Job Summaries
All staff positions are responsible for direct supervision of children. All staff members will play a role in facilitating various aspects of our camp program, including various incamp activities and outcamp overnight trips, and will build experience managing risks in various parts of the program as they arise and affect the camper experience.
Program & Unit Staff Positions
These roles include all department and unit staff. They live in a residential unit and support campers day to day in unit and program activities. They work or lead activities in their department during program time, and participate in evening activities and overnight trips with units as assigned. These jobs are hands-on – you will make strong connections with campers by being involved day to day in all aspects of their experience.
Archery Instructor: Teaches basic archery techniques and safety practices. Rates campers according to National Archery Association standards and presents awards to qualifying campers at end of session. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Must be certified as a Level 1 or 2 Archery Instructor. Training may be available in June.
Camp Operations Crew (4): Manages recyclable and non-recyclable waste materials. Educates camp community on the importance of recycling and conservation. Supervises groups of campers during camp and unit improvement projects, shower house and outhouse maintenance. Responsible for the care and feeding of pigs. Requires experience ability to lift 50 lbs and valid driver’s license.
Drama Instructor: Teaches campers how to explore their imaginations using various dramatic and theatrical techniques. Will assist groups in development of skits and special presentations to camp community. Coordination with Dance and Music Staff to support performance programming required. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in drama, theatre sports and improvisation required; teaching experience preferred.
Gardening Instructors (2): Teaches basic gardening, composting and farming skills through facilitation of an activity with a group of campers. Responsible for watering, weeding and other garden care tasks throughout summer season to ensure a successful crop and space for teaching opportunities. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season.
Naturalists (2): Develops and initiates activities that expose campers to the natural world of Johns Island, addressing environmental issues of the San Juan Islands, and the importance of stewardship and responsibility. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in a variety of the natural sciences required. May work with a co-leader. Teaching experience preferred.
Trip Leader: Serves as the designated Trip Leader for 4 and 5 day trips such as Backpacking, Sailing, Bike Touring, Mountaineering, or Climbing. While at camp responsibilities include trip planning, gear maintenance, and serving as Relief Staff as needed.
Supervisory Team Positions
These positions work closely with the Year-Round Program Director, as well as other members of the Leadership Team. They supervise 5-10 other summer staff and manage all aspects of their department. They live in a residential unit and support campers day to day in unit and program activities. A commitment to Nor’wester’s philosophy and values and an interest in supporting the staff experience through serving as a bridge between all staff and camp leadership is required.
Camp Operations Director: Supervises staff of approx. 3 employees. Works closely with the Facilities Director to manage all Camp Operations. Educates camp community on the importance of recycling and conservation. Supervises groups of campers during camp and unit improvement projects, shower house and outhouse maintenance. Responsible for the care and feeding of pigs. Evaluates Camp Ops staff (oral and written). Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires experience with chainsaw, ability to lift 50 lbs, drive trucks, and valid driver’s license.
Waterfront Director: Supervises approximately 9 staff. Oversees waterfront program, scheduling groups, planning overnight trips, and equipment maintenance. Plans department activities for Special Days. Equipment includes kayaks, Lightnings and canoes. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Evaluates waterfront staff (oral and written). Requires experience managing waterfront activities and current Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent. Small Craft Instructor certification preferred.
Leadership Team Positions
These positions are led by the Year-Round Program Director, and also work closely with the Camp Directors. A commitment to supporting all summer staff in their experience at Camp is essential. We seek feedback, we problem-solve and design creative solutions, and we do what it takes to make it all happen!
Assistant Program Director: Works with the Year-Round Program Director to manage all aspects of the in-camp summer program. Supervises approximately 10 Department Heads. Observes program activities, supports partnership development between department staff, and coordinates Special Programming. Will evaluate Department Heads (oral and written). Will contribute a written summary at the end of the season. Other Administrative duties as assigned. Past Camp Nor’wester experience and experience in program oversight and development preferred. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, and valid driver’s license.
Trip & Overnight Coordinator: Works with the Year-Round Program Director to manage all aspects of the outcamp summer program. Supervises 10-15 Trip Leaders, including at least 4 designated full-summer positions. Will contribute a written summary at the end of the season. Past Camp Nor’wester trip experience preferred. Experience in trip leading and planning required. Other Administrative duties as assigned. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, a knowledge of the Northwest geographic region and valid driver’s license.
Support & Special Contract Positions
These roles are ESSENTIAL to successfully running Camp each summer. While their responsibilities do not include camper supervision and unit support, they fill an integral role in daily camp operations, providing support in a variety of areas very necessary to Camp. Please contact us for specific Job Descriptions.
Kitchen Team: Will assist in meal preparation and clean up, doing weekly inventory of supplies, and orienting campers to kitchen procedure. Responsible for cleaning dishes, pots and pans, and other equipment used in meal preparation. Will also be assigned to work with Unit Leaders supervising campers. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Requires current WA State Food Handler’s Card.
Camp Nanny (1): Responsible for care of the children of Camp staff. Experience working with young children required. Will engage and entertain the children throughout the day, ensuring sleep, feeding, and hygiene expectations are met, with consistent communcation and collaboration with the parents.
Skipper (2): Drives boat shuttles to and from the camp property daily. Shuttles occur several times a day between various locations in the San Juans. On-site training will occur upon arrival, but boat driving experience is highly preferred and all boat drivers must complete and pass the WA State Boater Safety exam. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Requires valid driver’s license. The minimum age requirement is 21.