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

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$3,000 - $4,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Waterfront Director position at 4-H Camp Owahta is more than a summer job, it’s an opportunity to lead, mentor, and grow. Come “Tap In To Your Potential!” 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports field and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs. The Waterfront Director is a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for the safe, effective, and engaging operation of all waterfront activities. Working closely with the Outdoor Recreation Director, Day Camp Director, and camp leadership staff. The Waterfront Director helps set the tone for a positive and inclusive camp environment through strong supervision, clear communication, and consistent leadership. Primary responsibilities include 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; and acting as point person in waterfront-related emergencies. The Waterfront Director also supports and collaborates with camp leadership regarding camper behavior management to ensure all waterfront experiences are safe and developmentally appropriate. This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

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

Plan, lead, schedule and supervise a safe (physically, emotionally, and environmentally) and fun waterfront for all campers, staff and volunteers.
Create (with the help of lifeguards) lesson plans for various waterfront activities and games that are developmentally appropriate and giving a chance for campers to “Tap In To Their Potential.”
Assess camper swim levels upon their arrival and assign to appropriate swim levels.
Supervise all waterfront activities, including but not limited to; swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and non-instructional activities.
Utilize and enforce a “Buddy Board” system to ensure accountability for all campers and staff at the waterfront.
Role model, enforce and follow all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camp.
Maintain daily NYS Department of Health waterfront reports.
Report all incidents, injuries or near misses occurring at the waterfront to the Outdoor Recreation Director or Assistant Camp Director 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 in staff training week.
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, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
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 through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times.
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 upon arrival to 4-H Camp Owahta.
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 as scheduled.
In cooperation with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to the position and to assist in establishing actionable steps for growth.
Submit all required or requested reports, etc. in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.
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.