and monitor proper use of equipment, supplies and safety considerations
• Submit all required or requested records, reports, orders and plans in a timely manner set by Camp Director
• Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, meetings, Sunday check-in – swim tests, classes/activities
• Write and assist waterfront specialists and counselors in writing lesson plans that foster participant’s aquatic skills and abilities and help participants’ progress from beginner to advanced levels
• Plan for, coordinate, implement and assist with overall camp activities with regard to the waterfront programs with the Program Director and/or Camp Director
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for equipment, supplies, staff needs and program improvements for the following season
• Maintain records, evaluate classes and instruction, and suggest areas for improvements to the waterfront programs 
• Discuss with the Program Director and the Camp Director the performance of staff assigned to the waterfront and program feedback
• Monitor that waterfront counselors and specialists take responsibility for groups, materials and safety considerations at appropriate times
• Maintain longstanding Hochelaga traditions and emphasizing a camp culture that is relevant, healthy and fun
• Lead by example in observing and enforcing camp rules and safety regulations;
• Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers’ day including morning reveille, cabin clean-up, meal times, rest hour, activities or classes, bed-time and other on-duty times
• Observe, evaluate and provide constructive feedback to all waterfront staff and assigned campers on a regular basis in their role as waterfront personnel or students
• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required

Essential Functions: 

• Ability to communicate and work with a variety of age and skill level groups and provide necessary  instruction to staff and campers
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond appropriately to environmental and other hazards  related to the activity or situation
• Cognitive ability to plan and conduct activities and supervise staff and campers
• The strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers in all assigned areas  while on duty
• Ability and desire to teach creative arts in at least one of the arts areas to children of varying ages
• Ability to set up demonstration area and program, and to teach skills to staff and campers of all ages
• Ability to request and accept guidance and supervision
• Ability to respect and cooperate with fellow staff and administration
• Ability to respond immediately and appropriately to all emergency situations
• Ability to participate in a strenuous camp program with campers, while maintaining a high level of  energy and enthusiasm
• Self-motivated, leadership ability, safety conscious and responsible 
• College student entering junior year of college or at least 21 years of age, preferably college-level course work in aquatics, education, safety or related field