Summer Day Camp Staff Counselors Lead Counselors and Directors

Do you have a passion for childhood learning and enjoy leading various activities like arts crafts and games This is a great opportunity for those looking to go into a career in Recreation or Education. It is also an ideal experience for those that have extra time enjoy working with children and find fulfillment providing leadership to kids in our community.

Were hiring for multiple Summer Day Camp positions in our Community Enrichment Services team including:

• Camp Counselors (Program Leader I) Great for firsttime job seekers or those with limited experience.

• Lead Camp Counselors (Program Leader II) Perfect for those with previous experience in recreation or childcare.

• Camp Directors (Program Leader III) Ideal for candidates with strong leadership skills and experience running youth programs.

Apply now to embark on a rewarding journey of fun and learning!

Timeline

• Successful applicants should expect an interview sometime between April and May. This is subject to change.
• If hired applicants should expect to attend training June 23rd 27th.
• Camp KHAOS (full day ages 512 camp) runs 6/30/2025 through 8/29/2025 at the Des Moines Field House.

To Apply

Complete the online application at attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.

Nature of Work

The Program Leader positions Camp Counselor Camp Lead Counselor and Camp Director provide general programming and operational support for Community Enrichment Services including recreation childcare youth activities senior programming special events and facility rentals.

Summer Camp Leaders assist with the delivery of activities and events support daily site operations and help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for participants of all ages. Duties may include activity setup and cleanup customer service supervision of participants basic maintenance tasks and other sitebased responsibilities as assigned. Work assignments supervision and responsibilities vary based on program area staffing level and site needs.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Program Leader classification is flexibly staffed and includes levels with assignments and responsibilities increasing in scope and independence at each level. All Program Leaders support programming and operations in areas such as recreation childcare youth activities senior programs special events and facility rentals.

• Summer Day Camp Counselor Program Leader I $16.78 $18.78 Entrylevel position. Assists with basic activity support participant supervision site setup and cleanup and customer service. Works under direct supervision and follows established routines. Typically assigned to support roles.
• Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor Program Leader II $19.00 $21.00 Performs all duties of a Program Leader I with additional responsibility for independently leading activities or small groups enforcing rules and supporting routine site operations with minimal supervision. May assist with training new staff or serving as a lead for short shifts. May be assigned to transport participants or supplies if approved as a City driver.
• Summer Day Camp Director Program Leader III $21.50 $23.50 Provides onsite leadership for assigned programs or facilities. Acts as the primary point of contact during scheduled shifts provides guidance to Program Leader I and II staff and completes site documentation such as attendance and incident reports. May assist with coordinating daytoday operations resolving customer issues and communicating with supervisors. May be required to drive a City vehicle as part of site coordination or to support offsite programs field trips or supply distribution.

Essential Functions

• Assists with planning preparing and leading recreational educational or enrichment activities for participants of all ages.
• Supports daytoday program operations including activity facilitation participant supervision and site monitoring.
• Provides customer service to participants parents renters and the public by answering questions enforcing rules and addressing basic concerns.
• Performs site setup and takedown including moving tables chairs equipment and program supplies.
• Conducts light cleaning and maintenance duties such as sweeping mopping restocking supplies and removing trash to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• May transport participants or program supplies using a City vehicle depending on assignment and possession of a valid drivers license and completion of the Citys driver authorization process.
• Completes required documentation such as attendance logs accident/incident reports and basic facility checklists.
• Monitors participant and patron safety; responds to and reports concerns incidents and emergencies according to department procedures.
• Supports special events rentals or offsite activities as needed including assisting with logistics equipment and participant engagement.
• May provide lead direction to other temporary staff depending on assignment and classification level.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative effective working relationships with coworkers other City employees and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular reliable and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief equalize peak work periods or balance the workload.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of recreation customer service and group supervision.
• Standard first aid procedures and bloodborne pathogen protocols.

Ability to:

• Lead or assist with a variety of activities including arts and crafts games fitness special events and facility operations.
• Interact effectively and professionally with children teens adults seniors coworkers and the general public.
• Recognize and respond to safety hazards behavioral issues and emergency situations using sound judgment.
• Follow written and verbal instructions established procedures and safety protocols.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fastpaced serviceoriented environment.
• Adapt to changing schedules priorities and program needs.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending reaching standing and setting up spaces.
• Maintain composure and professionalism when dealing with the public including in highpressure or stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to departmental policies procedures and expectations.

Education and Experience Requirements

Summer Day Camp Counselor Program Leader I

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled in or on legitimate leave from a high school trade school college or university; OR

Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor Program Leader II

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience as a Program Leader I or equivalent experience in recreation childcare customer service or facility support: OR

Summer Day Camp Director Program Leader III

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of experience as a Program Leader II or equivalent experience in leading recreational programs supervising staff or overseeing facility operations:

Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain valid First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of a valid Washington State Drivers License and ability to meet City driving standards may be required for Program Leader II and III assignments.

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of a criminal history and preemployment background check.
• Because of the known effects of tobacco use the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

• Program Leaders work in both indoor and outdoor environments including community centers parks classrooms and event or rental spaces. Work may involve exposure to various weather conditions noise and large groups. Staff may occasionally come into contact with cleaning products or bodily fluids while performing routine maintenance or providing first aid. Schedules are variable and may include early mornings evenings weekends holidays and split shifts depending on program or facility needs. Eligible staff may be required to drive City vehicles as part of their assignment.

• The position requires the physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods bend reach twist climb and perform repetitive movements. Staff must be able to lift carry push and pull up to 50 pounds including tables chairs equipment and supplies. Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations administer basic first aid and assist participants with limited mobility if needed. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or masks may be required depending on assignment and task.

ExtraHire Employment

• The City defines an extrahire employee as one who is appointed to a position that is not eligible for benefits except those mandated by law or regulations such as Social Security and workers compensation insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and all qualified applicants including all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Des Moines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race sex age color religion national origin marital status sexual orientation veteran status disability status or any other basis prohibited by federal state or local law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process to perform essential job functions or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Required Experience:

Director