Waterfront Team Lead

Job Description

Posted Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has served our local communities for over 180 years and is committed to supporting families, children, adults, youth and seniors through a variety of programs and services. As a charity, we champion values of empathy, health, trustworthiness, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility, fostering a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility.

We are currently looking for a Waterfront Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This Full‑time Contract position is housed at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario. Under the leadership of the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp, the Waterfront Team Lead is responsible for all waterfront activities at camp and for ensuring a high‑quality, engaging, and fun experience for all campers.

• Plan, prepare, and lead all waterfront activities, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all staff and participants in waterfront programs
• Supervise waterfront staff and support their training and development
• Manage waterfront equipment and program resources
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to deliver high‑quality, engaging, and fun experiences for all campers
• Adhere to OCA, YMCA and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Other duties as assigned by the Association

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres
• Experienced in lifeguarding and waterfront duties, with at least 250 hours of direct experience
• Hold a current National Lifeguard (NL) certification (dated within two years of the start date)
• Knowledgeable of applicable government regulations, OCA standards, and other guidelines governing waterfront operations
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing waterfront programs in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff in a waterfront environment and ensuring the safety of all participants
• Skilled in risk management related to waterfront programs
• Proficient in swimming, canoeing, and sea kayaking instruction
• Knowledgeable in waterfront safety and emergency procedures, including rescue of capsized canoes and sea kayaks, and operation of a rescue boat
• Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for all waterfront staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time‑management skills
• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

• Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership
• Paid personal/sick days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program with counseling, coaching, legal and financial supports
• Mileage reimbursement
• Team events and staff recognition
• Learning and development opportunities
• Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

If you would like to work in a family‑friendly environment, please apply via the website only, with a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026 to the attention of the Hiring Manager.

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and under‑represented in the camping industry. The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) community. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth.

Camp‑specific experience is not required.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry, including certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.

• Apply for a position at YMCA John Island Camp and complete the interview process.
• Submit the CEEF Application Form (available on the Employment Opportunities page of our website).
• Receive your…