Senior Instructors, Canoe/Kayak, Camps 2025

Harbourfront Centre, on Toronto’s waterfront, is an innovative non-profit cultural organization which creates events and activities of excellence for a diverse public that enliven, educate and entertain. Currently, exciting seasonal employment opportunities exist in Harbourfront Centre Camps, one of Toronto’s largest, most diverse and creative day camps!

As such, we are seeking energetic, love-being-on-the-water and responsible Senior Instructors, Canoe/Kayak to join our team to plan and facilitate daily canoe/kayak programming.

 

Position Title: Senior Instructor, Canoe/Kayak Camps 

Department: Education, Camps 

Number of Vacancies: 10 

Type of Employment: Seasonal contract, from June – September 2025. Mandatory Training: June 23-27, 2025, with a regular work schedule from June 30-August 29, 2025, expect for statutory holidays. 

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, up to 35-40 hours per week (training may be assigned on weekends)

Rate of Pay: $19.00 per hour 

Work Location: On-site at our waterfront campus in Toronto

 

Job Description

Under the direction of the Head Instructors, Canoe/Kayak, the Senior Instructor, Canoe/Kayak will be responsible for creating a positive, fun, and safe environment for campers. The incumbent will lead activities, provide supervision, and ensure the well-being of all campers throughout their camp experience. In the pre-camp season, this role partakes in leadership training and is expected to commit to paddling skill development. During the camp season, Senior Instructors, Canoe/Kayak are responsible for the well-being of up to 12 campers, as well as supporting Junior Instructors and Instructors in Training during lessons and activities. This role will include fostering teamwork, promoting camp values, and offering guidance and support to campers.  

 

Duties

• Attend pre-camp training and assist Head Instructors in training of Junior Instructors and Instructors-in-Training (IITs).
• Develop and maintain strong paddling skill level and knowledge to effectively teach and demonstrate techniques for both on-water and off-water activities.
• Oversee a camper group of up to 12 campers while working alongside the Junior Instructors and IITs. Help to supervise groups of up to 12 campers, ensuring safety, engagement and adherence to camp rules. 
• Plan and facilitate daily canoe/kayak programming, as well as organize, facilitate and supervise camp games and activities that promote fun, teamwork, and physical activity.
• Prepare daily materials and/or equipment.
• Provide feedback and guidance to Junior Instructors and IITs. 
• Assist in the preparation of boats prior to start of camp day, cleaning and maintenance and putting away of boats at end of camp day. 
• Take ownership of staff and camper safety during an emergency procedure. Lead emergency procedures, ensuring the safety of all campers and staff, and act quickly during critical situations. 
• Participate in pre-camp training and support Instructors in preparing IITs, covering camp expectations, safety protocols, and instructional techniques.
• Support Instructors and Head Instructors in planning and delivering activities, ensuring smooth execution and a positive camp environment. 
• Manage daily attendance, evaluations, and incident reports, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with camp protocols. 
• Address camper concerns and provide updates to parents as needed, ensuring open and effective communication. 
• Ensure smooth drop-off and pick-up procedures, creating a welcoming atmosphere for campers and parents. 
• Address and manage camper behavior in a positive and consistent manner, ensuring campers are engaged, respectful, and following camp rules.  
• Provide respectful assistance with toileting for campers who require support, maintaining privacy and dignity.
• Take on additional tasks as needed to ensure the overall success of camp operations. 

 

Requirements 

• Must be at  least 18 years of age within the calendar year.
• Completed or working towards a secondary school diploma. 
• Interest in pursuing post-secondary education in fields such as education, physical education, recreation, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with children and youth, childcare, camp counseling, or a similar field is considered an asset.  
• Leadership experience in coaching, recreational/ sports teams, volunteering, school clubs etc. 
• Experience with recreational water sports (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.) and interest in furthering paddling skills and ability. 
• Passion for working with children and helping them grow in a positive environment. 
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Able to consistently bring a positive, energetic attitude to the workplace, fostering a motivating and supportive environment. 
• A team player and multi-tasker who enjoys collaboration and can handle multiple tasks at once.
• Previous Harbourfront Centre Camps Instructor-in-Training- in sailing or canoe and kayak is considered an asset. 
• Certifications (required prior to the start of training):
  • Bronze Cross, Canadian Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, and/or NLS certification.
  • Paddle Canada or ORCKA Instructor Certification in Canoeing and Kayaking (relevant courses will be offered before pre-camp training).
  • A valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification. 
• As a condition of employment, a Criminal Background Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) is required of the successful candidate (over 18 years of age). The cost of this screening is to be covered by the incumbent;    
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. All international applicants must have a valid employment Visa authorizing their ability to work in Canada for the duration of the contract.  
• This role is based in Toronto. The candidate must be able to work on site at our lakeside campus. 
• Must be comfortable and able to work outdoors where there is exposure to inclement weather conditions during programs and must be able to sustain rigorous physical activity, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

Apply

Our Values

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.

How To Apply

We invite qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume through the Harbourfront Centre Camps Recruitment Portal at https://harbourfrontcentre.campbrainstaff.com/ by no later than March 21, 2025.You will be asked to create a profile and proceed to the application selection page.

Harbourfront Centre’s Camps team is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are passionate about supporting participants of all ages and abilities in their growth and development. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of race, ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, color, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, creed, citizenship, or disability. We are committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and invite applicants to request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.