The Waterfront Director position at 4-H Camp Owahta is more than a summer job, it’s an opportunity to lead, mentor, and grow. Come “Tap In To Your Potential!” 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports field and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.

The Waterfront Director is a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for the safe, effective, and engaging operation of all waterfront activities. Working closely with the Outdoor Recreation Director, Day Camp Director, and camp leadership staff. The Waterfront Director helps set the tone for a positive and inclusive camp environment through strong supervision, clear communication, and consistent leadership.

Primary responsibilities include planning, supervising, maintaining and implementing all waterfront programming; ensuring compliance with all Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA) and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and lifeguarding standards; supervising, scheduling and mentoring waterfront staff; supporting staff training related to waterfront activities; maintaining required safety documentation and logs; and acting as point person in waterfront-related emergencies. The Waterfront Director also supports and collaborates with camp leadership regarding camper behavior management to ensure all waterfront experiences are safe and developmentally appropriate.

This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. 

Please contact the CCE office at 607-391-2660 with questions. 

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The summer salary for this position is $3,000.00 to $4,300.00 commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
• Minimum of one season experience as a camp Aquatics Director (or waterfront director, head lifeguard) at a NYS Department of Health regulated summer camp or minimum of 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time or 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.
• Current Camp Aquatics Director certification(s) from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health (will re-certify is necessary). Approved providers include; American Red Cross, American Aquatics Safety Training, Scouting America and YMCA.
• Current Waterfront Lifeguard Certification from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
• Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
• Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Awareness of and understanding of positive youth development principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Progressive Swimming Instructor Certification from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necess