Eco Camp at Chimo Director - Recreation

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for the above position in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by December 8, 2024.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Work Location:
Outdoors at Eco Camp at Chimo

Work Period:

• Casual work from February to mid-May 2025 - Schedule to be determine and hybrid work options may not be available.
• Full time (35 hours per week) from mid-May to end of August 2025 - 100% in-person

JOB SUMMARY

• Manages the City of Markham Eco Camp at Chimo Outdoor Summer Day Camp.
• Has oversight responsibilities for program planning, program delivery and administration.
• Oversees up to approximately 250 campers ranging from 4 to 14 years of age, while supervising and coaching 40-50 staff including supervisors, counsellors, specialists, and volunteers.
• Ensures consistency in camp policies and processes including training and communication in conjunction with other camp directors.
• Through strategic leadership and programming, enables pre-schoolers, children and/or youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for day-to-day operations under the guidance of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator, ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides daily direction and support to camp supervisors and camp staff as required (including inclusion staff in area). Plans and schedules camp staff resources, routines, schedules and procedures to ensure successful program delivery.
• Oversees daily activities across the camp(s), ensuring programming is effective and adapted to camper needs with regards to safety, hygiene, weather, breaks etc.
• Assists Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator with review and approval of daily plans created by camp supervisors.
• Oversees before and after care program and/or bussing
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the camp(s). Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks.
• Acts as a leader role model, fostering a positive learning environment where people feel included as members of a team and are motivated to work towards common goals.
• Liaises with camp supervisors and staff to resolve any issues with the support of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Serves as an ambassador for the Corporation of the City of Markham, liaising frequently with parents of campers including email to communicate camp information, provide contact information, resolve issues or address concerns with the support of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator. Displays a heightened sense of customer service.
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Plans and implements camp staff training. Plays a leadership role in camp preparations as well as regular meetings.
• Ensures adherence of policies and procedures working closely with other directors to ensure consistency under the guidance of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Provides on-going training, coaching and recognition to staff and volunteers. Provides regular feedback and completes formal performance assessments for all direct reports.
• Assists with recruitment, screening and scheduling of camp staff and volunteers.
• Controls supplies and equipment inventory for sessions, ensuring that all necessary supplies and equipment are ordered and received in accordance with City policies.
• Oversees areas camp purchases in accordance with City policies and budget.
• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise.
• Reports all incidents including bussing promptly and thoroughly to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator using incident/accident report forms and processes. Maintains camp documentation, including registration information, attendance records, permission and waiver forms, log books and time sheets.
• Completes a full report on the camp session including feedback and recommendations to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator at the conclusion of the summer.
• Responsible for effective and efficient communication to all stakeholders including parents, campers and staff.
• Other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must have completed a minimum of 2 years post-secondary education, in the field of Recreation or Outdoor Recreation; other fields will be considered as relevant, i.e. Education
• Minimum of two years/summers of camp experience in a senior supervisory capacity managing staff and/or volunteers in an Eco/Outdoor Programming environment.
• Extensive knowledge of program planning and child development stages.
• Demonstrated experience developing, organizing and carrying out both regular daily and special programs including canoeing, archery, high ropes, rock wall climbing and other adventure programming.
• Knowledge of crafts, sports, music and/or games.
• Knowledge of special needs programming is an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR 'C' certification required;
• G2 or above Driver's license and access to a car is required;
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development certification is required;
• HIGH FIVE Quest 2 certification is an asset;
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Behaviour Management Training and Safe Management Training is an asset;
• Certified in Ontario Recreation Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) or Belaying would be an asset;
• Computer skills (Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat); Registration system applications are an asset;
• Must be able to directly supervise children in swimming pools
• Must be able to work in a variety of work environments i.e. indoors (with or without air conditioning) and outdoors.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Leads and supports staff in meeting or exceeding service standards when interacting with customers.
• Change & Innovation: Effectively implements change and supports and involves staff through change transitions.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Leads and supports staff in working together collaboratively, fosters teamwork and inclusion, and cultivates relationships.
• Communication: Models active listening and clear communication, and supports staff members in communicating effectively.
• Accountable Results Oriented: Role models ethical behaviour and accountability; clarifies expectations, policies and legislation and supports staff in meeting them.
• Management & Leadership: Supports a positive work environment, develops and enables staff, sets clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and addresses performance.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all applicants who have applied. However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.