Summer Camp Aquatics Lead

Dawson, a K–12 independent school serving 535 students and located east of Boulder on a beautiful 112-acre campus, seeks a Summer Camp Aquatics Lead for Summer 2027.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organized professional who values teamwork, excellence, and the well-being of every camper. The Aquatics Lead will play a key role in ensuring a safe, engaging, and enjoyable aquatic environment—while modeling Dawson’s commitment to a supportive and enriching summer experience for all participants.

In collaboration with the Director of Summer Camps, the Aquatics Lead is responsible for the overall supervision, coordination, and daily operation of the camp’s aquatics program, including recreational swim periods and other water-based activities. This position provides direct supervision and leadership to lifeguards, serves as an active lifeguard, performs in-water rescues as needed, maintains high standards of pool safety, and ensures compliance with applicable state regulations and established safety protocols.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, safety-focused leader with strong aquatics experience and the ability to manage pool operations, train and supervise lifeguard staff, and respond effectively to emergencies. Reporting to the Director of Summer Camps, the Aquatics Lead plays a critical role in creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable aquatic environment for all campers and staff.

The Summer Camp Aquatics Lead is a temporary, full-time, seasonal position and is not eligible for benefits. The salary range for this position is $28.00 to $33.00 per hour. Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Lunch is provided daily.

Safety And Supervision Responsibilities

• Maintain constant surveillance of all individuals in or near the pool area; respond immediately and appropriately to ensure safety in the event of an emergency.
• Provide emergency care and treatment as needed until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
• Supervise campers during all aquatic activities, ensuring their safety and general well-being.
• Conduct and document safety drills and in-service lifeguard training.
• Monitor and enforce all safety rules and emergency procedures related to aquatics and general camp programs.
• Administer basic first aid as needed and report all injuries or incidents to the Health and Wellness Specialist.
• Oversee daily safety checks of all aquatic equipment and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with all state and local health and safety codes.
  
  

Program Leadership Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement all pool activities for the weekly camp schedule, including recreational swim and special aquatic events.
• Manage and supervise lifeguards, ensuring effective communication and professional performance.
• Maintain accurate swim test logs, sunscreen schedules, and related safety documentation.
• Prepare and maintain required activity reports and program records.
• Collaborate with the Director of Summer Camps on daily schedules, special events, and camper needs.
  
  

Facility And Operations Management Responsibilities

• Perform minimal routine maintenance duties as directed to ensure a clean, safe, and well-functioning aquatic facility.
• Ensure the pool area and surrounding spaces are properly secured and maintained throughout the day.
  
  

Camper And Community Relations Responsibilities

• Model a professional appearance, attitude, and a high standard of customer service at all times.
• Communicate effectively with campers, staff, and families, addressing questions, concerns, or behavioral issues as they arise.
• Observe and support healthy peer interactions among campers, addressing issues promptly and appropriately.
• Be familiar with individual camper needs, including dietary restrictions and allergies, and ensure accommodations are met during meals and activities.
• Serve as a positive role model, embodying Dawson’s mission and values in all camp interactions.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date certifications as required by the position.
• Follow all Dawson Summer Camp policies, rules, and guidelines.
• Make recommendations to the Director of Summer Camps as needed and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Dawson Summer Camp program.
  
  

Professional And Personal Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older by the start of camp to be eligible to apply.
• Education and experience in camp leadership, youth programs, recreation, education, or related fields.
• Must have completed a minimum of 460 hours supervising four or more school-aged children and be able to provide appropriate documentation.
• Current Lifeguard Certification, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer required.
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and/or Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in aquatic program management or prior service as a Head Lifeguard or Aquatics Director.
• Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate a team while maintaining a positive, safety-first environment.
• Physical ability to assist in and participate in all camp activities, including swimming and active supervision.
• Patient, enthusiastic, and high-energy individual who enjoys working with children and fostering a fun, inclusive environment.
• A high level of integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
  
  

Required Expectations

• Summer Camp Dates: June 7, 2027 - July 30, 2027.
• Limited part-time start date: Week of May 17, 2027
• Work Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Camp day starts promptly at 8:30 a.m.
• Minimum Commitment: 2 weeks (not necessarily consecutive).
• Must attend the mandatory in-service staff meeting on June 1, 2027, and staff training on June 3rd or 4th, times TBD.
• Must complete all required student safety and child protection training (licensing requirements) before June 4, 2027.
• Must complete 15 hours of pre-camp training provided by the Director of Summer Camp.
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to a summer camp setting.
• Ability to meet emergencies with good judgment; ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work with children and adults of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to recognize potentially hazardous conditions.
• An attitude that exemplifies teamwork and personal responsibility.
• Proficient with computer software, including email, calendar, Google Suite, and spreadsheets.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for working with all school constituencies.
• Model school virtues of respect, compassion, courage, and integrity.
• Communicate (orally and in writing) effectively with all school constituencies.
  
  

Working Conditions

The position requires the ability to swim, stand, walk, sit, handle materials and equipment with manual dexterity, reach outward and above the shoulders, climb, crawl, squat or kneel, bend, lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

In Addition, The Position Requires

• Ability to actively supervise campers during aquatics activities, including swimming and other water-based programming, while maintaining continuous visual and auditory surveillance of the pool and surrounding areas.
• Ability to serve as an active lifeguard, including remaining alert and attentive for extended periods, recognizing signs of distress, and responding immediately to potential water-related emergencies.
• Ability to enter the water and perform in-water rescues, including assisting, supporting, and safely removing individuals from the water during emergencies.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of lifeguarding and water rescue, including swimming, treading water, diving, reaching, pulling, lifting, and assisting individuals of varying sizes and abilities, consistent with required certifications and training.
• Ability to safely perform emergency response procedures, including CPR, First Aid, AED use, and other applicable water-rescue techniques.
• Ability to work in and around swimming pools and aquatic environments, including exposure to water, wet and slippery surfaces, pool chemicals, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
• Ability to set up, organize, inspect, and put away aquatics equipment and supplies, including moving and handling equipment as needed.
• Ability to provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and oversight to lifeguards and other aquatics staff; communicate expectations clearly; coordinate coverage; and ensure consistent implementation of safety and supervision procedures.
• Ability to monitor pool conditions, recognize potential hazards, enforce pool rules, address unsafe behaviors, and take prompt corrective action to help prevent accidents and injuries.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and implement emergency action plans and lead or coordinate the response to water-related emergencies.
• Ability to maintain appropriate supervision of campers, follow established camper accountability procedures, and ensure compliance with camp policies and aquatics safety protocols.
• Ability to respond calmly, appropriately, and effectively in emergencies and other high-stress situations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on camp programming, aquatics activities, special events, and operational needs, including occasional schedule adjustments or extended hours when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with campers, parents and guardians, lifeguards, camp leadership, school personnel, and other members of the Dawson community.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, make timely decisions, and work independently while collaborating effectively with camp leadership and other team members.
• Ability to maintain all required lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other applicable aquatics certifications and qualifications throughout the period of employment.
  
  

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, certifications, and a list of references through the Dawson School website at www.dawsonschool.org.

• Click on the hamburger menu at the top right of the homepage, then click on About.
• Select Careers.
• Scroll to the bottom of the page under Our Current Job Openings and select the Summer Camp Aquatics Lead posting.
  
  

Please note that only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls, please.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students through challenging and relevant learning to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity – into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Applicant Acknowledgment And Certification

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to verify any information it deems relevant to my employment application, including my employment history, educational background, credit history, and record of criminal convictions.

I understand that my former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may release information about me in response to inquiries from the employer. I further understand that any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and the successful completion of a criminal history check.

I acknowledge that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information, or omitting material facts in my application or during the interview process, may result in denial of employment or termination if already employed.

I also understand that I must provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization to work in the United States within three business days of my employment start date.

If employed, I understand that my employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning it is not guaranteed for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job-related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.