Youth Camp Counselor

Youth Camp Counselor Job Description

Under the supervision of the Youth Camp Supervisor, camp counselors will teach and supervise youth ages 6-17 in an aquatic environment. Counselors are responsible for all aspects of camp operations including, but not limited to: supervising and ensuring the safety of campers, teaching watersports, setting up and cleaning up equipment, and providing outstanding customer service. Activities occur both on land and on/in the water.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

  • Supervise and ensure the safety of campers and camp activities
  • Set-up and clean-up of equipment
  • Assist with camp check-in and check-out
  • Maintain attendance records
  • Supervise equipment use during camp activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Provides outstanding customer service
  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments

Safety

  • Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
  • Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices

QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

  • High School Diploma
  • Priority given to current SDSU and UCSD students

Experience:

  • Experience working with children ages 6-17 preferred
  • Experience in Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Wakesurfing, Surfing, Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, Sailing, or Marine Science required
  • Some prior teaching experience is preferred
  • Bilingual, Spanish-speaking skills are high desirable

License & Certifications:

  • Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding (must be obtained within the first month of employment)
  • NASBLA approved powerboat certification (must be obtained within the first month of employment)
  • Must pass MBAC Sailing Qualification (must be obtained within the first month of employment)
  • FBI, DOJ, and LiveScan fingerprint clearance
  • Current valid Driver’s License

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Must prioritize the safety of MBAC participants and staff as well as other water users
  • Continually work toward improving technical skills and teaching abilities
  • Capable of maintaining positive working relationships with other staff and customers
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team player
  • Able to interact effectively with a wide diversity of people and support San Diego State University Associated Students’ values and mission

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Must possess experience and skill in one of the following areas: Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Wakesurfing, Surfing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, Sailing, or Marine Science
  • Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion
  • Must have good interpersonal skills and a desire to provide excellent customer service

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Applicants must be available to work June through August.
  • Flexibility and a willingness to work long days

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will involve exposure to salt water, cold water, sun, wind, rain, weather, sand, seaweed, sea grass, ocean currents, sea creatures, breaking waves, and other outdoor elements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: swimming, swimming in rough and deep water, walking, running, walking or running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying loads. Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, dive at least 10 feet deep, swim with a 10 pound object for at least 20 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes. Must be able to watch and supervise groups of students in the ocean while coaching technique and supervising safety. Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

  • Reports to the Youth Programs and Events Supervisor and Camp Program Assistant
  • Works closely with the Camp Administrator and fellow camp counselors

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.