What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waterfront Specialist position at YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties?
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Waterfront Specialist to join our team.
Would you like to change lives by providing an amazing experience for every camper?
As the Waterfront Specialist, you will supervise and maintain safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate waterfront programs and events. You will supervise boating instructors and lifeguards and provide progressive instruction in waterfront activities. You will work with leadership staff and all staff to coordinate and implement the overall camp program.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and facilitate all waterfront programming for Overnight Camp and visiting groups.
- Monitor waterfront equipment and supplies; repair and resupply as necessary.
- Work with Assistant Camp Director of Programs to ensure quality of programming.
- Work with leadership staff & all staff to coordinate and implement overall camp program.
- Plan, facilitate, and support evening programming with set up, tear down, supervision, and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Add creativity and variety to the camp programs with the help of camp directors and staff.
- Assume on Duty responsibilities, run meal times, Line ups, make snack, lock up and other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with a supervisor
- Serve as a cabin counselor when coverage is needed.
Qualifications:
- A commitment to valuing and promoting diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Minimum 21 years of age.
- One season or more of camp experience required.
- Preferred: Experience in teaching boating and/or two years of personal boating experience.
- Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
- Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age-appropriate techniques.
- Ability to pass a Small Craft Safety skills verification upon beginning employment.
- Required: Current American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue Certification or YMCA Lifeguard/Red Cross Lifeguard certification, (or the ability to obtain these certifications during staff training).
- Required: Washington State Boaters' License (must be obtained by the start of staff training).
- CPR, First Aid, AED certifications.
- Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
*This is a Residential position that includes room and board*
Starting Wage: $480 to $510 per week, depending on qualifications
Date of Employment: June 8th, 2026 - August 21st, 2026
Location: YMCA Camp Seymour, Gig Harbor, WA
Benefits:
- Free Saturdays
- 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
Requirements:Job Description
Waterfront Specialist
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Waterfront Specialist actively supervises and maintains safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate waterfront programs and events. Supervises boating instructors and lifeguards. Provides progressive instruction in waterfront activities. Works with leadership staff and program director to organize and implement overall camp program. Provides a quality experience to campers and families focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Summer Camp Director
Location: Camp Seymour
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning and Program Delivery:
- Plan, organize, and facilitate all waterfront programming for Day Camp, Overnight Camp and visiting groups.
- Monitor waterfront equipment and supplies; repair and resupply as necessary.
- Work with leadership staff & all staff to coordinate and implement overall camp program.
- Serve as a cabin counselor when coverage is needed.
Coach:
- Maintain weekly observations on staff performance; give staff positive and constructive feedback; communicate significant observations to direct supervisors.
Financial Development and Philanthropy:
- Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
- Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Occasionally may need to plan and participate in programming outdoors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Minimum 21 years of age.
- One season or more of camp experience required.
- Preferred: Experience in teaching boating and/or two years of personal boating experience.
- Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
- Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
- Required: Current Small Craft Safety Certification or YMCA Lifeguard/Red Cross Lifeguard certification (or the ability to obtain these certifications during staff training).
- Required: Washington State Boaters' License (must be obtained by the start of staff training).
- CPR, First Aid, AED certifications.
- Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.
I understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position.
Req Benefits:
Job Description
Waterfront Specialist
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Waterfront Specialist actively supervises and maintains safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate waterfront programs and events. Supervises boating instructors and lifeguards. Provides progressive instruction in waterfront activities. Works with leadership staff and program director to organize and implement overall camp program. Provides a quality experience to campers and families focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Summer Camp Director
Location: Camp Seymour
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning and Program Delivery:
- Plan, organize, and facilitate all waterfront programming for Day Camp, Overnight Camp and visiting groups.
- Monitor waterfront equipment and supplies; repair and resupply as necessary.
- Work with leadership staff & all staff to coordinate and implement overall camp program.
- Serve as a cabin counselor when coverage is needed.
Coach:
- Maintain weekly observations on staff performance; give staff positive and constructive feedback; communicate significant observations to direct supervisors.
Financial Development and Philanthropy:
- Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
- Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Occasionally may need to plan and participate in programming outdoors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Minimum 21 years of age.
- One season or more of camp experience required.
- Preferred: Experience in teaching boating and/or two years of personal boating experience.
- Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
- Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
- Required: Current Small Craft Safety Certification or YMCA Lifeguard/Red Cross Lifeguard certification (or the ability to obtain these certifications during staff training).
- Required: Washington State Boaters' License (must be obtained by the start of staff training).
- CPR, First Aid, AED certifications.
- Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.
I understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position.
Compensation: $480 to $510 per week
Salary : $480 - $510