Summer Camp Lifeguard

Summer Camp Lifeguard - 77901725

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the Summer Camp Instructor team at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center (EYCC) in West Palm Beach. The incumbent will be a lifeguard for EYCC's aquatic activities. EYCC is a residential summer camp and sees as many as 800 participants throughout the summer. Aquatic activities that the incumbent will assist or directly oversee can include swimming, snorkeling, boating, fishing, dip netting, and marsh hiking. Most of the swimming activities occur in EYCC's lake which is a large, closed body of water. As a part of FYCCN, the incumbent communicates with stakeholders, constituents, and partners and performs functions of this position with a strong understanding of FYCCN's mission, future goals, and practices. Conveys FYCCN's vision through effective programming, training, and outreach at the EYCC. Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources.

Experience A Highschool Diploma; AND At least one year of experience as a lifeguard, including in deep water is preferred but not required; AND A current lifeguard certification including deep water from a nationally recognized training provider is preferred but not required.

Description of Duties Fulfill the five primary responsibilities of a lifeguard as outlined by the American Red Cross: Perform patron surveillance – the close and continuous supervision of people using the facility. Minimize or eliminate hazardous situations and behaviors. Enforce facility rules and educate patrons about them. Recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies. Provide emergency medical assistance, including administering first aid, performing CPR, using an AED, and, if trained, administering emergency oxygen. Fulfill the 5 secondary responsibilities of a lifeguard as outlined by the American Red Cross: Perform opening and closing duties, facility safety checks and inspections. Conduct safety orientations, administer swim tests, and fit life jackets. Clean or perform maintenance. Complete records and reports. Assist patrons with questions and concerns about the facility. Ensure aquatic programs are in compliance with and operate according to American Camp Association (ACA) standards. Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.) Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct. Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions. Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to EYCC through program interactions. Participate in meetings, mobile phone communications, etc. as needed with EYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships. Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems. Perform administrative duties as required. Ensure files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained. Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned. Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner. Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required. Assist with all aspects of food service as needed (dishwashing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.) Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.) Assist with weekly camper check in and check out. Provide supervision coverage as needed. Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp's Medical Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Possess strong swimming skills with the endurance and abilities required to perform aquatic rescues and swim in conditions commonly found in natural bodies of water, e.g., current, waves, and/or varying levels of clarity. Possess intermediate to advanced level canoeing and kayaking skills, e.g., ability to perform on the water rescues, ability to maneuver a kayak and canoe in the water effectively, ability to paddle in protected areas with wind speeds of up to 10 knots, currents up to 1 knot, and waves less than 1 foot. Ability to lift up to 55 lbs., e.g., canoes, kayaks, and other camp related equipment. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others. Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN's Four Pillars: shooting sports, ethical angling, safe boating (paddle sports), and wildlife exploration; training theory and instructional design and program management preferred. Knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred. Must be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related software. Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies.

Position Requirements: Applicants must be 19 years of age before May 11th 2026. Successfully complete the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation required for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course within the first week of employment: First, complete a swim – tread- swim sequence without stopping to rest: Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Then maintain position at the surface of the water for two minutes by treading water using only your legs. After, swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Second, complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Then, submerge to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10 – pound object. Next, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. Finally, exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Successful completion of all other position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, e.g., Human Resource Orientation, Canoeing and Kayaking Skills Course, Waterfront Safety, Behavior Management, Supervision, and Emergency Procedures. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. Requires work time on evenings and weekends.

Notes: Staff must be available to begin in-person training on May 11th, 2026 and for all eight weeks of summer camp starting on May 31st and ending July 31st. Staff are off June 28th – July 4th. Applicants must notify the Camp Director of any dates they are not available during the interview. EYCC will not provide housing prior to the incumbent's start date. Onsite housing in air-conditioned bunk house style cabins is provided for the duration of the incumbent's employment. EYCC does not provide transportation to and from the facility. Applicants should consider that public transportation is not easily accessible due to where the camp is located. Meals are provided for staff during work hours May 31st – July 31st with the following exceptions: Friday dinners, Saturday (all meals), and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Responses to qualifying questions should reflect the experience indicated in the work history of the State of Florida Job Application (Profile) and be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment. Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida's official employment site ( and must include a resume describing the applicant's experience.