**Hiring Update 3/13/24**: At this time, we are only accepting ‘First-Session-only’ applications for Kitchen Team and Nurses. Please see below for more updated on specific positions that we are still hiring for. Any questions can be emailed to harper@norwester.org.

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.

Camp Store Manager: Operates camp store where campers and staff can purchase t-shirts, music tapes, sundries, etc. Responsible for maintaining accounts and inventory, coordinating laundry pick-up and drop-off, and submitting a written inventory and summary report at end of the season. Requires valid driver’s license.
Crafts Instructor (9): Teaches art/crafts to groups of campers. General areas of art at camp include: pottery, hand sewing, weaving, batik, watercolors, woodworking, beading, knitting, and silk screening. Experience teaching in two or more of these areas preferred.
Dance Instructor: Teaches campers how to explore their imaginations using various dance and movement techniques. Will assist groups in development of special presentations to camp community. Coordination with Drama 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 multiple dance techniques and willingness to learn more required; teaching experience preferred.

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.

Music Staff (2): Lead singing after most meals, organize opportunities for campers to perform, assist groups hosting campfires or chapels, when music is involved. Will also lead groups at camp dances and provide music lessons. Requires experience in leading groups in singing, and ability to accompany singers on guitar or piano. Coordination with Dance and Drama Instructors to support performance programming required. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires submittal of musical performance examples (audio).

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.

Outdoor Cooking Instructor: Teaches basic food/cooking skills through facilitation of cooking activities with a group of campers.  Responsible for lighting and maintaining fires to heat ovens or fire pits and leading campers in cooking the food. Oversees pie baking contests once per session. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires current WA State Food Handler’s Card.
Pack Out Manager: Responsible for filling menu orders for overnight trips, extended trips, campfires and sleep-ins. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in commercial kitchen helpful. Requires strong organizational skills. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Photographer (Digital): Shoots photos to document all camp activities throughout summer. Submits photos weekly to Director for summer blog entries. Categorizes all photo files for easy access by office staff in off-season. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires submittal of photo portfolio.
Relief Staff (2+): Substitutes for Unit Staff who are on time-off. Works with other unit staff to ensure the health and safety of campers as they participate in the camp program.
Ropes Instructor (5): Will lead groups of campers and staff through various ropes and challenge course initiatives, and through climbing activities. Requires documented experience in High/Low course initiatives and facilitation. Some pre-season training may be available.

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.

Unit Leader (28): In charge of a group of approx. 12-16 children. Responsible for planning and leading the unit’s activities within the framework of the general program and camp philosophy. Participates in all group activities with the campers. Will write a summary of each camper’s summer to be sent home to parents. Works with a co-leader.
Videographer: Shoots and edits a video of approximately 30 minute-length, which chronicles the summer activities and will be used for promotional purposes. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Taping occurs during the summer, editing between September and November 1st.
Waterfront Instructors (8): Instruct campers in sailing, kayaking, and canoeing techniques and safety issues. Maintain equipment. Depending on experience, may participate in 4-5 day sailing, canoeing or kayaking trips throughout the San Juan Islands. Requires experience with waterfront activities and current Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent. Small Craft Instructor certification preferred.

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.

Craftshop Director: Supervises staff of approximately 6 employees. Orders supplies, maintains records, plans Craftshop activities for Special Days. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Evaluates craftshop staff (oral and written). Experience in a variety of art/craft media required. Supervisory experience a benefit.
Ropes Director: Supervises staff of approximately 3 employees. Ensures maintenance and safety checks of equipment. Plans department activities for special days. Will lead groups of campers and staff through various ropes and challenge course initiatives, and through climbing activities. Evaluates Ropes staff (oral and written). Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires documented experience in High/Low course initiatives and facilitation. Some pre-season training may be available.

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.

Unit Mentor (2): Both Unit Mentors work together with the Unit Directors to supervise approximately 28 Unit Staff. Observes unit activities, supports partnership development between Unit Staff by serving as Relief Staff day to day. Will evaluate Unit staff (oral and written), sharing duties with the Unit Directors. Past Camp Nor’wester experience preferred. Experience as camp counselor/staff required.

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.

Unit Director (2): Both Unit Directors work together with the Unit Mentors to supervise approximately 28 Unit Staff. Observe unit activities, supports partnership development between Unit Staff and serve as liaison between Camp and parents on issues of behavior. Will evaluate Unit staff (oral and written), sharing duties with the Unit Mentors. Will submit a written summary at the end of the season. Other Administrative duties as assigned. Past Camp Nor’wester experience preferred. Experience as camp counselor/staff required. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, and valid driver’s license.

Camper Support Coordinator: Primary focus is supporting campers with unique needs have a rewarding camp experience. Work closely with these campers, communicates with parents/guardians, and collaborates with Unit Leaders and staff to develop customized support strategies. Works closely Mental Health Counselor, Directors, and Leadership. Other Administrative duties as assigned. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience in adolescent behavior management and conflict resolution, and valid driver’s license.

Scheduler: Responsible for efficient function of all Time off, Relief, Kitchen and Evening Assignment schedules. Works closely with Directors, Leadership, and Supervisory staff. Other Administrative duties as assigned. Past Camp Nor’wester experience preferred. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, 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.

Head Cook: Sharing shifts with second cook, will be responsible for preparing meals for camp community – approximately 250 people. Experience in cooking for large groups required. Will share supervision of Kitchen Team with Kitchen Manager. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Requires current WA State Food Handler’s Card.
Kitchen Manager: Supervises Kitchen Team and cooks; assists cooks when necessary. Responsible for inventories, accepting food deliveries and any special events involving the kitchen. Evaluates assistants and dishwashers (oral and written). Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires commercial cooking/kitchen experience, and valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Requires current WA State Food Handler’s Card.
Nurse: Responsible for the medical care for the camp community; distribution of medications; first responder in emergency situations. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Full season and split-season contracts available. Current nursing license to practice in WA state and 2+ years experience required.
Nurse’s Assistant: Assists the Nurse(s) in providing health care to the camp community. Will participate in other organization and cleanind duties as Health Center assignments allow. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

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.
Special Projects Crew (2): Complete various site and facilities tasks at the direction of the Caretaker and Facilities Director. May work with volunteers if available. Experience with grounds equipment and vehicles preferred. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Requires valid driver’s license.