Overnight Camp - Pool & Waterfront Director

YMCA Buffalo Niagara•Gainesville, NY

14d•Onsite

About The Position

YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates two premier summer overnight camps in Western New York. YMCA Camp Kenan (CampKenan.com) overlooks beautiful Lake Ontario on 50 acres near Barker, NY. YMCA Camp Weona (CampWeona.com) is nestled among 800 acres of hills and forests in Gainesville, NY. When applying for this job, you will be asked to select the overnight camp location you would prefer to work at. Camp activities include swimming, archery, low & high ropes challenges, climbing wall, gaga ball, arts & crafts, nature, science, and more. The Y is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA’s mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday values reflect the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion. POSITION SUMMARY: Plans and implements aquatic and waterfront programming for the camp. Ensures the safety of campers and staff. Maintains the pool facilities, locker rooms and the surrounding area. Supervises lifeguards and swim instructors. GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE: This is a residential position where food and lodging are provided during hours of work. The work week follows the camper session which begins each Sunday and ends on Friday with a 24 hour break in-between. Dates of employment include a week of training starting June 14, 2026, and concludes on August 15, 2026. BENEFITS: Complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara Membership, discounted program fees, paid sick leave, training and leadership development opportunities, and an outstanding work environment.

Requirements

Must have one or more years of experience in swim instruction and supervision.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must have and maintain YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
Must have and maintain CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED, Oxygen Administration and First Aid certification (American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Health & Safety Institute)

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a safe and skill-oriented YMCA swimming instruction program.
Maintain YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s aquatic program standards. Maintain pool reports as required by the NYS Health Department.
Coordinate, schedule and train aquatic staff and camp counselors as needed to carry out the program design.
Provide daily oversight and leadership of pool and waterfront operations. Identify and resolve problems. Implement appropriate discipline techniques and enforce policy and procedures.
Ensure effective communication with staff and parents of campers.
Develop and maintain positive, open communication between campers and camp staff.
Perform the administrative functions of attendance, swimming progress reports, and program evaluation.
Maintain the safety and cleanliness of the pool environment, lockers/bath house, and the surrounding area. Enforce pool rules. Implement emergency procedures when necessary.
Follow and enforce department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Ensure PPE compliance.
Performs additional duties as assigned.