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Environmental Education Camp Waterfront Director (Lifeguard)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
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To apply, send resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to CampEmploy@dec.ny.gov Interviews for summer 2026 have begun!

Do you want to spend your summer outside hiking, camping, canoeing, birding, fishing, and doing archery? Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts? Do you have lifeguarding experience and are 21 or older? Apply to work as a Environmental Education Camp Waterfront Director at NYS DEC's Summer Camps TODAY!

The Camp Waterfront Director establishes and oversees all swimming and boating activities at the camp's waterfront, supervises all staff and campers participating in swimming activities and responds to bathing and all facility emergencies. The Waterfront Director maintains required paperwork and equipment relating to the operation of the waterfront. The Waterfront Director also has Cabin Counselor responsibilities during the evenings and when not performing waterfront duties will be teaching environmental education classes to the campers. Waterfront Director is a part of the 24 camp hour program each session from check-in to check out.

 

Waterfront Director Requirements:

At least 21 Years old

AND

a) 2 seasons experience consisting of at least 12 weeks as a children's camp lifeguard at a pool or beach which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time

OR

b) 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time.

AND

At least 48 college credits, at least 12 credits of which are in STEM, Education, or Outdoor Recreation

OR 2 years of work experience in the following fields:

  • Natural resources, environmental studies, environmental education, outdoor recreation, STEM [Science (biology, chemistry, computer, earth, environmental, and physics); Technology; Engineering; Mathematics], elementary-middle-secondary-special education, or camp management

PLUS all of these required certifications: 

  • Must have and maintain a current Driver’s License
  • Must be currently certified as a Waterfront Lifeguard
  •  Must complete Lifeguard Management prior to start of season
  • American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies (or DOH accepted equivalent)
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or DOH accepted equivalent) - must be in its first year 
  • Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification although not required would be a recognized asset for this position.

* Applicants do not need to currently hold certifications to apply, but must obtain accepted certifications before the start of employment*

 

COUNSELOR Duties 

Instructing campers a 11 - 17 on:

  • Core Environmental Science Curricula
  • Outdoor Skills & Recreational Activities
  • Being an Environmental Steward

Supervising campers to ensure health, safety, and well-being:

  • In-cabin, overnight, during meals, on a 24-hour basis
  • During weekly overnight camp-outs
  • During recreation & waterfront activities
  • Who become homesick or disruptive
  • By administering first aid if necessary

Working as a team with fellow counselors & director team to:

  • Develop & implement plans for education, recreation, and work projects
  • Support in the development and completion of camp activities
  • Maintain inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment
  • Assist director team in the development of daily, weekly and seasonal schedules

WATERFRONT DIRECTOR Duties

  • Implements/oversees buddy system and board system or other approved bather accountability system
  • Coordinate Life guard schedule with Camp Director
  • Train and supervise waterfront staff
  • Participate as a member of the camp management team to plan, direct, and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions
  • Survey waterfront area daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
  • Supervises the campers on a 24-hour basis; are responsible for the wellbeing and health of the campers
  • Teach environmental education lessons, lead trips, programs and assist as needed to fulfill the programmatic needs of the camp program.

 

For more information, visit the NYSDEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps/education-camp-employment

To apply, send resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to CampEmploy@dec.ny.gov Interviews for summer 2026 have begun!