Job Posting

Position Title: Waterfront Program Lead and Float Staff
Organization: The Pine Project
Location: Haliburton, Ontario
Position Type: Full-time, contract
Start Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023
End Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023
Hours: Overnight positions from Sunday to Saturday with scheduled days off
Compensation: $2,700 – $3,000 plus additional compensation dependent 

on certification and experience

About the Pine Project

The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization! We offer year-round nature connection programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area, including Outdoor School, March Break programs, and highly sought-after summer camps. Each year we engage with over 1,500 children, teens, families and adults. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature in a way that is hard to achieve in more conventional learning environments.

By helping children connect to nature and teaching adults to do the same, we inspire children to respect, cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem solvers and leaders. Check out our website – www.pineproject.org – for more info. 

Position Summary

The Pine Project is seeking Instructors to join our Red Wolf Overnight Wilderness Camp team. Unlike many overnight camps, Red Wolf Overnight Wilderness Camp takes place in a backcountry setting, with campers and staff living in tents, cooking over open fires, and living in harmony with the land. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with outdoor education experience, particularly backcountry and adventure-programming experience.

Working under the supervision of the Cultural Coordinator, The Waterfront Program Lead and Float Staff will be responsible for the management and supervision of the waterfront area. They will also get to see all the best parts of camp through creating and leading programs based on our core activities. Finally, float staff will help individual groups during designated programs, campsite and overnight blocks to help relieve staff and work with groups that require additional support. 

This position is all about delivering high-quality programs creatively and effectively to advance our mission and vision of a world where healthy people care for themselves, others and the natural environment.

Key Position Responsibilities: Waterfront Program Lead

• Set up waterfront area with considerations to safety, OCA standards, and programming needs
• Train staff on waterfront policies and expectations
• Familiarize yourself with and enforce all policies, procedures and routines for all waterfront activities including: Canoeing, Swimming, and special programs on the waterfront
• Setup waterfront activities with an eye to risk management and ease of supervision. Areas include: canoeing area, swimming area, campsite swim spots
• Monitor waterfront activities and regularly inspect equipment and processes for each activity
• Plan special activities at the waterfront with the guidance of the Cultural Coordinator
• Run emergency waterfront procedures and waterfront-specific training sessions during staff training week with the support of the Cultural Coordinator

Key Responsibilities: Float Staff

• Support Lead and Assistant staff by leading a variety of program blocks including: archery, nature walks, bushcraft sessions, crafting and nature immersion activities
• Relieve Lead and Assistant Instructors by taking over groups for designated program and overnight time blocks
• Facilitate positive learning and recreational experiences in nature with campers aged 7-14 
• Ensure social and physical well-being of all campers by preparing meals, managing risks and overseeing general group management
• Support Lead and Assistant instructors in managing groups of up to 12 campers 
• Support program planning, development, and prep/debrief meetings
• Develop camp culture by leading and participating in skits, songs, and games
• Mentor fellow staff in skill building and in taking on new roles to develop as a staff member
• Encourage camper development at their own pace, recognizing their achievements
• Respond appropriately when addressing challenging camper behaviours as they arise
• Participate in staff training week and camp take-down weekend
• Be prepared to work and live outdoors in all weather conditions
• Act in the best interest of all campers and staff in attendance
• Willingness to continuously learn relevant knowledge and skills related to program content and curriculum
• Familiarize yourself with and abide by all policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the staff handbook and emergency plans.

Requirements

• NLS Pool or NLS Waterfront
• Up-to-date Police Vulnerable Sectors Check (or willingness to obtain prior to employment)
• Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher (or willingness to obtain prior to employment)
• Up-to-date Wilderness First Aid certification (WFR/WAFA) (preferred)
• Extensive experience working with children in a mentorship role
• ORCKA Certifications and other outdoor certifications are an asset
• Experience working with children and youth with diverse learning needs 

The Pine Project understands that the cost of certifications can be a barrier to accessing employment in the outdoor industry. If you identify as a member of a disadvantaged or marginalized group, or have faced other systemic barriers to accessing employment, we may be able to subsidize one or all of the required certifications.

About you:

• Enthusiastic, outgoing, and flexible
• Able and willing to work as part of a team
• Have good communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Identify with Pine’s mission statement and core values
• Have the desire to further own naturalist/wilderness skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature connection through professional development opportunities 

It’d be great if you have experience in any of the following areas:

• Outdoor and environmental education
• Working in a lifeguarding or waterfront staff capacity
• Naturalist experience and knowledge
• Survival skills, wilderness experience
• Experience in water sport or swim instruction
• Experience with the Pine Project (e.g. volunteering, adult programs, participation in Outdoor School).

Application Procedure

There are two options to apply:

1. Submit a resume and cover letter to work@pineproject.org. Please refer to the “Waterfront Program Lead” or “Float Staff” position in the email subject line.

Your cover letter should be about one page in length and include:

• Where you saw this job posting
• Why you are interested in the Pine Project and the Waterfront Program Lead/Float Staff position
• A brief description of your relevant skills, experience and aptitudes
  • Applicants who do not meet all of the stated qualifications but have transferable skills, experiences or aptitudes are encouraged to apply and explain their relevance to the role in the cover letter.

1. Apply online here: https://pineprojectstaff.campbrainstaff.com/. The form will ask you about education and work experience (similar to a resume) and ask the above questions (similar to a cover letter)
   

Apply by January 9th, 2023

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please. 

The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment where team members feel empowered to express authentic ideas and experiences. 

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants with an interest in advancing our mission, vision and values. We especially encourage applications from members of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, women and/or LGBTQ2S+. If contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.