What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waterfront Director & Certified Lifeguard (Seasonal Summer Position) position at Hearty Roots?
Location: Hearty Roots Campus, Bremen, Maine
Compensation: $20–23/hour, depending on experience
Start Date: Immediate opening. Applicants must be available to begin by June 17, 2026 at the latest!
Schedule: Full-Time, Seasonal- Weekdays, usually 8:30am-4pm
About Hearty Roots
Hearty Roots is a nature-based youth development organization that helps young people build confidence, resilience, and connection through outdoor adventure. We create safe, supportive spaces where youth can explore, take healthy risks, and build meaningful relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world.
Position Overview
We are seeking a certified Lifeguard and Waterfront Director to oversee all waterfront activities during our summer day programs and overnight programs. This role combines strong risk management with youth mentorship, ensuring campers have safe, engaging, and memorable experiences on the water.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise all swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding activities for small groups (usually groups of 12 youth or less) of youth ages 6-17
- Maintain waterfront safety systems, including boundaries, buddy checks, emergency action plans, and required PFD use
- Monitor weather and water conditions and make sound safety decisions
- Lead waterfront orientations and safety briefings for campers
- Inspect and maintain waterfront equipment, including canoes, paddleboards, paddles, PFDs, and rescue gear
- Coordinate with camp staff and teen interns to ensure appropriate supervision ratios
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where youth feel safe to challenge themselves, build confidence, and have fun
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor while supporting the Hearty Roots camp culture
- Facilitate intentional, collaborative lake play—whether kids are navigating a canoe together, building confidence on a paddleboard, or inventing imaginative water games—while keeping a hawk-eye focus on safety.
- Contribute to the overall camp community by assisting with special events, all-camp activities, community programs, and other program needs as they arise.
Qualifications
- Current Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications required
- 1-2 years experience working at a camp waterfront, pool, or open-water setting preferred
- Experience with canoeing and paddleboarding strongly preferred
- Strong swimming, rescue, communication, and leadership skills
- A calm under-pressure demeanor, a playful spirit, and a deep belief that nature is a vital asset for youth mental health.
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must pass a federal and state background check
Why Work at Hearty Roots?
- Spend your summer on a beautiful Maine lake
- Join a supportive team of outdoor educators and mentors
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people
- Competitive pay based on experience
To Apply
Please send your resume, copies of current certifications, and a brief note about your interest in the position to team@heartyroots.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interviews will begin as soon as possible.
Hearty Roots is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and campers.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $23