Waterfront Director

Title: Waterfront Director 

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS 

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary 

Start Date: June 2026 

Compensation: $650+ per week  

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. 

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.  

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.   

With us at their side, they can Shine On.  

About the role: 

The Waterfront Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the waterfront program at Big Cove YMCA Camp. This includes safety supervision, lifeguarding, staff training, and instruction of all swimming and aquatic activities. The Waterfront Director also manages and maintains all boating equipment and ensures that emergency procedures are well-coordinated, practiced, and understood by the staff team. 

As a member of the Senior Staff Team, the Waterfront Director plays a key leadership role in program quality, risk management, and camper experience. This position also supports camp-wide programs and assists other areas of camp as needed. 

In this role, you will: 

Waterfront Leadership & Program Delivery 

• Lead, supervise, and oversee all waterfront operations including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and boating activities. 
• Ensure safe and engaging aquatic programs aligned with YMCA standards and camp values. 
• Provide instruction in swimming, boating, and waterfront activities for campers of all ages. 
• Maintain consistent supervision on the waterfront, ensuring all activities remain safe, structured, and fun. 

Safety, Risk Management & Emergency Response 

• Implement and enforce all waterfront safety protocols and emergency procedures. 
• Oversee aquatic emergency drills and ensure all staff are confident in emergency response. 
• Conduct daily waterfront inspections and maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation. 
• Ensure all equipment—including boats, lifejackets, rescue gear, and dock systems—is in safe, functional condition. 

Staff Training & Supervision 

• Train all aquatic staff in: 

o Lifeguarding standards and surveillance techniques 

o Emergency response protocols 

o Swimming instruction and class management 

o Safe boating practices 

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and ongoing support to all staff working on the waterfront. 

Equipment & Site Management 

• Manage all boating equipment including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddles, PFDs, and safety gear. 
• Ensure all waterfront areas are clean, organized, properly marked, and well-maintained. 
• Coordinate with camp leadership regarding maintenance needs, repairs, and safety improvements. 

Camp-Wide Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Staff Team to support overall program delivery. 
• Assist in other program areas as needed, contributing to a positive and flexible camp culture. 
• Communicate regularly with leadership regarding safety concerns, program updates, and staffing needs. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with kitchen duties, including dishes and meal cleanup. 
• Support facility maintenance, including cleaning shared spaces and program areas. 
• Participate in groundskeeping, such as outdoor tidying and basic upkeep. 
• Assist with trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe and accessible program spaces. 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Required 

• Must be 20 years of age by December 31, 2026 
• Minimum of three years working at a summer camp or related aquatic experience. 
• National Lifeguard Service (NLS)  
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C. 
• Swimming Instructor’s Certificate. 
• Canadian Boating Licence. 
• WHMIS certification. 

Recommended 

• Waterfront or Beach NLS certification. 
• Lifesaving Instructor (LSI). 
• Paddle Canada Instructor certifications. 
• Class 4 Driver’s Licence 

Additional Expectations 

• Strong understanding of aquatic safety, risk management, and lifeguarding procedures. 
• Ability to supervise, lead, and train a team of staff. 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills. 
• Positive, team-oriented attitude. 
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in working with children. 
• Strong organizational and communication skills. 

To apply: 

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. 

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: 

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older 
• A valid First Aid and CPR Training 

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. 

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.