ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Waterfront Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VHB

Waterfront Growth Leader

Hauppauge, NY

$160K - $210K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a Waterfront Growth Leader to help drive the expansion of our Coastal Engineering & Resiliency (CE&R) services team in our Northeast Region. This individual will ...

Kanuga

Life Guard

Hendersonville, NC · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Under the direction and guidance of the Waterfront Director and consistent with the policies of Kanuga, the Lifeguard oversees the waterfront to ensure the safety of all guests and program ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsDock Master JobsWaterfront Director Jobs

Waterfront Director information

See salary details

$14K

$61.8K

$143.5K

How much do waterfront director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for waterfront director in the United States is $61,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waterfront director?

A Waterfront Director is responsible for overseeing all aquatic activities and ensuring the safety of participants at a waterfront facility, such as a camp, lake, or beach. They supervise lifeguards and staff, manage equipment, enforce safety protocols, and often provide training in water safety. Waterfront Directors also create activity schedules, maintain water quality standards, and respond to emergencies when necessary. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as certifications in lifeguarding and water safety management.

What does a waterfront director do?

Waterfront directors supervise water-based activities, including swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and waterskiing. As a waterfront director, you may plan events, train and schedule staff, monitor safety, care for equipment, and process registrations, such as licenses and boat permits. This position may be required to work extended hours over the summer. You maintain inventory and recommend when to repair or purchase new equipment. You are also in charge of set-up and tear down for the waterfront and may need to participate in other camp activities not related to your department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waterfront director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waterfront Director, you need strong leadership, water safety expertise, and certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, often supported by experience in aquatic program management. Familiarity with watercraft, rescue equipment, and safety protocols, as well as management of scheduling and incident reporting systems, is essential. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills help build trust with staff and participants while maintaining a safe environment. These competencies are crucial to ensuring smooth operations, minimizing risk, and promoting safety and enjoyment at waterfront facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a waterfront director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge for Waterfront Directors is ensuring the safety of all participants while managing a diverse team of lifeguards and instructors. This often requires balancing administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling and compliance with safety regulations, with hands-on supervision during busy activity periods. Effective communication, thorough staff training, and regular safety drills can help address these challenges. Building a culture of teamwork and proactive risk management also contributes greatly to a smooth and safe waterfront operation.

What is the difference between Waterfront Director vs Lifeguard?

AspectWaterfront DirectorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Waterfront Safety CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentOversees waterfront activities, manages staff, plans programsMonitors swimming areas, ensures safety, responds to emergencies
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff supervision, safety enforcementRescue, monitor swimmers, enforce rules

The Waterfront Director and Lifeguard roles both require CPR and First Aid certifications and operate in aquatic environments. The Waterfront Director manages overall waterfront programs and staff, while the Lifeguard focuses on monitoring swimmers and ensuring safety. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Waterfront Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Waterfront Director jobs?

Cities with the most Waterfront Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Waterfront jobs?

The most popular types of Waterfront jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Waterfront Director jobs?

The top employers for Waterfront Director jobs are:

What states have the most Waterfront Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Waterfront Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Waterfront Director jobs?

For Waterfront Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Waterfront Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterfront Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,764 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Waterfront Director- Oratam Camp

New Milford, NJ • On-site

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Metropolitan YMCA of the Orangesexternal

$7.0K - $8.5K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee all waterfront programs, staff, and campers supervision, training, motivation, and evaluation within program activities.

  • Develop and execute program area lesson plans for the season with the help of waterfront staff.

  • Ensure camper safety by supervising the waterfront area, maintaining safety procedures, and overseeing emergency drills.

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility by providing a friendly, healthy, and fun atmosphere for campers during the camp season.The Waterfront Director will be responsible for providing a developmental programming to assist child/ren in personal growth, maturity, and socialization and to function as an authority as well as a role model to the child during his/her camp experience.The Waterfront Director will encourage child/ren to set new goals as well as to achieve established ones.*All qualifications for this position must be met by ACA guidelines, and the NYS Health Department.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensure, above all else, campers are safe and well supervised while present at the program area.

Provide leadership to camp as a whole, including programming, safety and activities.

Oversee all waterfront programs, staff and campers supervision, training, motivation, evaluation within program activities.

Develop and execute, with the help of waterfront staff, program area lesson plans for the season.

Responsible for area specific training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of all assigned waterfront staff.

Assist with orientation and development of waterfront programs.

Oversee three (3) emergency drills per summer.

Maintains viable “buddy system” and “lost swimmer” procedure.

Oversee waterfront family nights and special events.

Maintain inventory & care for all designated waterfront activities and rescue equipment.

Ensure all surrounding areas of the waterfront area kept clean and orderly.

Review regularly with Camp Director all concerns, priorities, progress, and reports regarding camp and programs.

Create, maintain and submit all reports, inventory and evaluations as required. Maintain accurate records.

Report waterfront maintenance concerns in a timely fashion.

Work in cooperation with all staff and other programs on the property.

Attend all staff meetings and training events as scheduled.


DIRECT REPORTS:Lifeguards and CIT’s

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:N/A

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 21 years of age.

Minimum three-year’s experience in Waterfront, and professional rescuer.

Minimum three years lifeguard experience.

Experience in supervision.

Ability to create lesson plans.

Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, WSI and Waterfront certifications.

First Aid & CPR for Professional rescuer certifications.


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.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).

Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity.

Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid.