Waterfront Lifeguard at Sky High Ranch

Waterfront Lifeguard 

Job Title: Waterfront Lifeguard

Region/Location: Colorado, Rocky Mountains

Department: Camp, OPP

Occupational Job Group: Summer Camp

Pay Range: $510 a week plus food and lodging (valued at $200)

Reports To: Lead Waterfront Lifeguard and/or hiring manager

Date: May-August 2024 (exact dates TBD)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Terms: Seasonal, Full Time, Onsite

Supervisory Responsibility: None

GENERAL PURPOSE: As a member of a waterfront staff team, the Waterfront Lifeguard is responsible for the implementation of waterfront program based on camp wide goals, policies, and procedures at a Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) camp property. Additionally, this role supports the property, hospitality, operational, program, health, & cabin leadership team as needed as part of the camp team. A primary function of this, and every other job at camp, is to ensure that each member, guest and visitor receives the highest caliber of service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES ***(Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job)

• General Responsibilities

• Work on a team of 2-3 other waterfront staff planning, lifeguarding, and supervising all waterfront activities, including but not limited to swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up-paddle boarding.

• Assist Program Director with daily upkeep and logs of the equipment and property.

• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all waterfront equipment and areas.

• Assist in the care & management of program, supplies, and equipment, including storage, maintenance, cleanliness, and usage in coordination with fellow team members.

• Provide and/or support emergency procedures during on-site and off-site trip incidents.

• Provide and/or support health and wellness practices.

• Provide assistance/coverage as necessary to all additional operational and program staff.

• Support the work of the cabin, health, site, kitchen, and housekeeping staff as needed.

• Program Responsibilities

• Instruct & supervise all waterfront activities (including but not limited to swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up-paddle boarding) with groups of varying sizes. Ensuring safety and adaptations to meet the needs of all participants.

• Camper Leadership & Supervision

• During waterfront activities or when assigned as needed, act ‘in loco parentis’ and guide a group of campers during overnight camp sessions.

• Support & counsel campers in daily living, camp activities, and developing peer relationships.

• Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Train & orient of proper use of specialized areas, materials, and delivery of program.

• Verify waterfront & general staff competence before assigning them to participate in waterfront activities or a supervisory role. Monitor their performance throughout the season.

• Administration

• Manage administrative responsibilities in a timely, independent, and detail-oriented manner.

• Work on the development, review, and assist in the creation of daily, weekly, and activity schedules, in cooperation with other staff, based on camp program, camper planning, and camp goals.

• Provide & participate in camper and staff feedback forms as necessary for the overall camp’s strategic planning.

• Participate in regular staff meetings and training for planning purposes, communication resolutions, and carrying out assignments.

• Coordinate and communicate schedules to campers & staff as necessary.

• Carry out ongoing observations to assure that goals and expectations of leadership & program delivery are positive and appropriate.

• Interact with digital systems including WorkBright, Slack, Instagram, & Facebook.

• Respect the confidential nature of all information pertaining to staff, volunteers, and campers.

• Follow policies, procedures, and standards set by the American Camping Association, Girl Scouts Safety Activity Checkpoints, Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, and other certifying industry organizations.

PRIMARY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In accordance with the philosophy of Girl Scouts of Colorado, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.

• Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado in pluralism and diversity throughout the organization and within each community served.

• Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by contributing to positive relationships between diverse racial, ethnic, and social groups in the Council as a whole and between employees and volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Formal Training

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of college or equivalent work experience.

• Must have current OR willingness to obtain the following certifications: Lifeguard Certification, First Aid/CPR, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter, Universal Standard Precautions, Medication Administration.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Proven experience of waterfront skills, including swimming and watercraft.

• A minimum of 2 years in waterfront areas and safe practices with swimming, boating, and working near water.

• Preferred experience or desire for working with children.

• Proven experience in assessing a swimmer’s ability.

• Ability to run program 6-8 hours daily, 6-7 days per week.

• Preferred experience working in an outdoor program and/or camp setting.

• Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Willing to provide innovative and engaging program development and facilitation in an informal, outdoor setting.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check acceptable to GSCO standards.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED

• This position works with program related equipment:

• Waterfront equipment: life vests, paddles, etc.

• Watercraft: canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, etc.

• This position works occasionally with program related equipment in areas such as hiking, hot elements, and other outdoor skills activities.

• Subject to injuries from falls, accidental strikes, cuts from equipment, etc.

• Handheld radios.

• As directed, golf carts, gator, trucks, and leased vehicles.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Camps are at altitudes of 8,000-9,500 feet.

• Ability to work non–traditional hours including evenings, weekends, extended overnight periods and extended work hours, up to 22 hours per day.

• Required daily, frequent exposure to highly stimulating and loud environments.

• Program activities are carried out in the out-of-doors often in inclement weather.

• Willing to be on-call at all times, for health, emergency purposes, camper supervision, and program implementation.

• Required to live on-site in shared housing. (Staff living quarters are shared with other staff and/or campers).

• Requires extensive walking/hiking >2miles/day over uneven and unpaved terrain.

• Able to carry, lift and/or transfer at least 75 pounds.

• Ability to hear, listen, see, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, use hands & fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands & arms, and balance.

• Must have interpersonal skills/behaviors (i.e. working with individuals with a range of moods & behaviors in a tactful, congenial personal manner, so as not to alienate, or antagonize them).

***Employee signature below indicates the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential duties & responsibilities of the position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Please contact your supervisor/manager or HR with any questions.

GSCO will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship or a direct threat to the Girl Scouts of Colorado. If you need such accommodation, contact your supervisor or Human Resources immediately to begin the interactive accommodation process.

Why work here

Working for the Girl Scouts of Colorado offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful
impact in the lives of girls across the state. By joining the organization, you become part of
a mission-driven team that empowers girls to build courage, confidence, and character
while making the world a better place. The work is both inspiring and rewarding, blending
community engagement, leadership development, and outdoor adventure in a supportive,
inclusive environment. Employees at Girl Scouts of Colorado enjoy a culture that values
collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, all while contributing to a powerful
movement that shapes the next generation of strong, capable leaders.