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Second Unit Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA Of Greater Seattle

Unit Director

Eastsound, WA · On-site

$113/day

SUMMARY Unit Directors provide leadership to all staff, and directly support and supervise a ... job for the second season : $101/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third ...

YMCA Of Greater Seattle

Unit Director

Eastsound, WA

$113/day

SUMMARY Unit Directors provide leadership to all staff, and directly support and supervise a ... job for the second season : $101/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third ...

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$22.5K

$76.3K

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How much do second unit director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for second unit director in the United States is $76,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does 2nd unit director mean?

A second unit director is responsible for filming supplementary scenes, such as action sequences or establishing shots, often simultaneously with the main unit. They work with a separate crew and report to the main director, helping to ensure efficient production and maintain the overall vision of the project.

What is the difference between Assistant Director and second unit director?

A second unit director is responsible for shooting supplementary footage such as action scenes, stunts, or establishing shots, often working separately from the main cast and crew. An assistant director manages the overall schedule, coordinates departments, and ensures the production stays on track during principal photography. Both roles require strong organizational skills and knowledge of filmmaking processes but focus on different aspects of production.

What is the hardest job on a film set?

The second unit director's role can be one of the most challenging on a film set because they often handle complex action sequences, stunts, or scenes that require precise coordination and timing. They must work efficiently under tight schedules and ensure safety while maintaining the director's vision, often managing multiple departments simultaneously.

What are the main challenges faced by a Second Unit Director on a film set?

One of the primary challenges for a Second Unit Director is balancing creative vision with logistical constraints, as second units often handle complex stunts, large-scale shots, or pickups on tight timelines. Coordinating effectively with the main unit, directors, and other departments to ensure continuity and consistency across the film is crucial. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing production needs and handling unexpected technical or safety issues are common aspects of the role. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, quick decision-making, and effective team leadership to keep the project moving smoothly.

What does a Second Unit Director do?

A Second Unit Director oversees the second unit on a film or TV production, handling sequences that don't require the main cast or director. This often includes action scenes, stunts, establishing shots, or crowd scenes. They work closely with the main director to maintain the project's visual style and continuity. Their role is crucial in ensuring efficiency and capturing necessary footage without overburdening the primary unit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Second Unit Director position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Second Unit Director, you need strong film production experience, a deep understanding of cinematography, storytelling, and on-set management, usually backed by a relevant degree or extensive industry work. Familiarity with camera equipment, editing software, and production scheduling tools is often crucial for coordinating complex shoots. Leadership, adaptability, and clear communication are essential soft skills for guiding a team and collaborating with various departments. Mastering these abilities ensures the successful execution of critical action or supplemental scenes that support the main unit's vision while keeping productions on schedule and budget.

How to become a 2nd unit director?

To become a second unit director, individuals typically gain experience as an assistant director or in other production roles, develop strong leadership and technical skills, and build a network within the film industry. Many have backgrounds in directing, cinematography, or editing, and often work their way up through smaller projects before handling second unit responsibilities on larger productions.
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Second Unit Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Unit Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,278 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Unit Director

Unit Director

YMCA Of Greater Seattle

Eastsound, WA • On-site

$113/day

Temporary

PTO

Posted 9 days ago

YMCA Of Greater Seattle rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

542nd of 681 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.
SUMMARY
Unit Directors provide leadership to all staff, and directly support and supervise a specific group of staff and campers at Camp Orkila on beautiful Orcas Island, WA. Unit Directors are responsible for ensuring the supervision and safety of campers at all times. Unit Directors are supervised by Assistant Directors and perform other duties as assigned. This position may be an authorized driver.
To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org
What you'll get from working at The Y
  • Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
  • Free access to mental health resources
  • Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff
Hiring Range: $95/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for the second season: $101/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third season: $107/day, staff returning to the same or equivalent job for 4 or more seasons: $113/day.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Supervises assigned seasonal staff by observing, coaching, providing feedback, evaluating, and assisting with problem solving.
  2. Supervises and assists with specific camper supervision. Ensures that all staff are accounting for campers and safety at all times, especially campers who need extra support.
  3. Plans, schedules, and facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate, and which promote camper skill and character development. Organizes, leads, and assists with facilitation of all-camp programming and events.
  4. Provides leadership and supervision to any developing teen leaders placed with the group.
  5. Maintains high standards of housekeeping including bathrooms, cabins and main lodge.
  6. Assists in keeping all program equipment in working condition and available.
  7. Assists in maintaining all program areas in a safe and orderly condition.
  8. Ensures that counselors are planning and organizing cabin activities as well as participating in daily scheduled activities.
  9. Communicates personal or camper/staff needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
  10. Attends staff meetings.
  11. Participates in and leads specific areas of staff training.
  12. Maintains relevant American Camping Association standards.
  13. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
  14. Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff typically live in either shared cabins with campers, or in shared and housing with staff for the duration of employment. Specific housing depends on position and availability.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time, seasonal position. The usual camp workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. This summer camp position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.
TRAVEL
This position is required to live onsite at camp. All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.
Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization's abuse risk management standards.
Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  1. 21 years old or older strongly preferred
  2. Current CPR certification.
  3. Current Wilderness First Aid certification (paid course is provided as a part of training)
  4. 1-2 years of experience with children; camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, coaching
  5. 1+ years of experience leading others as a supervisor or lead
  6. Demonstrated experience planning and implementing group activities
  7. Ability to participate in activities that involve rigorous physical activity in an outdoor setting including, but not limited to hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.
  8. Current Washington State food handlers permit (paid course is provided as a part of training)
  9. Ability to relate to parents/caregivers, campers, and staff in a professional manner.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Previous camp experience
  • One or more years of applicable education, training, and/or experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position.
  • Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
  • Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Caring
  • Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

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