What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waterfront Director position at Girl Scouts of Western Washington?
Description
Located on the Hood Canal, Camp Robbinswold’s 570 acres include a mile of saltwater beachfront, six miles of trails, and a freshwater lake. Our program primarily focuses on trip and travel opportunities including but not limited to sea kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, hiking, and watersports. Our waterfront is the hub of activity during the summer season, it is the location of our swim area, boat ramp, and Marine Biology center. We strive to offer a premier outdoor experience for all campers.
The Waterfront Director is responsible for furthering the mission of camp through the planning and delivery of activities at the waterfront that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. The Waterfront Director provides management to the physical operation of the waterfront including staff supervision, training, scheduling, and equipment maintenance. This position works closely with the site management team to ensure the waterfront activity areas are safe and in good repair. The Waterfront Director is a key member of the camp leadership team and will support the overall operation of the summer camp program.
The full pay range for this position is $122 - $132 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. This seasonal position will be from June 8th to August 19th, 2025.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day planning and delivery of water-based programming based on the camp goals, outcomes, and marketed activities
- Schedule, observe, and evaluate waterfront specialists, boating specialists, and lifeguards every week, with scheduled one-on-one meetings to deliver feedback
- Manage the physical equipment in waterfront areas, including initial and end-of-season inventory, daily safety checks, and submit orders for repairs or new equipment as needed
- Develop and oversee the implementation of weekly waterfront schedules in coordination with the department directors
- Assist in the training of the summer camp staff in appropriate roles for waterfront support, program safety, and ensuring understanding of policies and procedures, including regular skill assessments throughout summer and organizing weekly in-service trainings for waterfront staff
- Assist in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the Camp Director
- Support and participate in implementing all camp activities such as meals, games, campfires, etc.
- Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork
- This is a general description of the essential responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging
- Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week and hours, including on-call, overnight, and weekend responsibilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to waterfront activities
- Ability to pass pre-requisite swimming skills assessment for lifeguarding including:
- Swim 550 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
- Surface dive to a maximum water depth of 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object
- Swim 5 yards submerged and retrieve 3 dive rings without resurfacing
Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position supervises 5-8 waterfront specialists including boating and lifeguards
- This position is also responsible for assessing the waterfront skills of all staff and coordinating with other supervisors
Education and Experience Required
- High School graduate or equivalent
- At least 21 years of age
- Experience working with youth 6-17 years old
- Experience working in a summer camp setting or similar
- Experience supervising staff
- Experience lifeguarding and boating on similar waterfronts
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of the Girl Scout program
- Experience managing similar waterfront programs
- A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and willingness to transport campers and staff in 12-passenger vans
Other Qualifications
- Current certification in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding or willingness to obtain
- Current certification or qualification for instructing youth in canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards appropriate to the waterfront or willingness to obtain
- Current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Management or willingness to obtain
- Current certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain
- Satisfactory results from criminal background check
Work Environment
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with 24-hour-a-day responsibilities. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with:
- Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water)
- Residing in non-air-conditioned rustic open-air living quarters, with pit toilets as primary restroom facilities.
- Living in communal living conditions with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology
- Demonstrate emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately
- Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day
- Lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 35 lbs.
- Swimming in natural bodies of water
- Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer first aid/CPR when necessary, including overnight
- Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety
Salary : $122 - $132