Assistant Waterfront Director
Assistant Waterfront Director
POSITION SUMMARY: The Agassiz Village Waterfront Director is responsible for supporting the Waterfront Director supervising a team of 6-7 lifeguards, and 150 campers ages 8-17 while on the waterfront, including all water activities, equipment, and facilities. The Waterfront Director ensures that the camp’s waterfront program and protocols are followed in compliance with the regulations for Department of Health and American Camp Association standards. The Assistant Waterfront Director serves as the Person in Charge of the Waterfront any time the Waterfront Director is unavailable and takes on all duties in the WD’s absence. As a member of the leadership team, the AWD also assists in other areas of camp leadership, supporting all team members in carrying out their duties and responsibilities to ensure a positive camp experience for campers and staff.
Responsibilities and Key Functions:
Help the WD to plan, direct, and supervise a safe and fun waterfront program.
Help the WD to create lesson plans that meet camp goals for all waterfront activities including swimming instruction, fishing, boating and canoeing.
Ensure the learn-to-swim program follows established goals and provide support and oversight for waterfront staff in program implementation.
Keep records on all participants, help them progress from beginner to advanced levels.
Ensure waterfront staff enforce and follow all rules and fulfill all assigned duties.
Evaluate aquatics abilities of campers and staff.
Formally evaluate Lifeguards once during the season, assist in setting and meeting goals.
Deliver safe and creative swim and watercraft program activities.
Coordinate with the Program Manager, Activity Coordinator, and any other staff to facilitate special events on the waterfront.
Work with the Program Manager to ensure appropriate lesson plans for each age group and monitor teaching quality, and actively aid staff in becoming better instructors.
Teach and monitor proper use of equipment.
Train waterfront staff in their waterfront responsibilities.
Supervise waterfront staff to provide a safe and high-quality program.
Manage the physical facilities and equipment in the waterfront program area.
Set up waterfront area prior to and during staff training.
Conduct end-of-season inventory, and store equipment for safety.
Check equipment and make (or file for) repairs.
Survey waterfront area daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
Inform the Camp Director of any camper or staff problems, issues, or concerns.
Positively recognize staff for work done well and positively recognize campers for their success when earned.
Maintain a First Aid station with supplies and equipment at waterfront.
Assure waterfront areas are secured when not in use.
Schedule appropriate staff coverage for water activities.
Train and review waterfront lifesaving skills with staff (i.e., spinal injury, lost swimmer, seizure victims, etc.).
Implement ‘buddy’ system to account for all staff and campers during waterfront activities.
Follow established health and safety standards of the ACA and Maine Dept. of Health.
Actively participate in staff training, meetings, etc.
Contribute to positive team environment by paying close attention to staff concerns, morale and performance issues and communicating them in a timely manner to the Camp Director.
Routine cleaning responsibilities related to the camp’s health and safety protocols.
Follow all camp rules, regulations and policies and enforce them among peers.
Supervise end of season program operations clean up and inventories.
QUALIFICATIONS:
At least two years of training and experience in waterfront activities and management.
At least 21 years old, valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record
Current Lifeguarding, CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to participate in the course offered at camp.
Capable to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid/CPR.
Must value all campers and staff equally, embrace individuality and diversity and be a catalyst for all to develop their full potential.
Ability and experience in supervising staff and campers
Desire and ability to live and work in a camp setting
Ability to build a cohesive team.
Ability to judge and evaluate evolving dynamics of individuals participating in water activities to immediate assess their capabilities and threats to their safety.
Knowledge of waterfront protocols, operational procedures and safety policies.
Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain supervision of campers.
Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions
Who We’re Looking For:
We are looking to recruit a team of people whose strengths, skills, and backgrounds are as diverse as those of our campers. We are keen to have people join our team who are:
Committed to consistent learning and growth.
Team players, willing to help in all areas
Organized
Strong communicators
Competent and creative problem solvers.
Passionate
Energetic and silly
Kind and compassionate
Flexible and able to adapt quickly
Able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
Able to work long and challenging days
Contract Dates: June 20, 2026 – August 7, 2026. This position is required to live on site at 71 Agassiz Village Ln. Poland, ME 04274
Salary: $3,200 for the full length of the contract. Included with your salary:
Accommodation is provided for the full contract.
Food is provided for the full contract.
Designated Supervisor: Program Manager
About Agassiz Village:
Agassiz Village is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to “prepare youth for life’s journey.” Through our exceptional summer camp experience and year-long programming, youth develop and practice critical leadership and life-shaping skills that positively impact their futures. For 90+ years, children from under-resourced communities have come to our camp to experience unique learning opportunities, discover interests, uncover new skills, make lifetime friendships, and connect with inspiring mentors.
Our Staff Culture: We work hard to establish a collaborative and positive community where we treat one another with kindness, understanding, and assume positive intent. We celebrate new ideas, encourage making mistakes and trying again, and emphasize effort rather than perfection. At Agassiz Village, performing well at your job means also contributing positively to our team and environment. We teach our campers how to be compassionate, how to build connections, help them to build their confidence, and help them to bounce back when things don’t go their way. That means that we need to model these qualities as well. Most of all, we emphasize constant growth and improvement and are always striving to find a better way to do what we do.