CJG-Program Specialist I

YMCA of Greater San Francisco; La Honda (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater San Francisco is seeking a Resident Camp Program Specialist I to live on-site and work with cabin groups, delivering a range of outdoor activities and supporting camper well-being. The role requires caring leadership in a residential camp setting and a commitment to safety and inclusivity.

The position involves evening hours, overnight responsibilities, and collaboration with other staff to create a positive camp experience for youth across diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• One (1) or more years of experience working with youth in educational, recreational, camp, sports, mentoring, volunteer, or related settings
• Ability to live and work in a residential camp setting, including evenings and overnight responsibilities
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging activities for youth in areas such as arts, culture, health and wellness, outdoor education, recreation, or related fields
• Ability to participate in and safely support outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfront, and adventure-based programs
• YMCA approved First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Live with and supervise an assigned cabin group, following the camp schedule and supporting campers throughout daily activities and routines.
• Collaborate with Cabin Leaders and other staff to support camper well‑being and create a positive camp experience.
• Ensure camper health, hygiene, and safety at all times.
• Plan, facilitate, and supervise camp activities across climbing tower, zip line, archery, canoeing, hiking, arts and crafts.
• Set up, inspect, maintain, and break down program areas and equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with campers, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Complete and submit required documentation, including incident reports and time records, accurately and on time.

Skills

Youth programs

Residential camp living

First Aid CPR

Job description

• Base Pay $632.50 - $632.50 / Week
• Job Category Resident Camp
• Employee Type Hourly - Full Time TEMP

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Resident Camp Program Specialist I works closely alongside Cabin Leaders to create a safe, engaging, and enjoyable camp environment. This role involves living in a cabin with campers and fellow staff while facilitating specialized activities such as the climbing tower, zip line, archery, canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts for campers and user groups. Responsibilities also include collaborating with Cabin Leaders to support camper well‑being, setting up and breaking down program areas, assisting with evening programs, and providing additional cabin support as needed.

Staff reside on-site and provide supervision, guidance, and support to campers throughout assigned camp sessions, including program periods, meals, evening activities, and overnight hours, as assigned.

Program dates are June 1, 2027 through August 14, 2027

Job Responsibilities

Camper Supervision and Well-Being

• Live with and supervise an assigned cabin group, following the camp schedule and supporting campers throughout daily activities and routines.
• Collaborate with Cabin Leaders and other staff to support camper well‑being and create a positive camp experience.
• Ensure camper health, hygiene, and safety at all times.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all campers.
• Recognize and encourage positive behavior, personal growth, and skill development.
• Implement behavior management practices consistent with camp policies and procedures.

Program Delivery

• Plan, facilitate, and supervise camp activities that promote personal growth, teamwork, and social development.
• Lead or assist with specialized program areas, including climbing tower, zip line, archery, canoeing, hiking, arts and crafts, and other assigned activities.
• Support campers in developing an appreciation for the natural environment and outdoor experiences.
• Assist with evening programs, special events, and all-camp activities.

Operations and Facilities

• Set up, inspect, maintain, and break down program areas and equipment to ensure safe operation and readiness.
• Assist with cabin operations and other camp duties as assigned.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned program and living areas.

Relationship Building and Customer Service

• Build and maintain positive relationships with campers, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication in all interactions.

Compliance and Administration

• Adhere to YMCA, American Camp Association (ACA), and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and standards.
• Complete and submit required documentation, including incident reports, health logs, activity records, and time records, accurately and on time.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and camper welfare issues according to established procedures.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• One (1) or more years of experience working with youth in educational, recreational, camp, sports, mentoring, volunteer, or related settings
• Ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and age groups .
• Ability to live and work in a residential camp setting, including evenings and overnight responsibilities
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging activities for youth in areas such as arts, culture, health and wellness, outdoor education, recreation, or related fields
• Ability to participate in and safely support outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfront, and adventure-based programs
• YMCA approved First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position works and resides in a residential camp setting for the duration of assigned camp sessions. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including sun, heat, cold, wind, and rain. The position involves direct interaction with campers and staff throughout the day and evening and may require working extended hours, weekends, and overnight shifts. The work environment includes recreational facilities, outdoor program areas, waterfronts, hiking trails, dining facilities, and cabin living areas.

The position requires the ability to actively participate in and supervise camp activities throughout the day. Duties may include walking on uneven terrain, hiking, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or carrying equipment and supplies. The employee must be able to respond quickly to emergencies, assist campers as needed, and safely participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, archery, climbing, and other camp programs.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Program Specialist I position offers weekly compensation of $632.50 per week. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position