Summer Camp Lifeguard at Ethical Culture Fieldston School – New York, New York

Who we are

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses - one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.

What is essential about working at our school

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Summer at ECFS
Summer at ECFS is a six-week summer day camp for rising PreK through 8th grade children. Both morning and afternoon sessions specifically cater to each camper’s interests. Each week focuses on a new student-designed theme, which encourages campers to build, play, and learn through a unique and engaging lens. Students grow, learn, imagine, and collaborate across disciplines, while building bonds in a joyful, inclusive community.

Position Summary
We are seeking a passionate and experienced summer camp lifeguard. The lifeguard is responsible for helping to prevent any water related injuries or drownings from occurring. The swim program’s focus is teaching swim skills, building confidence, comfort-level in the water through patience, compassionate teaching during structured lesson time, and lifeguarding during free swim periods. Candidates must be able to ensure the safety of campers and staff by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors. The candidate must be a problem solver and utilize effective critical thinking and decision making skills. Fieldston Summer Camp lifeguards must be able to enforce pool policies and be able to communicate effectively why our policies are in place.

This is a full-time role beginning June 22, 2026, through July 31, 2026; Monday - Friday from 8:30 am-3:30 pm. All Instructors must also be available to attend the following mandatory training dates: May 31st, June 13th, and June 14th.

The hiring range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00 per hour. When determining the rate, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate’s work experience, education, and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Please note that this is an onsite role and is not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Camp Lifeguard will include:

• Guarding the health and safety of campers while in or around the pool;

• Remaining alert to dangerous situations while sitting, standing, or walking for various lengths of time;

• Assisting the Aquatics Director with any pool related responsibilities;

• Providing opportunities for each camper to meet the established goals of the aquatics program and the camp;

• Enforcing all facility policies, rules, and regulations;

• Preparing, keeping track, and organizing specific lesson plans for campers with a variety or skill;

• Completing the daily checklist of rules and safety guidelines for the aquatic area;

• Understanding and implementing safety requirements for campers;

• Supervising in pool areas as needed throughout the day;

• Attending all scheduled shifts, staff trainings and meetings;

• Assisting in pool and camp setup before opening day and breakdown of camp on closing day;

• Creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all participants;

• Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations;

• Providing encouragement to students to help support their social and emotional growth;

• Ensuring the confidentiality of student information as necessary;

• Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards; and

• Performing other projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements

The successful incumbent will possess:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have all current certifications:

• Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/ First Aid/AED;

• Prior experience working with children in an aquatic setting is a plus.

• A strong work ethic, which includes being responsible, dependable, level-headed, flexible, and calm in all situations;

• The ability to recognize and respond to individuals in distress in emergency situations immediately;

• The ability to lift or pull up to 50lbs and stand for long periods of time;

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

• The ability to be a team player with the ability, flexibility, and willingness to work with adolescents, staff, and families;

• The ability to follow directions and apply feedback in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;

• Demonstrated responsibility, reliability, and maturity appropriate for working with children;

• The ability to engage with campers across a wide developmental range (Pre-K through 8th grade);

• The ability to remain engaged, attentive, and professional throughout the camp day;

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and take initiative;

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance;

• The ability to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive camp environment in which all members of our community feel supported and valued;

• A passion for teaching with a pleasant and positive demeanor toward all forms of teaching and learning;

• The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the overall community.

To Apply:
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please submit a resume along with an email and phone contact information of three professional references.

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.