Seasonal Camp Lifeguard

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $19.00-$21.00/hour

Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Hours per week: 15-20 hrs/week during camp season; optional additional shifts at Crane Beach

Job Classification: Limited-term, non-exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: June–August (with optional May–September shifts at Crane Beach)

Location: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

SummerQuest is a vibrant, nature-based day camp where campers ages 5–14 explore the coastal habitats of The Crane Estate through outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and imaginative play. Campers spend time at the beach every camp day (as weather allows) and they love beach time!

As a Camp Lifeguard, you play a central role in creating a safe, and welcoming experience for all campers. You ensure that every child—swimmer and non-swimmer alike—can enjoy the beach safely through supervision, strong communication, and consistent adherence to safety protocols. You are part of a collaborative summer team committed to excellence, positive energy, and environmental awareness.

The Role:

As a Part-Time Camp Lifeguard, you serve as the primary waterfront safety lead for SummerQuest during daily beach time. You are hired first to support camp operations, with the option to pick up additional lifeguarding shifts at Crane Beach throughout the summer as available.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Provide supervision and maintain a safe swimming environment for campers and staff in the camp’s designated waterfront area.

• Enforce waterfront rules, camp procedures, and safety guidelines for all campers and camp staff.

• Provide care and respond quickly to emergencies on the beach and in the water.

• Maintain safety equipment and ensure waterfront materials are organized and ready for use.

• Communicate effectively with Camp Director, Camp Educators, other beach safety staff and lifeguard peers to support smooth waterfront operations.

• Support camp transitions to and from the beach when not supervising the water; including but not limited to helping younger campers with gear and ensuring sunscreen, and hydration, practices are followed.

• Serve as a positive, calm, and confidence-building presence for campers of all swimming abilities.

• Participate in daily workouts and regular training.

• Perform other duties as assigned with or without reasonable accommodation.

This is a limited term, non-exempt position [15-40hrs/wk]. This role reports directly to the SummerQuest Camp Director, with functional supervision and training support from the Crane Beach Public Safety Manager.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Red Cross or Waterfront Certification recommended. Other programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Current certifications in O2, CPR for the Professional rescuer, AED and first responder First Aid.

• Ability to maintain concentration while monitoring changing conditions and active campers.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to balance authority with warmth when engaging with young people.

• Comfortable working with children ages 5–14 and partnering with camp educators in a dynamic, outdoor environment.

• Ability to run one mile in a sandy environment.

• Ability to swim one-quarter mile in ocean conditions (this might include rough water and/or seasonably cold water).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be available to work Monday–Friday during camp beach hours (typically early afternoon). Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays for CraneBeach lifeguarding shifts.

• Must be able to work in variable outdoor weather and water conditions throughout the summer.

• Must be able to assist with moving equipment and launching small boats as needed.

• Driving an ATV or Gator may be required at times.

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed]

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Reach out to our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. 

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.