2027 Camp Specialist - Canoe & Water Safety for Summer (Returning Staff)

Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Health & Wellness Program

Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo

defined pension plan (OMERS pension)

Job summary

The Town of Ajax is seeking a Camp Specialist, Canoe & Water Safety Specialist to plan and deliver specialized camp programs for diverse youth groups. You will lead activities, guide staff, manage supplies, and ensure safety and inclusion across a busy summer schedule.

Applicants should bring canoe instruction experience, high school diploma, and certifications such as FIRST AID/CPR C and HIGH FIVE. The role runs 8 weeks plus pre-summer training and offers competitive hourly pay and-town perks.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year experience in teaching canoe skills or equivalent training/education.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children/youth in a recreational setting.
• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of programs and services.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Self-motivated, positive, confident and approachable.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements a comprehensive specialized program designed to provide progressive learning for campers.
• Implements a safe, age-appropriate, enjoyable and diversified camp program as developed with the Program Supervisor - Camps and/or staff.
• Leads groups of program participants.
• Guides and trains staff with innovative and dynamic program ideas in the area of specialty.
• Provides direction and ensures involvement of Counsellors during specialty times.
• Monitors supply inventory for area of specialty throughout the summer.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all campers during camp hours.
• Interacts with program participants in line with HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Creates an environment where participants strive to participate fully, perform the best of their ability, and learn new skills.
• Acts as a positive role model for program participants and other team members.
• Interacts with the public on a regular basis and promotes Town programs to customers.

Skills

Canoe skills teaching

Child/youth programming

Staff supervision

First Aid CPR C

HIGH FIVE principles

Behaviour Management Systems

Criminal record check

ORCKA certification

Lifesaving National Lifeguard (pref.)

Communication

Organization

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department Recreation & Culture Job Type Temporary Number of Positions 1 Affiliation Non-Union

Job Summary Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, Program Director – Camps and Program Supervisor – Camps, the Camp Specialist is accountable for the planning and implementation of safe and varied specialized programming for campers.

• Plans and implements a comprehensive specialized program designed to provide progressive learning for campers.
• Implements a safe, age appropriate, enjoyable and diversified camp program as developed in coordination with the Program Supervisor - Camps and/or staff.
• Leads groups of program participants.
• Guides and trains staff with innovative and dynamic program ideas in the area of specialty.
• Provides direction and ensures involvement of Counsellors during specialty times.
• Monitors supply inventory for area of specialty throughout the summer.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all campers during camp hours.
• Interacts with program participants in a manner that reflects the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Creates an environment where participants strive to participate fully, perform the best of their ability, and learn new skills.
• Acts as a positive role model for program participants and other team members.
• Interacts with the public on a regular basis and promotes Town programs to customers.

Qualifications/Skills

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year experience in teaching canoe skills, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children/youth in a recreational setting.
• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of programs and services.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Self-motivated, positive, confident and approachable.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• Behaviour Management Systems Certification or willingness to obtain within the training period.
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference / Vulnerable Sector check that is current (completed in the last six months), upon being hired.
• Must be available to work the full 8 weeks of Summer Camp (June 30-August 27, 2026) and pre-summer Mandatory Training (Corporate Training, BMST, Summer Staff Training).
• Nice to Have ORCKA certification is preferred.
• Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard certification (current within 2 years) is preferred.

What is Offered to Staff

Rate of Pay: $19.63 - $21.34 per hour*.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Town Perks

• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Program
• Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership
• defined pension plan (OMERS pension)

*Please note: advertised pay rates are effective January 1, 2027.

Key Dates for Summer Camps/Playgrounds

• Promotional Interviews – Week of February 15 or 23, 2027
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Recertification – April 8, 2027, May 12, 2027, May 20, 2027, or June 3, 2027
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Full Certification – May 27, 2027, June 9, 2027, or June 17, 2027
• Corporate Training – June 8, 2027
• Summer Staff Training – June 22, 2027, June 24, 2027, June 25, 2027, June 28, 2027, June 29, 2027, and June 30, 2027
• Camps begin – June 30, 2027
• Playgrounds begin – July 5, 2027
• Camps/Playgrounds end – August 27, 2027*
• *Contracts may be extended to end on September 3, 2027 for Camp Finale.

This posting is for the purpose of returning camp staff to express their interest in transferring into the Camp Specialist, Canoe & Water Safety Specialist position during Summer 2027. However, exact staffing needs for Summer 2027 are still being assessed at this time. Position changes and promotional interviews will only take place for vacant positions.

Vacancy Statement

All job postings issued by the Town of Ajax are intended to fill existing vacant positions unless otherwise stated.

Are you a current Town of Ajax employee? If you are a current Town of Ajax, please apply internally through the Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who have been historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous people, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others facing systemic inequities.

If selected for an interview, you will be provided with an opportunity to indicate your access needs.

If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail].

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We utilize AI solely for the purpose of anonymizing the application process to help ensure fairness and equity. Please note that AI is not used to screen candidates or make decisions regarding their suitability for any role.

The success of the Town depends largely on the employees. Staff are relied upon day in and day out - whether it is for issuing a marriage license, maintaining a local park, fighting a fire, processing a tax bill, planning a new subdivision, instructing a fitness class, or plowing snow. The employees are the Town's Ambassadors.

Take a moment to explore our current job openings and apply for those that align with your interests and qualifications. If nothing piques your interest at this time, consider signing up for a Job Alert or visiting us again soon to explore new opportunities. For information about the application process, please visit www.ajax.ca/careers.

Thanks for your interest in the Town of Ajax! The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.