Waterfront Head

Eagle's Nest Camp; Pisgah Forest (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-campus housing

Meals included

Professional discounts

Staff lounge

Laundry facilities

Job summary

Eagle’s Nest Camp in Pisgah Forest, NC is seeking a Waterfront Head who can supervise lifeguard staff, teach swimming, and ensure safe water activities during the summer season. The role requires leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to providing an inclusive, kid-centered camp experience.

Responsibilities include overseeing aquatic safety, coordinating emergency drills, teaching swim classes, and helping recruit and mentor waterfront staff.

Qualifications

• Waterfront Head must be at least 21 years old and hold CPR and Waterfront Lifeguard Certifications.
• Experience leading guard teams strongly preferred.
• Water Safety Instructor Certification and swim-instruction experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach swimming curriculum
• Assist in leading staff in-service trainings and emergency response drills
• Ensure compliance with Eagle’s Nest Camp operating procedures, and overseeing the safety of all waterfront activities and the equipment used.
• The Waterfront Director must be able to work well on a team and give/receive feedback graciously. Other camp duties, such as being a cabin counselor, may be required.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Outdoor education

Education

CPR Certification

Waterfront Lifeguard Certification

Job description

Waterfront Head, Lifeguards and Swimming Teachers

Eagle’s Nest Camp, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

Seasonal

Do you value kindness, inclusion, nature, and community? Are you looking to build your resume while also building character and meaningful relationships? Come play, learn, teach, and create memories in Pisgah Forest as a counselor at Eagle’s Nest Camp. We are looking for hard-working, FUN folks to create magic, be role models, and explore the outdoors with our campers. Eagle’s Nest Camp is a place where campers and counselors grow in confidence, independence, and become the best versions of themselves. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are plenty. Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.

Who We Are:

Eagle’s Nest Camp is non-profit, overnight camp located on 200 acres of wooded land in the lush mountains of Western North Carolina, just southwest of Asheville and down the road from Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. Since 1927, we’ve provided a joyful, inclusive community where campers ages 6 to 18 are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Campers have the opportunity to participate in 1 to 3-week long sessions that emphasize community living while choosing to take classes in visual and performing arts, athletics, appreciation of nature, outdoor adventure, horseback riding, and more. Our population is diverse and smaller in size than most camps, which allows our campers and staff to feel seen, heard, and valued no matter how long they attend camp!

Responsibilities:

• Teach swimming curriculum
• Assist in leading staff in-service trainings and emergency response drills
• Ensure compliance with Eagle’s Nest Camp operating procedures, and overseeing the safety of all waterfront activities and the equipment used.
• The Waterfront Director must be able to work well on a team and give/receive feedback graciously. Other camp duties, such as being a cabin counselor, may be required.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and one full day off each week, plus nights off and lunches out.
• On-campus housing.
• Delicious, home-cooked meals (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options*).
• Professional discounts on outdoor gear and equipment.
• Staff lounge with wifi.
• Access to laundry facilities provided.

*While we provide gluten-free options, we are not a gluten-free certified kitchen. Our kitchen handles wheat and gluten products.

Dates:

Position is from mid May to August 9th, 2027

Working at Eagle’s Nest Camp can be a great option for internship credit. During your time at Eagle’s Nest Camp, you will build meaningful job preparation skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, work ethic, flexibility, and more. We can work with you and your advisors to meet your internship requirements. We can also help you craft an individual internship that will meet your goals. Past internships have included Outdoor Recreation Management, logistics, non-profit leadership, and cooking. For more information about completing an internship at Eagle’s Nest Camp, reach out to Lia Messersmith at [e-mail].

Required Qualifications:

Waterfront Head must be at least 21 years old and hold CPR and Waterfront Lifeguard Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Extensive guard experience with leadership roles. Water Safety Instructor Certification. Experience teaching swim lessons.