2027 Program Director, Camps for Summer

Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Program

Fitness Centre Combo Membership

OMERS pension

Job summary

The Town of Ajax is seeking a Program Director – Camps to oversee the March Break and Summer Camps program. You will lead a team of 25-30 staff and volunteers, ensuring safe, high‑quality camp experiences across preschool, children and youth programs.

Responsibilities include program planning, staff training, budgets, supplier coordination, and handling parent concerns with professionalism. This seasonal role runs from June to August, with training beforehand.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years camp program experience with staff leadership.
• Knowledge of delivery of recreational/camps programs.
• Valid G2 Ontario driver’s license with a clear abstract; daily access to a vehicle.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR C (must be obtained by 2027-06-08).
• HIGH FIVE - Healthy Child Development certification (must be obtained by 2027-06-08).
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector (within last 6 months).
• Must be available to work full 8 weeks of Summer (and training).
• Post-secondary education in Education/Recreation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer the March Break and Summer Camps program.
• Lead a team of 25-30 camp staff and volunteers.
• Ensure programs run safely and smoothly across all sites.
• Manage budgets, supplies, payroll, and staff manuals.
• Address parent concerns professionally and report to the Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Coordinate staff training and incident response per policies and procedures.
• Order equipment and supervise use of supplies.
• Plan, organize, and implement staff training.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Time management

Planning

Oral and written communication

Education

Grade 12 diploma

Tools

G2 driver’s license

Job description

Department Recreation & Culture Job Type Temporary Number of Positions 2 Affiliation Non-Union

Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, the Program Director – Camps is accountable for the overall supervision and administration of the Summer Camps program. Camps oversees and ensures the implementation of safe and enjoyable camp programs, in the areas of preschool, children, youth, general camps and special interest camps.

Job Duties Include

Accountable for the overall supervision and administration of the March Break and Summer Camps program. Provides leadership to a team of 25-30 camp staff and volunteers and ensures that programs run smoothly during their shift. Ensures the effective operation of all camps program sites including policies and procedures, structure, quality programming, safety and the well‑being of all participants. Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program, including, but not limited to; budget control, supply ordering, payroll, developing program/staff manuals, etc. Deals with all concerns, complaints or suggestions about the program from parents in a professional manner and reports to the Community Recreation Coordinator. Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents, problems, and emergencies as outlined in Departmental Policies and Procedures. Controls and orders equipment and supplies to effectively operate a quality program and ensures supplies and equipment are used appropriately. Actively involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of staff training.

Qualifications/Skills

Completion of Grade 12 High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Minimum 3 years camp program experience in the recreation field with a minimum of one playground/camp season leadership skills and staff supervision experience or a combination of training, education and experience deemed equivalent. Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreational programs and playground programs and/or camps. Valid Class ‘G2’ Ontario driver’s license with a clear driver’s abstract and access to daily use of a personal vehicle is required. (Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license is preferred.) 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. Current Standard First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027). HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027). Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference Check (with Vulnerable Sector screening) that is current (completed in the last 6 months), upon being hired. Must be available to work the full 8 weeks of Summer (June 30 - August 27, 2027) including mandatory training dates (Orientation, BMST, March Break Training). Nice to Have Post‑secondary education in Education, Recreation or Outdoor Education is an asset.

What is Offered to Staff

Rate of Pay: $25.05 - $27.24 per hour. *Please note: advertised pay rates are effective January 1, 2027. Hours of Work: Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff may be asked to work additional hours at before and after care: 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Town Perks: The Town offers temporary staff access to a Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership and a defined pension plan (OMERS pension - https://www.omers.com/). Key Dates for Summer Camps 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. Please note: This posting is for the purpose of returning camp staff to express their interest in transferring into the Program Director, Camps 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.

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. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process. If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail]. Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

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.