What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp - Lifeguard position at Kalamazoo Nature Center?
Title: Lifeguard
Classification: Fulltime, Seasonal, Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Camp Director
Schedule: ~8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, June 2nd through August 11th
Compensation: $13.25/hr ($14/hr for returning staff) and $200 bonus at completion of full camp season
Benefits: 1-year KNC household membership, 10% discount at Trailhead giftshop, access to robust employee assistance program
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Summary:
The Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp is dedicated to providing safe, enriching experiences that empower children to grow into active community members through exploration of the natural world.
Lifeguards play a vital role in camp operations, ensuring the safety of campers and staff during water activities both on-site and off-site. When not actively lifeguarding, this team member will serve as general support staff, assisting with daily camp activities, group engagement, and overall camp operations as needed.
We are looking for adaptable, team-oriented individuals who thrive in dynamic outdoor environments and are passionate about helping children explore, wonder, and play in nature. The ideal candidate is proactive, safety-conscious, and eager to contribute to all aspects of camp life.
What we ask of our Lifeguard:
Classification: Fulltime, Seasonal, Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Camp Director
Schedule: ~8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, June 2nd through August 11th
Compensation: $13.25/hr ($14/hr for returning staff) and $200 bonus at completion of full camp season
Benefits: 1-year KNC household membership, 10% discount at Trailhead giftshop, access to robust employee assistance program
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Summary:
The Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp is dedicated to providing safe, enriching experiences that empower children to grow into active community members through exploration of the natural world.
Lifeguards play a vital role in camp operations, ensuring the safety of campers and staff during water activities both on-site and off-site. When not actively lifeguarding, this team member will serve as general support staff, assisting with daily camp activities, group engagement, and overall camp operations as needed.
We are looking for adaptable, team-oriented individuals who thrive in dynamic outdoor environments and are passionate about helping children explore, wonder, and play in nature. The ideal candidate is proactive, safety-conscious, and eager to contribute to all aspects of camp life.
What we ask of our Lifeguard:
- Supervise staff and campers during water activities which include running buddy checks.
- Lead completing in-service drill training with staff.
- Support leadership with registration, daily pick up and drop off routine, supporting an organized welcoming arrival and pick up for families and children.
- Help communicate needs and updates to the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.
- Responsible for overseeing care and organization of lifeguarding and general camp materials.
- Clean/sanitize materials and frequently used items and surfaces at your specific program site.
- Assist counselors with children needing extra support, or groups needing extra hands throughout the day.
- Communicate parent questions or concerns and safety concerns at your site to the Camp Director as needed.
- Provide additional supervision or support to Counselors as needed.
- Fill in for Counselor positions as needed.
- Communicate consistently with supervisors about group life and camper situations.
- Complete incident reports for any injuries that occur during the camp day and turn them in to the health officer.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
What we ask of all Camp Staff:
- Provide an example of a model counselor on a consistent basis.
- Help all to be included and feel accepted by encouraging participation of all.
- Respect the diversity of culture and beliefs of our campers and fellow staff
- Ensure and maintain the health and safety of camp participants and staff.
- Maintain the confidentiality of campers and staff relating to issues such as health, behavior, and other situations that may arise.
- Work well under pressure and stay calm. Be confident and make positive decisions.
- Responsible for the care of camps program equipment and facilities;
- Be versed in and demonstrate KNC’s policies and customer service standards at all times.
- Comply with policies and procedures at all times.
- Maintain a flexible work schedule, which may include overnights and bus route supervision.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old by the first week of camp.
- Must pass pre-employment criminal background check for licensing requirements.
- Lifeguard certification required.
- Must be able to supervise children, 40 hours a week.
- Must have a commitment to uphold a strong environmental ethic.
- Must possess the ability to communicate and work with groups of all ages and skill levels in order to provide necessary instruction to campers.
- Preference will be given to those who have experience working with children.
- Will be responsible for following all safety procedures and policies.
- Applicants must be able to commit to the entire camp schedule.
Working Conditions:
- Must be able to negotiate hilly terrain, rustic trails, and walk several miles per day and possess the stamina to carry out camp programs in hot and humid Michigan climate over an extended period of time.
- Must possess visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activity.
- The work environment is often loud both indoors and outdoors with large groups of people talking all at once.
Paid staff training: June 2nd through June 7th, overnight June 5th. Camp Open House June 7th. Archery training May 26th for those required.
Camp sessions: June 9th through August 8th; some evenings/overnights may be required. Off June 30th through July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Camp sessions: June 9th through August 8th; some evenings/overnights may be required. Off June 30th through July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $13 - $14