Lifeguard​/Swim Instructor - Club; Youth & Family Programs​/Seasonal

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor - Club (Youth & Family Programs)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua’s Boys and Girls Club is the longest running summer day camp in the United States. The program serves youth from second grade to tenth grade and includes field activities, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, nature, crafts, individual and team sports, music, and the arts. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–4 p.m., Monday–Friday.

Compensation for this position starts at $17.50 per hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, can be up to $21.00 per hour.

• Create a safe, welcoming environment in which all program participants, staff members, and families can fully participate.
• Maintain constant surveillance of program participants, staff members, and other guests in/around the waterfront.
• Understand and enforce all waterfront rules and regulations.
• Respond immediately and appropriately in case of an emergency.
• Administer proper first aid when needed at waterfront activities.
• Attend weekly in-service training to maintain rescue skills.
• Provide swim lesson instruction as a progressive swim instructor.
• Provide instruction for operation of canoes and kayaks.
• Understand and comply with policies and procedures set forth by Chautauqua Institution and regulations determined by New York State as related to operating a licensed children's camp.
• May be asked to provide supervision with a camper group during times when staff are limited in order to maintain ratios set by NYS regulations.
• May support facilitation of land-based activities for campers who do not wish to participate in aquatic activities.

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is designed to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. The program provides a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90 days from the first physical date of work. For seasonal positions (less than 6 months), the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30 days from the first physical date of work until the closing date of the season.

The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules for seasonal employment during summer operations from June to August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) or beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

Typically, this position is scheduled Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (about 35 hours per week). Hours may vary based on business needs. A mandatory in-person three-day staff training session is scheduled the week before the first day of operations. There may be opportunities to work additional hours in Youth & Family Programs outside of this position; this will be discussed during the interview.

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on-site or assist with locating nearby housing based on business needs. Housing is not guaranteed for many positions and may be at a cost. Employer-provided housing options may be available with this position.

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on significant issues through engagement across arts, education, religion, and recreation. The community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and is active each summer with arts, lectures, interfaith programs, and recreational activities. The Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan. We are committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on any status protected by law. We especially welcome applications from individuals with IDEA experience, engagement, and professional expertise.

Join our talent community online /employment. Learn more about Chautauqua Institution  and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan .org.