Waterfront Director - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Waterfront Director position at 4-H Camp Owahta is a leadership role focused on the safe, effective, and engaging operation of all waterfront activities. This position is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for planning, supervising, maintaining, and implementing waterfront programming. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations, supervising and mentoring waterfront staff, maintaining safety documentation, and acting as the point person for waterfront emergencies. The Waterfront Director also collaborates with camp leadership on camper behavior management to ensure safe and developmentally appropriate waterfront experiences. This is a full-time exempt position for the summer season.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age.
Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
Minimum of one season experience as a camp Aquatics Director (or waterfront director, head lifeguard) at a NYS Department of Health regulated summer camp OR minimum of 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time OR 2 seasons experience consisting of at least 12 weeks as a children's camp lifeguard at a pool or beach which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time.
Current Camp Aquatics Director certification(s) from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health (will re-certify is necessary). Approved providers include; American Red Cross, American Aquatics Safety Training, Scouting America and YMCA.
Current Waterfront Lifeguard Certification from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health.
Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Awareness of and understanding of positive youth development principles.

Nice To Haves

Current Progressive Swimming Instructor Certification from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
Experience as a staff member at an overnight summer camp.
Interest in working with youth and young adults, primarily outdoors.
Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
Ability to effectively teach skills to staff members and campers ages 5-16.
Ability to adapt and remain flexible in dynamic environments.
Experience working with youth of all ages.

Responsibilities

Planning, supervising, maintaining, and implementing all waterfront programming.
Ensuring compliance with all Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and lifeguarding standards.
Supervising, scheduling, and mentoring waterfront staff.
Supporting staff training related to waterfront activities.
Maintaining required safety documentation and logs.
Acting as point person in waterfront-related emergencies.
Supporting and collaborating with camp leadership regarding camper behavior management.
Performing all duties outlined in the description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned.
Plan, lead, schedule and supervise a safe and fun waterfront for all campers, staff and volunteers.
Create lesson plans for various waterfront activities and games.
Assess camper swim levels upon their arrival and assign to appropriate swim levels.
Supervise all waterfront activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and non-instructional activities.
Utilize and enforce a “Buddy Board” system.
Role model, enforce and follow all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations.
Maintain daily NYS Department of Health waterfront reports.
Report all incidents, injuries or near misses occurring at the waterfront and assist in the completion of required paperwork.
Monitor the swimming progress of campers and maintain records of any classes.
Train and supervise waterfront staff.
Assist and provide all camp staff with orientation, instruction, and training in all waterfront procedures and equipment.
Train waterfront staff and counselor staff in their waterfront responsibilities.
Facilitate weekly drills and practice scenarios for lifeguards.
Teach and role model waterfront staff the components of a high-quality program.
Create, monitor and maintain scheduling of waterfront staff (lifeguards).
Assess all camp staff swim levels as part of staff training.
Set up and clean waterfront area prior to camp season.
Teach and monitor proper use of equipment to lifeguards.
Create and maintain equipment sign-in and sign-out sheets.
Conduct initial and end-of-season inventory, and store equipment for safety.
Check equipment and inform the Outdoor Recreation Director or Assistant Camp Director of any necessary repairs.
Submit requests for equipment and supplies when needed.
Monitor the beach, swim area, and water quality daily, and secure waterfront when not in use.
Supervise campers at all times.
Cooperate and actively engage with directors, volunteers and counselors in the development and implementation of all camp activities.
Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned.
Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff.
Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors.
Create and lead orientation for campers on waterfront area, procedures and safety guidelines.
Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season.
Communicate and check in daily with Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.
Stay in and supervise a cabin of campers if needed or requested.
Attend 4-H Camp Owahta staff training week, participate in staff meetings and required training events.
Jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan.
Submit all required or requested reports in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.