Boating Program Head

YMCA Greater Toronto; Torrance; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community organization in Torrance seeks a Boating Program Head to oversee safety and operations of the waterfront. The successful candidate will manage boating programs, ensuring engaging and safe experiences, while working collaboratively with staff and participants. Required qualifications include certifications in First Aid, CPR, and NLS along with at least two years of experience in aquatic environments, aligning with our commitment to community and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience working in a camp or aquatic/waterfront environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all boating programs for safe, engaging experiences.
• Plan and lead camp-wide activities, section nights, and special events.
• Monitor the safety of all waterfront activities.

Skills

Standard First Aid & CPR-C

National Lifeguard Service (NLS)

Interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Mentorship and guidance abilities

Ability to work independently and in a team

Education

ORCKA Basic Instructor certification

Pleasure Craft Operator Card

ORCKA Kayak Instructor certification (asset)

Job description

Pay within range based on years of transferrable experience

Daily Rate : $110.00 Weekly Rate : $660.00

Location : YMCA Camp Pine Crest, Torrance, Ontario (Transportation to camp is available at the beginning and end of the summer)

Work Hours : Must be available to work 6 days a week between Monday – Sunday, with days off predetermined by supervisor

Employment Type : Seasonal Contract

Number of Vacancies : 1

Anticipated Start Date : June 14, 2026

Deadline to Apply : November 30, 2025 at 5 : 00pm

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team a YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community. After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Camp Pine Crest is an overnight camp serving children, families, and organizations through naturally focused programs that embody the mission, vision, and outcomes of the YMCA. Camp Pine Crest is made up of 650 acres of Muskoka wilderness surrounded by 3 interconnected lakes with 8km of shoreline; has over 26km of hiking trails and 7,500 sq. ft. of dock and has 60 buildings.

The Boating Program Head is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the waterfront, with a dedicated focus on all boating program areas. This role ensures that safety standards, policies, and procedures are consistently met while overseeing the maintenance of boating docks, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and related equipment. In collaboration with the program team, the Boating Program Head contributes to the planning and delivery of skill-based boating programs, cabin activities, and regularly scheduled camp-wide events. The position also provides leadership and support to staff, helping foster a safe and positive waterfront experience for all participants.

In this role, you will :

• Coordinate all boating programs, including direct program delivery as required, to ensure safe, engaging, and enjoyable experiences
• Plan all boating skill level blocks in alignment with YMCA Camp Pine Crest skill levels
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and other Program Heads to plan and lead camp-wide activities, section nights, and special events
• Assist with the planning and execution of all camp days and themed programs
• Provide leadership to YMCA staff by ensuring they understand how to contribute to a safe and positive waterfront experience for all participants, and promptly communicate concerns to the Waterfront Director
• Assist counsellors with cabin planning for boating activities
• Ensure administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time, including paperwork related to the boating area and any duties delegated by the Program Coordinator
• Monitor the safety of all waterfront activities and respond immediately to address any safety concerns; proactively maintain a safe and organized waterfront environment
• Supervise participants during boating activities and maintain responsibility for the waterfront environment; support supervision in other waterfront areas, including swimming and sailing as needed
• Perform lifeguarding duties during waterfront and boating blocks
• Build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Act as a positive role model for children, youth, and fellow staff by embodying the values of the YMCA and the guiding principles of Camp Pine Crest, YMCA policies and procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring :

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C, National Lifeguard Service (NLS), ORCKA Basic Instructor certification, and Pleasure Craft Operator Card by the first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of the contract
• ORCKA Kayak Instructor certification considered an asset
• Minimum two years’ experience working in a camp or aquatic / waterfront environment
• Ability to work effectively with others and independently to achieve optimal collective results
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to deliver feedback in a timely, professional, and constructive manner
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed :

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies : Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA .

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, , which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people / people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people / people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks .

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our and see about working at the YMCA.