Youth Camp Director (Variable Hour)

JOB LOCATION

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Finding a leader for our summer camp team takes more than just a love for glitter and games. Honest leaders who always follow through build the safest environment for our youth.   Treating every child and staff member with kindness ensures everyone feels welcome at the park. Polished work habits matter even when you are planning a field trip or a messy craft project. ✂️ Spending workdays at parks and adventure destinations definitely beats a boring cubicle. Managing small teams and program budgets requires a steady hand and a quick mind.   Having a degree in recreation or education provides a great foundation for this role.   Creating lasting memories for kids is easily the best part of the job. ✨

Must be 21 years old at the time of hire 

The hiring rate for this role is $20.00/hour.

This is classified as a VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), meaning the selected candidate will work fewer than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. 

Position Overview:

Camp/Activity Director is responsible for implementing planned programs which include school break camps, summer camp, We Are Aurora Youth, and Friday evening programs. The Director will also lead 1 to 5 staff in in implementing programs. This position also applies to candidates that are only able to work during the summer season or part of the year.  Hired staff are asked for availability based on program dates and scheduling comes on a first come first serve basis.  

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize and run staff meetings, mandatory trainings, and other Youth Services events required by program.
• Prepare and maintain necessary supplies and stay within budget guidelines.
• Directors will coordinate and implement activities and events which will include direct supervision of group programs.
• Directors will work closely with parents on youth profiles, program communication & volunteer needs.
• Work with the Program Leaders to implement and participate in planned programs which include games, crafts, field trips, and swimming.
• Perform other duties as assigned 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Youth Program Director must meet one of the following qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in recreation, outdoor education, art education, elementary or early childhood education, human services, or directly related field.
• Two years of college training and six (6) months (910 hours) of satisfactory and verifiable full-time or equivalent part-time, paid or volunteer, experience, in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children Three years (5460 hours) of satisfactory and verifiable full-time or equivalent part-time, paid or volunteer, experience and one of the following qualifications:

• A. Complete six semester hours, or nine quarter hours in course work from a regionally accredited college or university; or
• B. 40 clock hours of training in course work applicable to school-age children and the department-approved courses in injury prevention, and playground safety for School-Aged Child Care Centers within the first nine months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• None

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of youth development, outdoor education, nutrition, and recreation programming for elementary and or middle school students. Familiarity with the rules and regulations of School Age Licensed Day Camp Programs.

Skills:

• Experience working with youth from ages 6 to 14 and ability to plan programs.
• Fluency in the Spanish language preferred but not required. Previous supervisory experience is preferred but not required.

Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce
• Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Reliable transportation to work sites and a valid drivers license.
• This position will require the following certifications to be completed upon hiring.  City of Aurora will maintain a copy of all certifications.
  • First aid and CPR
  • Standard Precautions
  • Medical Administration Part 1 and Part 2
  • Child Abuse Reporting
  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Immunization Course
  • Playground Safety
  • Injury Prevention
  • FEMA Multihazard Planning for Child Care

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Primarily physical and active work requiring the ability to lift up to 30 pounds; lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; the vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; frequent speech communication with fellow employees and City of Aurora citizens.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in recreation facilities, and outdoor parks, and adventure destinations.

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases
• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.