Waterfront Lead

Description

Spend the summer with the Girl Scouts of Western Washington exploring misty Lake Langlois and our gorgeous 486-acres of rainforest at Camp River Ranch. This lakefront property, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, is home to an exciting opportunity called Camp S’More. Campers of all ages experience a wide variety of camp activities based on their interest.

The Waterfront Lead is responsible for ensuring activities on Lake Langlois are safe, educational, and age-appropriate for guests visiting Camp River Ranch. This position supervises Lifeguards and Boating Specialists, and is responsible for scheduling staff breaks, assigning work areas, and performing skill verifications for all lifeguards. The Waterfront Lead will be responsible for lifeguarding during swim times and boating activities with guests, campers, and staff throughout the summer. 

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends, with the majority of working hours being Friday through Sunday. This position will average 20-30 hours per week; however, some weeks may be up to 40 hours and others could be less than 20 depending on camp reservations. Overnight communal housing is available; however, staff are not required to stay on camp. Meals will not be provided, however space to cook and store food is available.

The full pay range for this position is $21.76 - $22.50 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. This seasonal position will be from June 5th to September 4th, 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

• Responsible for overseeing and coordinating all phases of the waterfront programming and all waterfront-related activities including, but not limited to: swimming, small-craft instruction, free swims, kayaking, canoeing, etc. 
• Administering the waterfront program following American Red Cross standards, American Camp Association standards, and GS Safety Activity Checkpoints
• Responsible for seeing that the waterfront facilities, equipment, and supplies are maintained in working order
• Maintain accurate inventory records, seeing that needed supplies and equipment are ordered, repaired, and/or maintained
• Responsible for maintaining effective work relationships with staff and creating harmonious relationships with campers and staff
• Exhibits mature decision-making and responsibility at all times
• Perform as-needed rescues of distressed swimmers and capsized watercraft
• Observe and assess camper and staff behavior for appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques regarding compliance with all camp policies 
• Complete paperwork in a timely fashion, including but not limited to incident reports, evaluations, and weekly schedules
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven good judgment in anticipating and preventing accidents, risk management, and effectiveness in emergencies
• Proven ability to effectively communicate, work with, and teach youth ages 6-17 
• Proven ability to train and supervise staff
• Experience canoeing and kayaking in a flat-water environment
• Ability to drive a golf cart and/or camp vehicle 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to waterfront activities 
• Possess the strength and endurance required to swim and perform rescues, especially in cold, natural bodies of water

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for the supervision, scheduling and direction of waterfront staff

Education and Experience Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience as a trained lifeguard supervising swimmers and boaters at a lakefront or similar environment, preferably in a camp setting, within the past 2 years
• American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification with waterfront module, ACA approved equivalent or willingness to obtain (will be offered during GSWW Camp Staff Training)
• GSWW Small Craft Safety qualified in Canoeing and Kayaking or ability/willingness to obtain qualification 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• At least one summer managing waterfront programming and/or staff in a camp setting 
• 21 years old
• Previous experience working in Girl Scout and/or camp settings
• Previous experience supervising staff 
• Comfort with and ability to perform various camp activities including outdoor cooking, chopping wood, fire building, etc.
• Valid Driver’s license for at least 5 years, clean driving record, and ability to drive a 12-passenger van

Work Environment
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with long hours. 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) 
• Working long hours outdoors with irregular schedules including early mornings, weekends, and evenings
• Demonstrate emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately 
• Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day 
• Must be physically able to perform necessary duties as assigned for the safety of all campers and guests
• Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer First Aid/CPR when necessary 
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety 
• If choosing to reside on camp, living conditions will be in a communal setting with limited privacy 

Salary : $22 - $23