Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Harbourfront Centre is a leading cultural institution in Toronto, celebrated for its vibrant arts, culture, community and recreational programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we are committed to enriching the lives of diverse communities through creativity, innovation, connection and excellence. Currently, exciting seasonal employment opportunities exist in Harbourfront Centre Camps, one of Toronto’s largest, most diverse and creative day camps!
We are seeking a collaborative, organized and highly responsible Marine Camps Supervisor to oversee all aspects of our marine-focused summer camp programs, including Sailing, Canoeing, and Kayaking Camps. This position supervises and supports the Canoe/Kayak Head Instructors, Senior and Junior Instructors, Program Lead, Sailing Camp and Sailing Counsellors, ensuring smooth program delivery, safety, and a high-quality camper experience.
Position Title: Marine Camps Supervisor
Department: Education, Camps
Number of Vacancies: 1
Type of Employment: Seasonal contract, from early May to end of August 2026
Hours Of Work: Starting with part-time hours in May for initial training, changing later in June to an anticipated work schedule of 35-40 hours per week, taking place from Monday – Friday (training may be assigned on weekends)
Rate of Pay: $21.50 per hour
Work Location: On-site at our waterfront campus in Toronto
Summary of Function
Under the direction of the Assistant Manager, Camps and of the Camps Coordinator, the Marine Camps Supervisor supervises and supports the Canoe/Kayak Head Instructors, Senior and Junior Instructors, Program Lead, Sailing Camp, Sailing Counsellors and Sailing Head Instructor to ensure seamless program delivery, the upholding of safety standards and to provide a high-quality experience for all campers. This role also serves as the primary liaison between the Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre’s Sailing Camps and the Harbourfront Centre Camps team, ensuring clear communication, consistent safety standards, and cohesive programming across sites. Administrative responsibilities include staff training and evaluations, safety documentation, program monitoring, parent communication, attendance procedures and equipment inventory oversight (for Canoe/Kayak Camps). The ideal candidate has prior experience in marine, sailing, or paddling programs and demonstrates strong leadership, communication, diplomacy, organization, and safety management skills.
Duties
- Assist in training and development of marine program staff (Program Leads, Head Instructors, Counsellors, and Instructors).
- Supervise a team of marine staff ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality programming across all activities.
- Act as the key liaison between the Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre Sailing Camps and the Harbourfront Centre Camps team.
- Monitor and evaluate marine programs to ensure alignment with camp goals, safety standards, and program outcomes.
- Perform administrative tasks including staff evaluations, incident and safety reports, and parent communications.
- Conduct regular on-site check-ins at both marine and main camp locations.
- Support staff scheduling, daily assignments, and communication between marine and land-based teams.
- Ensure compliance with all safety and emergency procedures related to marine programming.
- Maintain accurate inventory of marine and safety equipment; identify repair or replacement needs (Canoe/Kayak Camps).
- Provide excellent customer service to campers, families, and staff, addressing elevated concerns professionally.
- Support professional development of staff and volunteers in marine programs.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and leadership planning.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support overall camp operations.
Requirements
- Currently studying or graduated from post-secondary education.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in a marine, sailing, paddling, or outdoor recreation camp environment.
- 1-2 years of leadership experience supervising staff or leading programs involving children and youth.
- Strong working knowledge of marine safety protocols and experience managing water-based group activities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional partnerships, navigating differences with diplomacy, tact, and clear communication.
- The following certifications are considered strong assets:
- Paddle Canada Instructor or equivalent certification
- Bronze Cross or higher lifesaving certification
- Toronto Inner Harbour License
- Harbourfront Paddling Operations Certification (HPOC) or equivalent
- Ability to coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to staff, fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.
- Commitment to youth development, outdoor learning, and safe recreation on the water.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrates punctuality, professionalism, and flexibility in a dynamic camp environment.
- Proficient in standard computer programs (MS Word, Excel, email).
- As a condition of employment, a current and valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification is required of the successful candidate. The cost of this certification is to be covered by the incumbent.
- As a condition of employment, a Criminal Background Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) is required of the successful candidate. The cost of this screening is to be covered by the incumbent.
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the seasonal contract.
- This role is based in Toronto. The candidate must be able to work on site at our lakeside campus.
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
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.
We invite qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume through the Harbourfront Centre Camps Recruitment Portal at https://harbourfrontcentre.campbrainstaff.com/ by February 16, 2026. You will be asked to create a profile and proceed to the application selection page.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.