Job Purpose: The Lifeguard is responsible for the safety of campers and staff at all aquatic and waterfront facilities and activities. Lifeguards are expected to maintain lifeguard professionalism at all times. The Lifeguard adds to the camp operations by exhibiting positive camper engagement.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for lifeguarding for all aquatic programming, such as: small craft classes, free swims, sailing, canoeing/kayaking, waterfront activities on trips and any other activity related to the aquatic activities.
• Responsible for checking that the waterfront facilities, equipment, and supplies are maintained in the best possible working order and reporting any findings to the Camp Manager.
• Attend scheduled in-service trainings.
• Commitment to the continuous improvement of lifeguard skills in order to keep all campers and staff safe at aquatic activities.
• Maintain lifeguard professionalism at all times, including lifeguard attire, behavior on and off stand, and getting proper food and rest.
• Assists as needed throughout the camp life, assisting in non-aquatic programming, covering breaks, assisting in living units working with unit staff to directly supervise campers, including but not limited to living in units with campers and assisting with nighttime and morning routines.
• Assisting with daily, weekly, and end of season camp cleaning responsibilities.
• Manages camper behavior, enforcing appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and applying appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Participates in and performs duties within the general camp life, including but not limited to check in, check out, all camp activities, themed days or meals, cookout, and duties at meals.
• Ensures camp is providing quality and safe programming for all campers by following all policies, procedures, protocols, and health and safety standards of GSHN, American Camp Association, Health Department, and Safety Activity Checkpoints
• Be a role model to campers and staff in attitude and behavior.
• Engages in problem-solving skills, by clarifying desired information, researching, locating, and delivering findings and solutions.
• Displays professional demeanor, and integrity at all times.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to effectively interact, work, and collaborate with people of various cultural backgrounds and promote an environment of inclusivity.
• Adheres to the policies of the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council and promotes Girl Scouting in a positive manner to the public as well as to all internal and external customers.
• Performs other duties or assists other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2024.
• Current Lifeguard Certification from American Red Cross (or approved equivalent under Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and the American Camp Association) or ability to obtain certification before camp.
• Adherence to all Personnel Policies for Seasonal Camp Staff.
• Exhibits good judgment and risk management assessment skills.
• Ability to work with, communicate with and teach children ages six through seventeen.
• Must reside on camp property during summer; may be required to live in units with campers.
• Ability to make a commitment to the philosophy of Girl Scouting, both nationally and locally.
• Ability to effectively interact, work, and collaborate with people of various cultural backgrounds and promote an environment of inclusivity.
• Yearly membership in GSUSA is required.
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in Girl Scout outdoor programs, camp counseling, leadership, and training techniques is preferred.
• Experience as a lifeguard preferred.
• First aid training is desirable.
• Fluent in Spanish and English is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending and twisting upper body.
• Capable of lifting up to 50lbs.
• Strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to demonstrate the prerequisites for American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification:
  • Swim 300-550 yards via freestyle or breaststroke
  • Tread water for 2 minutes
  • Complete the timed brick test for lifeguards
  • Swim 15 yards underwater without surfacing

Environmental Demands

• Continuous outdoor activity and exposure to weather
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited equipment and facilities, with daily exposure to sun, heat, and insects.
• Willingness to live in camp facilities that may not have AC.
• Frequent work under stress and under pressure of deadlines with overlapping projects.
• Continuous requirement for professional demeanor and appropriate camp staff attire.
• Continuous work as a team member and ability to work independently with some supervision.

Important Note: The information contained in this job description is intended to outline the general nature and scope of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as a contract, or as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and capabilities required of a person employed in this capacity. Job descriptions are subject to change at the discretion of the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council.

Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.