Waterfront Team Lead

Overview Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has been serving our local communities for over 180 years and we are committed to supporting our local families, children, adults, youth and seniors in our various programs and services today. At the YMCA, our values and purpose drive everything that we do. As a charity, we’ve championed values of empathy, health, trustworthy, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Helping people develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility is the cornerstone of our legacy of caring. To learn more about our programs and services offered please visit our website. This job posting is for the creation of an applicant pool and is not intended to fill a current vacancy at this time. We are currently looking for a Waterfront Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This Full-time Contract position within the Association 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. They plan, prepare, and lead programs in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff and participants. The Waterfront Team Lead supervises waterfront staff, manages equipment and program resources, and works to provide a high-quality, engaging, and fun experience for all campers. START DATE: May 1, 2026 LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50 Major Responsibilities Plan, prepare, and lead all waterfront activities, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, 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 Qualifications 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 As a charity and community-based organization, we know how important connection and wellness is, and we offer a workplace that invests in people. We provide: Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership Paid personal/sick days Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports Team events + staff recognition Explore different YMCA roles and career paths How to Apply If you would like to work in a family friendly environment, please apply by 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 underrepresented 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) communities. 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. This could include: 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 (on the Employment Opportunities page of our website) Receive your offer of employment, based on successful interview and reference checks. Receive notice of any awarded funds before the need to respond to your offer of employment. Funding will be awarded to successful applicants across Canada in the order received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible after applying for employment at camp. If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact Please ensure that your cover letter and resume both specify the job title of the position that you are applying for. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, you must advise the Human Resources Department. Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check for review prior to starting employment. Police records are reviewed on an individual basis, and any offences are considered in relation to the nature of the position and its responsibilities, particularly in working with children and vulnerable populations. A positive record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. Please note that candidates invited for an interview will be required to submit three professional references. YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications. Educational credentials completed outside of Canada require an Educational Evaluation along with your credentials. If you do not have an evaluation document, please visit or Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr