Program Specialist - Outdoor Living Skills

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Program Specialist to join our team.

The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

As the Outdoor Living Skills Specialist, you will be responsible for designing and implementing lessons that teach campers essential outdoor survival skills, including shelter building, fire safety, and wilderness survival skills. In addition to leading the activities, you will oversee and train other staff members, assigning roles and providing instructions on how to best support the group. Your leadership will ensure a safe, engaging, and educational experience for campers ages 6-13, encouraging a deeper connection to nature.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure that program areas are ready for group use prior to group arrival when possible.
• Know and enforce rules as necessary to ensure safe use of program areas.
• Maintain good public relations with participants and fellow staff, representing the best interests of the YMCA while providing excellent customer service at every opportunity.
• Work with Senior Group Programs Director to create a schedule to meet the needs of each group every weekend.
• Assist with booking staff for weekends and creating staff schedules.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures.
• If qualified, administer basic first aid as required; if not, direct participant to director, host or group leader. Make sure the director, host or group leader is informed of any accidents, and contribute to the completion of accident or incident reports as necessary.
• Host meals and assist with dining hall operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service at check-in and check-out through professional appearance, positive attitude, implementation of COVID-19 standards, and ensuring facility is cleaned and ready for each group.

Qualifications:

• A minimum age of 21.
• Two years of experience working in a residential camp or facility is preferred.
• Knowledge of YMCA Camp Seymour's operation procedures, especially the supervision and operation of program areas or the ability to acquire that knowledge.
• The ability to effectively communicate with staff and participants of all ages.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents, guests and staff and the ability to understand, articulate and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Current first aid and CPR certifications from nationally recognized organizations preferred.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Wage: $17.66 to $18.66 per hour, depending on qualifications

Dates of Employment: June 15th - August 28th, 2026

Location: YMCA Camp Helena, Port Orchard, WA

Benefits:

• 40 hours/week with Saturday and Sunday's off
• Ability to apply as an internal candidate to a year-round, Full or Part-Time position
• Build lasting connections and employment experience
• Accrue Paid Sick Leave at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team! To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled