Lifeguard

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About Mass Audubon Camps
Imagine a place where children can develop their interest in the outdoors, play together, and gain comfort and confidence in the natural world. That place is Mass Audubon's summer camp programs. Each day, campers explore and learn in nature, meet new friends, play games, and have fun! Do you want to share your love of nature and build community? Consider joining our camp staff!

About This Position
Lifeguards are staff who work closely with the Waterfront Director to ensure the safe, engaging operation of Wildwood’s waterfront activities and programs. Wildwood operates a variety of small craft including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats as well as free swim every day.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Waterfront Director with waterfront operations
• Assist with pre-camp training and in-service training of waterfront staff
• Perform duties of the Waterfront Director when they are not present including lead emergency procedures as needed; supervise waterfront activities and staff
• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff, and make independent safety decisions when needed
• Act as a full participant in the Wildwood community
  • Abide by all Wildwood and Mass Audubon policies and procedures
  • Lead spontaneous activities during unstructured times
  • Complete evening security duties as assigned
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.

Required qualifications as per New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Must have current Lifeguarding Certification
• Must have current or recently expired (within one year) Waterfront Skills Certification OR be willing to obtain before the start of the summer
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• Be willing to work in all weather conditions including: heat, sun, humidity and rain
• Physically access sanctuary terrain easily by foot
• Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work

Desired Qualifications 

• Previous experience working in a waterfront setting
• Have strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
• Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon

• Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
• Training in Natural History & Classroom Management

Compensation and Benefits
This position’s pay range is $20.00-$22.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Compensation includes housing and meals for the duration of employment. This is not a benefits eligible position.
 
Work Schedule
This position works 2 to 4 days per week on previously scheduled days, Monday-Sunday. Hours will typically be between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
Staff training: June 11 – June 21, 2025
Camp: June 22 – August 25, 2025
 
All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. If you have a strong desire to work with campers in an outdoor environment and are interested in learning how to teach and effectively lead groups, please apply.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice 
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.