Application Deadline: March 7, 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 a few energetic, collaborative and dependable Head Instructors, Canoe/Kayak to oversee all aspects of the Canoe and Kayak summer camp program and its daily operations, as well as to provide ongoing support to staff and campers on the water.
Position Title: Head Instructor, Canoe/Kayak
Department: Education, Camps
Number of Vacancies: 2
Type of Employment: Seasonal contract, from May – August 2025. Training starting in May 2025 (part-time hours) with an increase to a regular work schedule in June. Camps run from June 30 -August 30, 2025.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, up to 35-40 hours per week (training may be assigned on weekends)
Rate of Pay: $20.50 per hour
Work Location: On-site at our waterfront campus in Toronto
Job Description
The Head Instructor, Canoe/Kayak collaborates closely with the Manager, Camps, the Camps Coordinator, and the Program Supervisor to oversee all aspects of the Canoe and Kayak summer camp program and its daily operations, while also providing ongoing support to staff and campers on the water. Working as a team, this role designs and implements staff training and programming, ensuring that Harbourfront Centre Camps’ high standards of quality, safety, and inclusivity are consistently upheld. This role also shares responsibilities for managing a team of instructors and counselors, acting as the key liaison between the Supervisor and the instructional team. In the pre-camp season, Head Instructors will assist with the hiring, training, and development of staff, as well as the creation of camp programming. During the camp season, they will be responsible for supervising the well-being of both campers and staff, coordinating the day-to-day operations with the Supervisor, and providing hands-on support to ensure a safe and enriching experience on the water.
Duties
- Train and develop Instructors and Counsellors to ensure they are prepared for the demands of their roles, focusing on:
-
- Program planning and design for both on-water and on-land instruction.
-
- Developing programming and resources that meet camp objectives.
-
- Ensuring the quality and content of relevant knowledge, instruction, and canoe/kayak skills.
-
- Group leadership and staff management.
-
- On-water safety management.
- Manage camper behavior by addressing and resolving issues in a positive and consistent manner, ensuring campers are engaged, respectful, and following camp rules.
- Supervise a team of 10 Instructors, 10 Junior Instructors, and volunteers (Instructors-in-Training), ensuring smooth operations.
- Support the development of volunteers (Instructors-in-Training) alongside the Leadership Supervisor.
- Handle administrative tasks, including evaluations, incident reports, parent newsletters, and other documentation.
- Monitor and evaluate programming throughout the summer to ensure it aligns with camp goals and standards.
- Conduct regular check-ins and meetings with Instructors and Counsellors (on land) to provide ongoing support and guidance.
- Lead emergency procedures, ensuring the safety of campers and staff and responding quickly to critical situations.
- Oversee camper drop-off, pick-up, and travel transitions, ensuring smooth processes for campers.
- Provide excellent customer service to campers, families, and staff, addressing concerns and escalating issues when needed.
- Assist with ensuring safety during emergency procedures for both campers and staff.
- Coordinate and facilitate staff social events to enhance team morale.
- Perform other duties as required to support camp operations.
Requirements
- Currently studying in post-secondary education in fields such as education, physical education, recreation, or a related field, or have equivalent experience.
- 2-3 years of experience working with or supervising children and youth in a camp, daycare, or educational setting (day or overnight).
- 2-3 years of demonstrated experience directly leading marine/swim programs and/or educational programs for children and youth.
- Experience in one of the specialized disciplines: swimming/lifesaving, canoeing, kayaking, paddle sports, etc.
- Experience in developing lesson and activity plans for swimming and/or on-the-water activities.
- Previous supervision experience of staff or volunteers in a camp or recreational setting.
- Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback to staff, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring top performance.
- Consistently brings a positive, energetic attitude to the workplace, creating a motivating and supportive environment.
- Capable of working independently, taking ownership of tasks, and managing daily responsibilities effectively while prioritizing tasks.
- A strong sense of punctuality and strong organizational skills, efficiently handling email/phone correspondence, balancing time constraints, and maintaining schedules.
- Must enjoy engaging with and supporting the development of children and youth in a camp setting.
- 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).
-
- Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
-
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
- A Criminal Background Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check) is required as a condition of employment (cost covered by the candidate).
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. International applicants must have a valid employment visa to work in Canada on a full-time, ongoing basis.
- This role is based in Toronto, and the candidate must be able to work on-site at our lakeside campus.
- Physical Requirements: Exposure to inclement weather conditions during programs and rigorous physical activity, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
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 7, 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.