Hidden Valley 4-H Camp
Photo by Bruce Condie
We are Hiring!
All applications for employment with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County and other county extension associations must be submitted through the Cornell University Employment system.
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Kitchen Manager - Watkins Glen, NY
Position Title: Temporary Exempt Kitchen Manager
Supervisor: Kitchen Manager
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary:
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill-building. The Kitchen Manager will assist the Camp Director in setting up the kitchen during the week of June 22nd, creating a kitchen prep schedule, and reviewing and signing off on the Department of Health plan and ACA guidelines. The Kitchen Manager is also responsible for the day to day operations in the Kitchen to include assisting in the ordering of food, general supervision of kitchen staff, and preparation of kitchen meals for staff training week and campers during camp sessions. The Kitchen Manager is not required to live on the camp property, although they may be required to stay during the summer as needed.
II. Duration:
The summer camp season includes one Senior Staff week beginning June 22nd, one week of mandatory staff training from June 28th through July 5th, and five full weeks and one partial week of residential and day camp running from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. The specific dates the Camp is in operation are July 5th through August 11th. The Kitchen Manager will also be responsible for helping clean and close the camp’s kitchen facility following the Watkins Glen State Park guidelines through August 14.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Cook and serve meals efficiently
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Work within the constraints of the camp budget for ordering food
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Daily care and cleaning of kitchen equipment and facility
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Work with the Camp Manager on tasks related to kitchen management, including food ordering for camp
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Assist with supervision of kitchen staff with professionalism and focus on skill-building
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Assist in filling requisition requests for special meals
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Follow specific dietary plans and needs for campers and staff with food allergies
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Follow all Department of Health regulations and ACA guidelines for the kitchen area, including food prep
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents.
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Other duties may be assigned as required
V. Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or previous experience as a cook.
2. Experience with food management and large-quantity cooking.
3. Willingness and flexibility to adjust to camp resources, conditions, and programming.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Kitchen Assistant - Watkins Glen, NY
Position Title: Kitchen Assistant
Supervisor: Kitchen Manager
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary:
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill-building. The Kitchen Assistant helps with food preparation, service, and storage. Responsible for kitchen sanitation, including but not limited to cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, utensils, and equipment; disposing of food and other waste products; storing food properly.
II. Duration: The summer camp season includes one week of mandatory pre-camp training from June 28th through July 5th, five full weeks, and one partial week of residential and day camp that runs from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. Specific dates the camp is in operation are July 5th through August 7th. The Kitchen Assistant will remain at the camp until August 14th to assist in closing the camp facility.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Ensure that staff assisting with food service use tongs, gloves, or other hand barriers.
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Ensure cleanliness of food preparation and delivery areas*
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Follow all Department of Health regulations and ACA guidelines for the kitchen area, including food prep
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Wash and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, etc., by machine or hand.
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Sweep and mop the kitchen and adjacent areas.
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Remove and dispose of all food waste and trash from kitchen areas.
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Empty trash cans in the dining area and dispose of the garbage bags in the dumpster.
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Clean and wash trash cans as needed.
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Sanitize kitchen surfaces and equipment regularly throughout the day.
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Assist with meal preparation as directed, including, but not limited to, cleaning fresh food; weighing ingredients; chopping and grinding meats, vegetables, and fruits; watching, turning, and stirring food as allowed by DOH Guidelines.
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Transport food to the dining area and set up food service tables.
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Serve meals as directed.
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Clean service areas after meals and return unused food and materials to the kitchen.
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Set up and prepare the dining hall with supplies needed for the next meal.
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Compost food waste from the kitchen.
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Sort recyclables as directed.
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Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
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Prepare for and actively participate in staff training and meetings.
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents.
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Other duties may be assigned as required
IV. Qualifications
1. Must be 15 years or older to meet the age requirements for the position set by the NYS DOH.
2. Able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, mid-day, and evening mealtimes.
3. Willingness and flexibility to adjust to camp resources, conditions, and programming.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Sr. Counselor - Watkins Glen, NY
Position Title: Temporary Exempt SENIOR Camp Counselor
Supervisor: Head Resident
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill building. The Camp Counselor is accountable for the initial supervision of the camper. The Camp Counselor's job is to ensure the camper enjoys and participates in the camp programs. The Camp Counselor lives in cabins with campers.
II. Duration
The summer camp season includes one week of mandatory pre-camp training from June 28th through July 5th, five full weeks, and one partial week of residential and day camp that runs from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. Specific dates the camp is in operation are July 5th through August 7th. The Camp Counselor will remain at the camp until August 14th to assist in closing the camp facility.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Live in a cabin with campers
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Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance of those campers in daily living, with particular attention to personal hygiene and safety, camper participation in all-camp activities, management of homesickness, the inclusion of campers in cabin activities, and mealtime behavior
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Be assigned to one of the four program areas, Nature, Sports & Rec., Aquatics, or Arts & Crafts, weekly to assist the Program Specialists in offering activities specific to each area. Aquatics requires lifeguarding certification.
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Assume responsibility for following the rules, policies, and traditions of Hidden Valley 4-H camp for all campers and staff
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Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior
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Assume responsibility for the health, including social-emotional and well-being of campers in the Cabin, with support from the Head Resident and the Health Director
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents. Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
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Organize, plan, and lead camp programs
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Other duties may be assigned as required
IV. Essential Functions
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Be physically able to accompany campers to any of the camp activities
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Assure the supervision of the campers within the NYS Department of Health and ACA accreditation guidelines for camp ratios at all times
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Follow the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association guidelines for all activities
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Apply positive youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, and involvement and engagement of youth
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Have the visual ability to recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness
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Have the auditory ability to respond appropriately to hazards and any camper concerns
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Be able to observe camper behavior in daily camp life, respond verbally to health and safety concerns, and deal appropriately with any challenging- behavior
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Ability to lead programs as designated by the Camp Leadership team
V. Qualifications
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18 years of age or older
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Experience as a camper or working with children
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Responding to Emergencies (RTE) Certification desired
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Ability to communicate effectively with the Head Resident and Camp Manager, work as part of a team with all camp staff, campers, and camp families
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Incorporates Teamwork and Flexibility into their daily work style
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Ability to work with peers
Ability to resolve conflict
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Junior Counselor - Watkins Glen, NY
Position Title: Temporary Exempt Junior Counselor
Supervisor: Assistant Director and Head Resident
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary:
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill building. The Junior Counselor’s role is to assist counselors in supervising the campers and help in the areas assigned by the Assistant Director and Head Resident.
II. Duration
The summer camp season includes one week of mandatory pre-camp training from June 28th through July 5th, five full weeks, and one partial week of residential and day camp that runs from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 p.m. Specific dates the camp is in operation are July 5th through August 11th. Junior Counselors return home on Friday evening unless prior arrangements are made with the Camp Director, or the CCESC Executive Director.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Assists Camp staff in responsibility for leadership and guidance of those campers in daily living, with particular attention to personal hygiene and safety, camper participation in all-camp activities, and mealtime behavior
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Participates in all activities with their groups, making camp fun for campers, teaching skills, and providing encouragement, support, and inclusion in camp activities and projects.
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May be assigned to a specific program area weekly to assist in specialized programming
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Works with a senior staff member who acts in a mentoring role to assist with the Junior Counselor’s development of skills
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Be able to observe camper behavior in daily life, respond verbally to health and safety concerns and work through and report challenging behavior to Camp Staff promptly
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Ability to be flexible and realize that the needs of campers are foremost.
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Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior
IV. Qualifications
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Must be 17 years of age by the summer camp start date, July 5th.
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CIT program participation is preferred but not necessary.
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Experience as a camper and working with children preferred
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Lifeguard Certification is given extra consideration
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Ability to work with peers
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Incorporates Teamwork and Flexibility into their daily work style
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Good communication
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Head Resident - Watkins Glen, NY
Position Title: Temporary Exempt Head Resident
Supervisor: Camp Manager
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill building. The Head Resident is responsible for working directly with the cabin counselors to ensure they have the tools and support needed for the best possible interactions with the campers throughout the camp season.
II. Duration
The summer camp season includes one Senior Staff week beginning June 22nd, one week of mandatory staff training from June 28th through July 5th (alumni hands on training weekend is 7/3-7/5), and five full weeks and one partial week of residential and day camp running from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. The specific dates the Camp is in operation are July 7th through August 11th. The Head Resident will remain on Camp until August 14th to assist in closing the camp facility.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Responsible for supporting all counselors who live or work in assigned cabins. This supervision includes daily check-ins, informal positive and constructive feedback, support during difficult or emergency situations, and providing input and direction about strategies for working with specific children or the group. They also support the staff in developing and implementing fun, creative, engaging activities in their assigned cabins.
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Responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of all evening activities and special weekly programming. (e.g., Color War)
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Formal feedback will be done with all Cabin Counselors in conjunction with the Camp Manager. This includes a formal check-in during staff training, one at the mid-point of the summer and one at the end of the summer. The Head Resident is responsible for filling out feedback forms for each counselor and providing information to the Camp Manager about job performance.
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The Head Resident will facilitate the social growth of the campers through activities and during less structured times. In addition, they give the counselors who work directly with campers the tools they need to help them succeed at camp.
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The Head Resident manages campers' behavior, including de-escalation, parent follow-up, and creating behavior plans when necessary.
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The Head Resident works with the Camp Manager and Camp Registrar with cabin assignments each week.
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Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents. Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
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Other duties may be assigned as required
IV. Qualifications
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18 years of age or older
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Subject-specific certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Responding to Emergencies desired
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Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults (desired)
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Ability to communicate effectively with Camp Manager, the entire camp staff, campers, and camp families
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Incorporates Teamwork and Flexibility into their daily work style
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Former experience as a counselor or working with children
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Ability to supervise and organize youth and adults
Ability to plan and lead programs
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Nurse - Watkins Glen, NY
The camp Nurse is required to monitor camper and staff health need, follow the Department of Health Safety Plan for the Health Office, and respond to emergencies throughout the summer. The Health Director is required to live on camp property while camp is in session.
Duration: *Our Health Manager may apply for one week or for multiple weeks. Our weeks are as follows*
Week 1: July 5th – 10th
Week 2: July 12th – 7th
Week 3: July 19th – 24th
Week 4: July 26th – 31st
Week 5: August 2nd – 7th
The summer camp season includes mandatory camp staff training that includes Sexual Harassment, Civil Rights, and Risk Management Practices and Policies for Campers and Staff. The trainings are available online for camp health management staff. The Health Manager position begins on Sunday at 11:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm on Friday. It includes the health check for all campers upon arrival and the review of health paperwork.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: 4H Specialist - Watkins Glen, NY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Temporary Exempt 4-H Specialist
Supervisor: Assistant Director
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill building. The 4-H Specialist is responsible for the planning and leading activities that include cooking, sewing, outdoor education, science, technology, Canoe Lake activities, and environmental stewardship. The 4-H Specialist will live on Camp and serve as a cabin counselor for the summer camp season.
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Duration
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The summer camp season includes one Senior Staff week beginning June 22nd, one week of mandatory staff training from June 28th through July 5th (alumni hands on training weekend is 7/3-7/5), and five full weeks and one partial week of residential and day camp running from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. The specific dates the Camp is in operation are July 7th through August 11th. The 4-H Specialist will remain on Camp until August 14th to assist in closing the camp facility.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Coordinate 4-H programming in the following areas (Sports and Recreations, Nature, Science using curriculum and resources focused on a variety of activities:
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Coordinate and assist in the outdoor nature exploration for campers.
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Assist in the hand on Science programming at Camp that includes Rocketry
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Coordinate and assist with Sports and Recreation programming
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Work with CCE staff and volunteers where appropriate to support program opportunities
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Help plan evening activities, including opening and closing campfire
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Utilize the 4-H model for positive youth development in programming
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Follow the guidelines set in the NYS Department of Health and Safety Plan for Hidden Valley 4-H Camp
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Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance of campers in daily living with special attention to camper safety and participation in all camp activities.
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Keep inventory of program supplies and work with the Assistant Manager for supplies when needed
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Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents. Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
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Other duties may be assigned as required
IV. Qualifications
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18 years of age or older
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Subject-specific certifications: Responding to Emergencies (RTE) Certification
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Ability to communicate effectively with Camp Director, the entire camp staff, campers, and camp families
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Incorporates Teamwork and Flexibility into their daily work style
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Former experience as a counselor or working with children
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Ability to supervise and organize youth and adults
Ability to plan and lead programs
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!
4H Camp Hidden Valley: Nurse - Watkins Glen, NY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Aquatics Manager
Supervisor: Camp Manager
Date Prepared: January 2026
I. Summary
The mission of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is to provide youth with a fun, residential camp experience under the guidance of positive role models that emphasize community building, positive social interactions, environmental awareness, and skill building.
The Aquatics Manager is responsible for the supervision of the pool, boating program, and lifeguard management, including skills training. The Aquatics Manager will live on camp and serve as a cabin counselor for the entire summer camp season.
II. Duration
The summer camp season includes one Senior Staff week beginning June 22nd, one week of mandatory staff training from June 28th through July 5th (alumni hands on training weekend is 7/3-7/5), and five full weeks and one partial week of residential and day camp running from Sunday at 11:00 AM to Friday at 6:00 PM. The specific dates the Camp is in operation are July 7th through August 11th. The Aquatics Manager will remain on Camp until August 14th to assist in closing the camp facility and oversee the proper storage of all supplies and materials for the pool with assistance from the Pool Operator.
III. Specific Responsibilities
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Oversee all the pool operations following the ACA accreditation standards and Health and Safety Plan approved by the New York State Department of Health.
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Conduct swim assessments of campers or staff before they participate in any pool activities
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Provide leadership for swimming classes
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Provide leadership and supervision for staff and campers during swimming programs
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Train additional camp staff in appropriate pool monitoring behaviors, including proper usage of the Buddy Board
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Conduct water testing daily for proper chemical levels and general water quality in cooperation with the Pool Operator. Close the pool when water quality is not within the state-mandated guidelines.
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Coordinate daily maintenance of the pool, including tidying up the pool deck and monitoring of pool vacuuming schedule
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Record and notify the Health Manager of any injury occurring at the pool or waterfront
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Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents. Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
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Other duties may be assigned as required
IV. Qualifications
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21 years of age or older
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Experience working with youth in an outdoor camp setting for at least two seasons.
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Current Lifeguard Management Certificate by American Red Cross
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Current Lifeguard Certificate
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Current First Aid Responding to Emergencies and CPR for the Professional Rescuer
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Current Water Safety Instructor Certification preferred
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Ability to supervise and organize youth and adults
V. POSITION DETAILS:
This is a full time, exempt position.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
For more information on this position, or to apply, visit our posting on workday today!