Boat Driver (Summer Staff)

University of North Texas at Dallas; California; On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YSSC seeks a Boat Driver to ensure safety on Bass Lake and the pool, supervise campers, and support the boating program. Responsibilities include operating boats, teaching water activities, and maintaining equipment with safety as the priority.

The role requires First Aid/CPR, lifeguard certification, California boat license, and the ability to work outdoors 6–8 hours daily, including physical tasks and emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Hold current First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Knowledge of boating etiquette and rules of the road.
• Operate ski boats and pontoon boats in hot, sunny environments for up to 6–8 hrs daily.
• Complete YSSC Ski Instructor and Watercraft Training Course.
• Pass the California For-hire Boat License during staff training.
• Hold current lifeguard certification for pool and lakefront and swim 1,000 yards.
• Be able to respond quickly to unsafe conditions for campers and staff.
• Be able to walk over rough terrain and lift/carry up to 40 lbs.
• Be able to articulate a personal faith in God and forgiveness of sin.

Responsibilities

• Drive boat for up to two activity periods per day (about 2 hours per period).
• Instruct campers in water-skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding and banana boating.
• Ensure campers’ safety by enforcing life jacket use, sun screen, hydration, and safety rules.
• Perform daily boat prep including inspections, fueling, cleaning, etc.
• Assist with bi-weekly maintenance of watercrafts, oil changes, tuning, cleaning, and ski equipment.
• As requested, serve as lifeguard at swimming pool or lake.
• As requested, drive for scheduled waterski outings with fellow YSSC staff.

Skills

First Aid/CPR

Boating safety rules

Watercraft operation

Water skiing/wakeboarding

Ski Instructor Training

California boat license

Lifeguard certification

Emergency response

Physical fitness

Job description

Overview:
The boat driver is a member of the Program staff and reports to the Head Boat Driver. The Boat Driver’s primary responsibility is safety, both at Bass Lake and at the YSSC swimming pool, and supervision of campers. Boat Drivers, like all other YSSC staff, will participate in the general camp program and strive to help accomplish the purpose of YSSC.

Responsibilities to the Boating Program:
1. Abide by the laws and rules mandated by Madera County and the State of California, and accreditation standards required by the American Camp Association
2. Drive boat for up to two activities periods/day (approximately 2 hours per activity period)
3. Instruct campers in water-skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding and banana boating fundamentals ensuring that each camper gets equal time participating in water activities
4. Ensure campers’ safety at all times by enforcing use of life jackets, sun screen, hydration and adherence to all boat/lake/pool safety rules
5. Perform daily boat prep including inspections, fueling, cleaning, etc.
6. Assist with bi-weekly maintenance of watercrafts, i.e., oil changes, minor tune up, cleaning and vacuuming, maintenance of ski equipment
7. As requested, serve as lifeguard at swimming pool or lake
8. As requested, drive for scheduled waterski outings fellow YSSC staff

Responsibility to the General Program:
1. Participate in all-camp special events, games, and campfires, inspiring camper participation and general “camp magic.”
2. Support counseling staff by developing cabin and camper relationships as a “Cabin Buddy” (optional)
3. As requested, serve as a rotating counselor or provide camper supervision when needed
4. As requested, assist with camper airport pick-ups and bus chaperoning

Qualifications:
1. Hold current First Aid/CPR Certification/documentation
2. Knowledge of common boating courtesy and “rules of the road”
3. Ability to operate various watercrafts, i.e., ski boats and pontoon boat in hot, sunny environments for up to 6-8 hrs per day. Previous boating, skiing and wakeboarding experience desired.
4. Successful completion of the YSSC Ski Instructor and Watercraft Training Course (at camp)
5. Successful passing of the California For-hire Boat License (done during staff training).
6. Hold current lifeguard certification/documentation for swimming pool and lakefront, including ability to swim 1,000 yards consecutively.
7. Be able to respond quickly to unsafe conditions for campers and/or staff including during emergencies
8. Be able to walk over rough terrain and lift/carry up to 40 lbs
9. Be able to articulate a personal faith in God and forgiveness of sin based on salvation by grace through the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Helpful Reminders:
1. Be a servant leader.
2. Be flexible and have a “can do” attitude.
3. Be dependable and on time.
4. Be diligent in your daily time with God.