Aquatics Program Counselor

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Eastsound, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Aquatics Program Counselors facilitate and supervise pool and waterfront activities for campers and participants at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, Washington. Activities include boating, dock jumps, pool parties, open recreation, swim lessons, and polar bear swims. Outside their assigned program area, counselors supervise and provide enrichment to a specific group of campers, ensuring camper safety at all times. Aquatics team members complete intensive training and a lifeguard certification course during staff training. The position is supervised by Unit Directors and includes other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, seasonal camp position. The usual workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. The role is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations under Washington State law and requires living onsite at camp. Staff typically live in shared cabins with campers or shared staff housing, depending on position and availability. Work takes place indoors and outdoors at a seasonal residential camp. Work travel is conducted by YMCA-authorized drivers.

The hiring range is $75 per day, increasing to $80 per day for staff returning for a second season in the same or equivalent job, $85 per day for a third season, and $90 per day for four or more seasons. The YMCA of Greater Seattle describes its commitment to equity as promoting a culture free from bias and injustice, removing institutional and systemic barriers, and creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into programs and communities are served in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Hold a current lifeguard certification; a paid course is provided as part of training.
• Have 1–2 years of experience with children, such as camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, or coaching.
• Demonstrate experience planning and implementing group activities.
• Be able to participate in rigorous physical activities outdoors, including hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.
• Relate professionally to parents and caregivers, campers, and staff.
• Meet the physical demands of the role, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Meet the lifeguard course prerequisites: swim 100 yards front crawl and tread water for two minutes; swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, and elementary backstroke with hands on chest; perform a feet-first surface dive and swim 15 feet underwater; sprint swim 60 feet, perform an arm-over-arm surface dive, retrieve an object from the pool bottom, and tread water for one minute; and begin chest compressions on a manikin for one minute at a rate of 100 compressions before locating an object on the pool deck.
• Adhere to the organization's abuse risk management standards, including responsibilities related to ensuring staff are screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of applicable education, training, and experience relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations, including differences in language, culture, race, physical ability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist with camper supervision, ensuring campers are accounted for and safe at all times.
• Facilitate high-quality aquatics activities in accordance with training and policies.
• Facilitate developmentally appropriate program activities that promote camper skill and character development.
• Lead and assist with all-camp special events.
• Provide leadership and supervision to developing teen leaders placed with the group.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in bathrooms, cabins, and the main lodge.
• Help keep program equipment in working condition and available.
• Help maintain program areas in a safe and orderly condition.
• Communicate personal or camper needs to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Assist with off-site camper check-in or check-out.
• Attend meetings and trainings.
• Assist with emergency waterfront drills.
• Maintain relevant American Camping Association standards.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those concerning medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection documentation, and emergencies.
• Adhere to abuse prevention policies, maintain appropriate boundaries, complete required training, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• YMCA of Greater Seattle membership.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Paid time off that accrues rapidly and is available immediately upon hire.
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs.
• Some benefits are available only to full-time staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed