CJG-Program Specialist II

YMCA of Greater San Francisco; La Honda (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco in California seeks a Resident Camp Program Specialist II to work with Cabin Leaders, creating a safe, engaging camp experience. You will lead activities such as climbing, zip lining, archery, canoeing, hiking, and crafts, while mentoring less experienced staff.

Staff reside on-site during camp sessions, providing supervision, meals, evening activities, and overnight coverage.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• One 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 resident camp environment, including evenings and overnight responsibilities.
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging youth activities in areas such as arts, culture, health and wellness, outdoor education, recreation, or related fields.
• Current YMCA-approved First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate advanced-level activities, including climbing, zip lining, archery, canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts, with a focus on safety, skill development, and engagement.
• Assist in planning and leading evening programs and camp-wide events.
• Set up, maintain, and break down program areas, ensuring equipment is safe, organized, and properly managed.
• Mentor, coach, and support less experienced Program Specialists and Cabin Leaders.
• Serve as a positive role model and resource for camp staff.

Skills

Youth development

Outdoor activities

Camp supervision

First Aid/CPR

Job description

• Base Pay $695.75 - $695.75 / Week
• Job Category Resident Camp
• Employee Type Hourly - Full Time TEMP

Description

Careers by E mpowering Futures, Building Communities

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 II works alongside Cabin Leaders to create a safe, supportive, and engaging camp experience for participants while providing advanced program leadership and staff support. This role lives in a cabin community with campers and staff, leads specialized camp activities such as climbing, zip lining, archery, canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts, and helps plan and facilitate evening programs and camp-wide events. The Program Specialist II serves as a resource and mentor to less experienced staff, supports camper well-being and positive development, and helps maintain safe, organized, and inclusive program environments.

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

Participant Experience & Youth Development

• Collaborate with Cabin Leaders to support camper well-being and deliver a cohesive camp experience.
• Build respectful and meaningful relationships with campers, families, and staff.
• Support campers in understanding and appreciating their environment.
• Recognize and encourage personal growth, skill development, and positive behavior.
• Provide responsive service to program participants, ensuring their needs are met.

Program Leadership & Activity Facilitation

• Facilitate advanced-level activities, including climbing, zip lining, archery, canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts, with a focus on safety, skill development, and engagement.
• Assist in planning and leading evening programs and camp-wide events.
• Set up, maintain, and break down program areas, ensuring equipment is safe, organized, and properly managed.
• Mentor, coach, and support less experienced Program Specialists and Cabin Leaders.
• Serve as a positive role model and resource for camp staff.

Cabin Supervision & Resident Camp Responsibilities

• Supervise and live with a cabin group, following the camp schedule and supporting campers' daily needs.
• Provide cabin support as assigned, including assisting Cabin Leaders with camper supervision.
• Maintain appropriate behavior guidance practices consistent with camp policies and standards.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure the health, hygiene, and safety of all campers.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA, ACA, and applicable regulatory standards to maintain a safe camp environment.
• Maintain professional judgment and appropriate conduct in all interactions.

Administrative & Documentation

• Accurately complete and submit required documentation, including incident reports, health logs, activity records, and timecards.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• One 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 of diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and age groups.
• Ability to live and work in a resident camp environment, including evenings and overnight responsibilities.
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging youth activities in areas such as arts, culture, health and wellness, outdoor education, recreation, or related fields.
• Ability to safely participate in and support outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfront, and adventure-based programs.
• Current YMCA-approved First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• One or more seasons of experience working at a resident or overnight camp; YMCA overnight camp experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating specialized outdoor, recreational, or adventure-based programming.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supporting less experienced staff or volunteer

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 II position offers weekly compensation of $695.75 per week. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position