Lead Lifeguard

Company: YMCA of Columbia Willamette
Location: Gresham
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: YMCA OF COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE Position Title: Specialty Counselor, Aquatics Location/Branch: Camp Collins Department: Summer Camp Supervisor: Senior Program Director Full Time/Part Time: Seasonal The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is a mission driven organization, which seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about our mission and vision. We do this by putting the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into practice. Objective: Under Supervision of the Sr. Program Director, the Aquatics Coordinator plans, organizes, and implements the different aquatic activities at YMCA Camp Collins in a manner that is consistent with the staff code of conduct and the philosophy, goals, and objectives of YMCA Camp Collins. Job Responsibilities: Work with the senior program director to plan, organize and implement the Aquatics program. Ensure the safety, well-being and personal growth of staff and campers. Responsible for overall team operation: safety, activity development, scheduling, quality of activities, staff evaluations and coordination of Specialties. Be an active and supportive member of the Leadership Team. Aquatic activities at Camp Collins consist of pool, tubing, rafting, and river swims. Job Specifics: Incorporate and Model our YMCA Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into your work. Commit to establishing long-term relationships with staff, volunteers, campers and families. Support Staff through building authentic relationships, coaching and evaluations (formal and informal), following up on camper behavior management, supporting staff through challenging situations, following through with commitments, helping staff grow professionally and personally, maintaining positive relationships throughout the summer, and serving as a liaison between staff and Leadership Team. Ensure the Physical and Emotional Safety of Every Camper Leadership Team: Demonstrate professional role modeling at all times, work to establish and maintain positive relationships with leadership team members, communicate regularly with senior program director, and complete a thorough end of summer report. Supervise lifeguards and pool maintenance. Leadership Team Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: · Minimum Age 19 · First Aid Certification · Adult, Child & Infant CPR and AED Certification · ACA Recognized Lifeguard Certification · Must pass YMCA background check Preferred Qualifications: · Experience working with youth · 2 years of camping experience or combination of youth program and supervisory experience. · Driver’s License with clean driving record · Lifeguard Instructor and/or Certified Pool Operator certifications Essential Functions: · Requires strong communication skills, positive attitude, initiative, flexibility, dependability, creativity and ability to work and problem solve as a team player. · Mental and physical ability to deal with high stress situations and work well under pressure. · Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently. · Ability to support and connect with campers and staff. · Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical abilities to act swiftly in an emergency situation. · Knowledge of/practical experience in: cabin leadership, camper psychology, peer leadership and supervision; staff management & motivation. · Ability and willingness to learn on the job in an environment that changes quickly. · Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Key Results: Demonstrates in word and action the Y’s Christian principles of love, honesty, respect, responsibility and service and a commitment to the Y’s vision and mission. Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Assesses, minimizes and prevents risk, practices consideration for the safety of others, adheres to Association standards of proper notification of incidents and care of the work environment and equipment, identifies and responds to circumstances appropriately. Meets attendance expectations, follows Association procedures for requesting and documenting absences, is punctual, reliable, and adaptable, takes initiative, and accepts responsibility. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills, perceives, understands and manages interactions appropriately, is accountable for own actions, capitalizes on learning opportunities, and is open to performance feedback and coaching. 10. Demonstrates compliance in the following areas: Collaboration, employee paperwork, performance evaluations, personnel policies, and procedures i.e. dress code, code of conduct. Attends mandatory trainings and meetings, acquires and maintains required certifications for current position. 11. Supports Staff: creates clear expectations, conducts weekly in-service trainings, help staff develop creative and age-appropriate activities and teaching methods. 12. Demonstrates professional role modeling at all times. Works to establish and maintain positive relationships with team members. Fulfills leadership team duty responsibilities. Requirements:

Keywords: YMCA of Columbia Willamette, Gresham , Lead Lifeguard, Hospitality & Tourism , Gresham, Oregon