Summer Camps – Junior Instructor, Canoe/Kayak

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Harbourfront Centre is a leader in providing internationally renowned artistic, educational and recreational programming across a beautiful 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. For more than 45 years, Harbourfront Centre has celebrated the best in Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from around the world, presenting thousands of events annually from music festivals to contemporary dance, to craft and design, to visual arts and more. Welcoming visitors year-round, there is something for everyone at Harbourfront Centre!

Currently, exciting seasonal employment opportunities exist in Harbourfront Centre Camps, one of Toronto’s largest, most diverse and creative day camps.  

 

Position Title: Junior Instructor – Canoe/Kayak Summer Camps 

Department: Recreational Learning 

Number of Vacancies: 14 

Type of Employment: Seasonal contract

Duration: June-September 2023 (Training: June 26-30, 2023 / Camps: July 4-September 1, 2023) *dates subject to change

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

Rate of Pay: $16 per hour

 

Job Description:

Junior Instructors provide a fun and safe environment for the campers. Instructors will utilize the skills and abilities of the Junior Instructors to maintain the quality of programming and group dynamics. In the pre-camp season, Junior Instructors partake in leadership training and are expected to commit to paddling skill development. During the camp season, Junior Instructors are responsible for the well-being of up to 12 campers, as well as supporting Instructors during lessons and activities. 

 

Duties:

  • Attend pre-camp training and assist Instructors in delivery of training to Instructors-in-Training (IITs).
  • Gain and maintain adequate paddling skill level and knowledge to allow for quality instruction on and off-water.
  • Assist Instructors and Head Instructors in the facilitation of programming. 
  • Assist Instructors in supervising a camper group of up to 12 campers. 
  • Provide feedback and guidance to IITs.
  • Plan and facilitate camp games and activities.
  • Prepare boats prior to start of camp day, assist in cleaning and maintenance of boats, and putting away of boats at end of camp day.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

 

 Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age within the calendar year.
  • Canoeing and/or kayaking experience.
  • Ability to develop, organize and lead canoe/kayak programming.  
  • Ability to be responsible (punctual, prioritize safety of campers/other staff, etc.).
  • Ability to bring a positive attitude and enthusiasm to each day.
  • Must enjoy working with children and youth.
  • A Criminal Background Check (with Vulnerable Sector Screening) is required (over 18 years of age) or Statutory Declaration (under 18 years of age).
  • Harbourfront Centre recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic. Therefore, an offer of employment shall be conditional upon proof of full Covid-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Non-Canadian applicants must have a valid employment Visa and proper documentation authorizing their ability to work in Canada for the full duration of the contract.
  • Valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
  • Previous experience working with children or youth (babysitting, tutoring, camp, after-school programs, etc.) is desirable. 
  • Previous Harbourfront Centre Camps Instructor-in-Training is desirable.
  • Interest in furthering paddling skills and ability.
  • Bronze Cross, Canadian Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, or NLS is desirable.
  • Paddle Canada or ORCKA Instructor Certification in Canoeing and Kayaking (relevant courses will be offered prior to start of pre-camp training) is desirable. 

Working Conditions:

  • Exposure to inclement weather conditions during outdoor programs. 
  • Exposure to rigorous physical activity (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding). 
Apply

Our Values

Open
We’re friendly, welcoming and inclusive, with an experimental attitude that thrives on collaboration.

Brave
To achieve our bold ambition we empower and support imaginative risk and we always try to learn from our mistakes.

Rigorous
We are committed to excellence in all we do, ensuring every visitor encounter is safe, memorable and enriching.

Kind
We value and respect each other and all our visitors, celebrating difference and striving to realise potential.

How To Apply

Harbourfront Centre’s Camps team is committed to advancing our efforts in equity, diversity and inclusion. We are passionate about learning and 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, colour, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, creed, citizenship, or disability. We strive for a barrier free recruitment process and as such, encourage applicants to request accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.   

Qualified applicants are invited to apply through the Harbourfront Centre Camps Recruitment Portal by March 31, 2023. You will be asked to create a profile and will be taken to the application selection page.  

Our staff team is one of the things that makes our Camps programs so unique.  If you’re looking for new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth, this is the place for you! We are dedicated to building a future that better serves our communities—a diverse staff team is essential in achieving this goal. When submitting your application, we encourage applicants to clearly self-identify in your application if you are a member of an equity-seeking group. We genuinely look forward to receiving your application!