What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waterfront Director position at Camp Southwoods?
CONTRACT DATES: June 7, 2025- August 10, 2025
The main objective of the Waterfront Director is to further the mission of Southwoods through the planning and delivery of activities at the camp’s waterfront that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. Provide management to the physical operation of the waterfront’s facilities and equipment, including but limited to: swimming, waterski, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, tubing, korkels, water playground equipment. Manage a team of 18-25 lifeguards and instructors, assign roles and responsibilities, provide in-service skills assessments, training, and feedback.
Waterfront Director Responsibilities:
1. Plan, Direct, and Supervise a Safe and Fun Waterfront Program
Write (with the help of lifeguards) lesson plans that meet camp goals.
Evaluate aquatics abilities of campers and staff.
Deliver creative swim and watercraft program activities.
2. Train and Supervise Waterfront Staff
Assist in the planning and implementation of staff training.
Train waterfront and counseling staff in their waterfront responsibilities.
Supervise waterfront staff to provide a safe and high-quality program.
Supervise the waterfront staff evaluation process.
Implement the scheduling of waterfront staff.
Directly supervise other aquatic staff.
3. Manage the Physical Facilities and Equipment in the Waterfront Program Area
Assist in set up of waterfront area prior to and during staff training.
Teach and monitor proper use of equipment.
Conduct initial and end-of-season inventory, and store equipment for safety.
Check equipment, and make (or file for) repairs.
Conduct a daily check of equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
Submit orders for equipment and supplies when needed, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
Survey waterfront area daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
4. Participate as a member of the camp management team to plan, direct, and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
Work with Program Director and Waterfront Specialists to develop a program curriculum, awards programs, and leadership programs.
Assist in the planning of any special events on or near the waterfront.
Participate in management and staff meetings.
Other Job Duties:
Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
Participate as a member of the camp Leadership Team.
Assist in the planning of any special events.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Previous experience in residential camping that amounts to…
-1 season experience as a camp aquatics director/asst director at a NYS camp; or
2 seasons experience consisting of at least 12 weeks as a children’s camp lifeguard at a pool or beach which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time; or
18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time.
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
- ARC Lifeguard Management Certification or ability to obtain
- Ability to obtain a New York boat drivers license.
- Prior experience in the development and delivery of recreational programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current WSI or ability to obtain WSI.
- Experience in supervising others, especially peers, is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Training and experience in waterfront activities offered at the camp (waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, etc.)
- Ability to schedule and supervise staff.
- Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
Physical Aspects of the Position:
- Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
- Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
- Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
- Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Job Types: Seasonal, Contract
Pay: $5,500.00 - $9,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $5,500 - $9,000