Camp Whittle Assistant Program Director (Summer Season - Big Bear, CA) (5087)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Fawnskin, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Program Director supports the YMCA’s mission by managing camp’s administrative and operational functions, maintaining compliance with YMCA policies, and contributing to ongoing improvement of camp operations. The role develops coordinators through coaching and mentorship, coordinates schedules and logistics, and builds productive relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting groups. The Assistant Program Director applies knowledge of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and risk management practices, makes timely decisions that balance safety and operational priorities, and leads camp operations in the Camp Director’s absence. The position oversees program quality, staff performance, participant supervision, safety, facilities, equipment, training, and operational administration. Responsibilities also include oversight of cabin life and 24-hour camper supervision, as well as assigned departmental duties such as dishwashing, housekeeping, and maintenance. Driving, employee housing, returning-staff duties, and specialized activity duties apply when assigned. Specialized activities may include ropes courses, aquatics, reptile and animal care, archery, and mountain biking. The role requires effective communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, delegation, and professional conduct consistent with YMCA policies, core values, and leadership competencies. The position may be required to work at approximately 7,000 feet, in varying weather, on uneven terrain, and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Minimum age of 18; age 21 or older preferred for supervisory roles.
Two or more years of experience in a related field preferred.
Current first aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification during employment.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including adequate vision, hearing, mobility, coordination, and manual dexterity.
Ability to work effectively with guests, participants, volunteers, and staff while maintaining a safe and positive environment.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety concerns, emergencies, and environmental conditions.
Ability to walk frequently on uneven terrain, navigate mountain environments, and perform physically demanding tasks.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work at approximately 7,000 feet in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Ability to safely operate equipment and tools as trained and in accordance with YMCA, ACA, and manufacturer guidelines.
Ability to perform operational duties such as snow removal, facility upkeep, material handling, and emergency response.

Nice To Haves

At least 21 years of age for supervisory roles.
Two or more years of experience in a related field.
Relevant specialized activity certifications, if assigned to activities such as ropes courses, lifeguarding, animal care, archery, or mountain biking.

Responsibilities

Manage camp’s administrative and operational functions and ensure compliance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Make timely decisions balancing camper safety, staff well-being, operational priorities, risk management, and the YMCA mission.
Lead camp operations in the Camp Director’s absence and contribute to long-term planning and continuous improvement.
Coach, mentor, provide feedback to, and develop coordinators into confident leaders.
Foster a supportive environment and address interpersonal or operational conflicts professionally and promptly.
Communicate expectations, priorities, and operational changes clearly with leadership, coordinators, and other departments.
Build relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting groups, coordinating schedules, transportation, facilities, staffing, program transitions, and logistics.
Coordinate across camp departments and ensure teams have the information and resources needed to operate successfully.
Ensure staff deliver progressive, mission-driven activities appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Ensure staff maintain positive relationships with participants and colleagues and promote youth well-being.
Verify that staff assigned to specialized activities have required certifications and follow manufacturer and industry safety guidelines.
Apply knowledge of camp operations, Emergency Action Plans, YMCA and ACA standards, and risk management; provide guidance during routine operations and emergencies.
Oversee monitoring of participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions, and direct staff during critical incidents.
Monitor pre-use inspections and ensure proper care, maintenance, storage, cleaning, and security of camp resources and program areas.
Verify completion of required YMCA and ACA training, certifications, and annual skills assessments before activities are facilitated.
Follow risk-management and manufacturer guidelines, operate equipment only as authorized, and seek guidance when tasks exceed current training.
Complete required documentation, report incidents and hazards promptly, delegate responsibilities, and manage competing priorities.
Ensure assigned dishwashing, cleaning, and maintenance tasks are completed safely and facilities remain clean and welcoming.
Secure, store, and replenish cleaning supplies and equipment so they remain inaccessible to participants; report facility and safety concerns and help maintain camp grounds.
Oversee staff in providing 24-hour camper supervision, sleeping in cabins, and supporting campers’ physical and emotional well-being through positive discipline and cabin community-building.
Ensure staff maintain personal health and stamina and comply with camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.
If assigned to drive, follow YMCA transportation policies and conduct pre-driving vehicle safety checks, recording safety or maintenance needs.
If provided employee housing, maintain the housing area and resources appropriately, obtain approval for visitors or activities outside normal expectations, report concerns, and represent the YMCA professionally.
Accurately record and self-approve worked hours in Paycom; review emergency procedures, respond to emergencies, attend required meetings and training, and uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated-reporting, and risk-management policies.
Model the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values, maintain positive relationships, and contribute to the YMCA’s cause-driven leadership competencies.
If returning staff, model best practices, anticipate camp needs, assist new staff, and guide peers in emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA values.
If assigned specialized activities, complete required training and certifications and follow area-specific safety procedures for ropes courses, aquatics, animal care, archery, or mountain biking.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.