Waterfront Coordinator in Shelby, Michigan at AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Waterfront Coordinator manages and supervises a team of lifeguards/swim instructors and sailing and paddling specialists, and is responsible for all waterfront programming at camp – including activity blocks, early morning exercises, evening all-camp games, camp carnivals, and more. Activities may include free swim, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, swim lessons, and water games. This role works with campers across elementary, middle, and high school ages, and is responsible for maintaining safety standards at the waterfront, ensuring equipment is used properly, scheduling lifeguard shifts, and training waterfront staff. The Waterfront Coordinator brings experienced leadership to the team, providing daily guidance, instruction, and encouragement, and creates, executes, and manages the logistics, staffing, supplies, and scheduling of waterfront programming.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Waterfront Coordinator lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers and staff in the community.
• Manage and co-supervise a team of lifeguards and specialists, providing site-specific training and daily support to staff.
• Offer guidance and coaching to staff on facilitation skills, lesson planning, activity preparation, and proper lifeguarding protocols.
• Create and maintain schedules, ensuring proper staff and lifeguard coverage at the waterfront at all times.
• Manage all waterfront equipment and facilities; inventory all waterfront supplies, order additional resources when needed, and store properly between uses; maintain a clean and orderly boathouse.
• Direct the swimming skills test for all campers and staff, with a close eye on safety for beginners.
• Assist the Activities Coordinator in assigning campers to activity blocks based on choice and interest; maintain an accurate daily roster.
• Prepare all camp programming in advance, delegating responsibilities to lifeguards and partnering with the Activities Coordinator to ensure success.
• Bring new, creative ideas for waterfront games, carnival activities, and special events, and carry them through from brainstorming to execution with close attention to detail.
• Create and deliver alternative activity plans in case of inclement weather or other urgent changes.
• Evaluate the performance of the waterfront team, providing formal evaluations.
• Serve as a lifeguard as needed, and assist with camper care and behavior management when campers are at the waterfront.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards with attention toward risk management.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 21 years old.
• Lifeguard certification and previous lifeguarding experience (a renewal course will be offered, but prior certification is required).
• 2–3 years of lifeguarding experience.
• 2–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Professional experience as a peer supervisor, or 2–3 years of student leadership; demonstrated positive leadership with young adults.
• Demonstrated leadership within a water-based program area.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written; close attention to detail, highly organized, and able to take initiative.
• Ability to effectively manage people in a way that positively supports their development.
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on projects and deliver on deadlines.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Water Safety Instructor certification (provided if needed).
• Experience being a Designated Aquatic Supervisor.
• 3+ years of lifeguarding experience, including on open water.
• Experience with sailing and paddle sports; knowledge of basic boat maintenance.
• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• 1–2 years organizing and executing recreational programming or event planning.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.