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

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Fawnskin, CA

2d•$2,972 - $3,184•Onsite

About The Position

The Camp Whittle Assistant Program Director supports the YMCA’s mission by managing camp’s administrative and operational functions, ensuring compliance with policies, and contributing to continuous improvement. The position acts as an assistant director, developing coordinators into confident leaders, coordinating schedules and logistics, and building relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting groups. It requires sound judgment, a strong understanding of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and risk management, as well as the ability to lead camp operations in the Camp Director’s absence. The role oversees program quality, staff development, camp safety, facilities, equipment, and administrative compliance. It also supports 24-hour camper supervision and cabin life, and may include driving, employee housing responsibilities, departmental work such as dishwashing, housekeeping and maintenance, and specialized activity assignments. The position is seasonal and is based at Camp Whittle in Fawnskin, California. The listed salary range is $2,972–$3,184 per month.

Requirements

Minimum age of 18; age 21 or older is preferred for supervisory roles.
Two or more years of experience in a related field is 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 working effectively with guests, participants, volunteers, and staff.
Ability to identify 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 elevation and in varying weather, including heat, cold, sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Ability to safely operate equipment and tools after training and in accordance with YMCA, ACA, and manufacturer guidelines.
Ability to perform duties such as snow removal, facility upkeep, material handling, and emergency response.
Adequate vision, hearing, mobility, coordination, and manual dexterity to perform assigned duties safely.

Nice To Haves

Age 21 or older for supervisory roles.
Two or more years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Manage camp’s administrative and operational functions, maintain organized systems, and ensure compliance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Make timely decisions that balance 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 and other staff; address interpersonal and operational conflicts professionally.
Communicate expectations, priorities, and operational changes to leadership, coordinators, and other departments.
Build relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting groups and coordinate schedules, transportation, facilities, staffing, program transitions, and other logistics.
Guide staff in delivering progressive, mission-driven activities suited to campers’ ages and abilities, and evaluate programs for continuous improvement.
Ensure staff and coordinators maintain positive relationships with participants and support youth well-being.
Verify that staff assigned to specialized activities have required certifications and follow applicable safety guidelines.
Understand and apply Emergency Action Plans, YMCA and ACA standards, and risk management practices; direct staff during critical incidents.
Oversee monitoring of participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions, and ensure hazards are identified, mitigated, and reported.
Monitor pre-use inspections and ensure camp supplies and equipment are properly cared for, maintained, stored, and secured.
Ensure program areas are cleaned, secured, and organized after use; assist with packing materials daily and at season’s end.
Complete required YMCA and ACA training, certifications, and annual skills assessments before facilitating activities; verify staff completion as well.
Follow risk management and manufacturer guidelines, complete documentation, and promptly report incidents, hazards, policy violations, and operational concerns.
Manage competing priorities, delegate responsibilities, and balance strategic leadership with daily camp needs.
Ensure assigned dishwashing, cleaning, and maintenance tasks are completed safely and efficiently; properly manage cleaning supplies and equipment and report facility concerns.
Oversee staff’s 24-hour camper supervision and cabin practices, supporting campers’ physical and emotional well-being and positive discipline.
Ensure staff maintain their health and stamina and follow camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.
If driving is applicable, follow YMCA transportation procedures and conduct pre-driving vehicle safety checks, recording safety or maintenance needs.
If employee housing is applicable, maintain housing areas and resources appropriately, obtain approval for visitors or activities outside normal expectations, and report concerns.
Accurately record and self-approve worked hours in Paycom; review and respond to emergency procedures; attend required meetings and training; uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated-reporting, and risk-management policies.
Model the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values, maintain positive relationships, and develop competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
If returning staff, serve as a role model for new staff and volunteers, help them learn routines, and guide peers in emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA values.
If assigned to specialized activities, complete relevant training, maintain certifications, and follow activity-specific safety practices for ropes courses, aquatics, animal care, archery, or mountain biking.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.