Outdoor Program Instructor / Ocean Lifeguard - Camp Surf

Carry out the responsibilities of an Ocean Lifeguard and Program Instructor throughout the applicable Overnight Camp program season. For Ocean Lifeguard; successful in the completion of all aspects of certification in USLA, CPR (BLS), ASHI Advanced First Aid, and passing (2) monthly in-services per month specific to physical ability and ocean rescue & first aide/CPR knowledge. For Program Instructor, Teach outdoor/natural history classes, recreational activities, and/or other camp programming for groups in the overnight camp program setting. Provide supervision and excellent customer service to all participants, know and enforce safety rules, care for equipment and facilities, and work well as a member of the camp community. Ensure a program environment is welcoming, genuine and nurturing for all participants and guests.

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

Season dates: March 1 - May 29, 2026 

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older and have obtained high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR-Pro O2 and First Aid from one of the following certifying organization: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute
• Successful completion of on-site USLA Open Water Guarding certification and monthly in-service drills and training
• Successful completion of on-site ASHI Advanced First Aid course and monthly in-service drills and training
• Experience working with youth in Outdoor Education, Overnight Camp, Day Camp or like setting preferred
• Good customer service and communication skills when interacting with children, parents and the community
• Certification or experience in the following preferred: climbing, camping, archery, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, sailing kayaking and scuba diving
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including: standing, hiking and/or climbing for extended periods of time
• Ability to teach and lead activities
• Must be able to live on-site during program season
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned needs to be included to all roles

• Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR-Pro O2 and First Aid from one of the following certifying organization: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute
• Successful completion of on-site USLA Open Water Guarding certification and monthly in-service drills and training
• Successful completion of on-site ASHI Advanced First Aid course and monthly in-service drills and training
• Experience working with youth in Outdoor Education, Overnight Camp, Day Camp or like setting preferred
• Good customer service and communication skills when interacting with children, parents and the community
• Certification or experience in the following preferred: climbing, camping, archery, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, sailing kayaking and scuba diving
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including: standing, hiking and/or climbing for extended periods of time
• Ability to teach and lead activities
• Must be able to live on-site during program season
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures