Description
The Waterfront Director leads Camp Mah-Kee-Nac’s lake-based waterfront program, overseeing the safety, staff, equipment, and daily operation of all swimming and boating activities.
The program includes recreational swimming, swim instruction and testing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This role requires strong waterfront leadership, practical experience with motorized boats and watersports instruction, and knowledge of boat care and maintenance.
The Waterfront Director trains, supervises, and schedules waterfront staff, providing a safe, engaging experience for campers while maintaining compliance with Massachusetts regulations and American Camp Association (ACA)
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Risk Management: Establish and enforce lake and waterfront safety procedures in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health requirements, applicable boating regulations, ACA standards, and relevant certification guidelines. Coordinate swim tests and waterfront orientations for campers and staff. Lead regular emergency drills and maintain clear emergency response procedures.
Staff Supervision: Train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate lifeguards, boating instructors, and watersports staff. Ensure staff understand their responsibilities, maintain required supervision ratios, and follow consistent safety practices.
Motorized Boats & Watersports: Oversee the safe operation of motorized boats used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing. Train and assess authorized boat operators in safe driving, passenger supervision, towing procedures, and communication between drivers, spotters, and participants. Support staff in delivering watersports instruction appropriate to campers’ abilities.
Boat Care & Maintenance: Coordinate daily boat inspections, safe fueling, cleaning, equipment storage, and routine maintenance. Check engines, propellers, tow ropes, and other equipment for damage or wear. Maintain inspection records, report repair needs promptly, and remove unsafe equipment from use.
Inflatable Water Park: Oversee the safe operation of the lake’s inflatable water park, including daily inspections, anchoring and connection checks, setup, and storage. Train staff in supervision, safe use, participant limits, and emergency procedures. Monitor weather and lake conditions, and close individual elements or the water park when conditions or equipment are unsafe.
Program Development: Plan engaging swimming, boating, and watersports sessions that help campers develop skills and confidence. Coordinate daily activity rotations with the program team and adapt activities to weather, lake conditions, and camper ability.
Waterfront Operations & Equipment: Lead pre-season setup and post-season breakdown of docks, swimming boundaries, buoys, beach areas, and the boathouse. Inspect, inventory, and maintain life jackets, rescue equipment, sailboats, paddle craft, and watersports gear.
Requirements
In accordance with Massachusetts regulation 105 CMR 430.020, applicants must be at least 21 years old by the start of the camp session and have at least six weeks of management or supervisory experience at a similar aquatics area.
Experience supervising lake-based swimming and boating programs.
Practical experience operating motorized boats and delivering waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing activities.
Working knowledge of boat care, daily safety checks, safe fueling, and routine maintenance.
Current lifeguard certification with waterfront training, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Certifications must meet Massachusetts camp requirements and remain valid throughout employment.
Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification preferred.
Any boating credentials required for assigned boat-operation duties.
Strong leadership, communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work closely with the camp leadership team and create a positive, supportive environment for waterfront staff and campers.
