Summer Camp Lifeguard and Counselor
Come join the Connecticut River Museum’s (CRM) growing education department and spend your summer along the lovely Connecticut River in Essex, CT. CRM offers fun and educational summer day camps with time spent aboard our two vessels each summer.
Campers (ages 6-11) learn about nature, sailing, archeology, museums, history, and participate in traditional camp activities each week. Six weekly camp sessions will run between June 29, 2026, and August 7, 2026. Camp weeks run Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm with before and aftercare available. Campers spend most of their days outside on CRM’s grounds, the docks, and along the River’s edge.
Specific responsibilities:
The Connecticut River Museum camp is a non-swimming camp. Lifeguard duties include overseeing wading and dockside activities. This role also assists the Camp Director with drop-off and pick-up, the execution of programming, staff coordination, and ensuring that campers have a safe, educational, and fun experience. The Summer Camp Lifeguard will also serve as a camp counselor and work with campers on land and water. The Summer Camp Lifeguard reports to the Camp Director, who provides leadership and hands-on support with the camp.
Dates of employment and hours of work:
The Summer Camp Lifeguard is expected to complete 10-15 hours of training prior to the start of camp. This training schedule is flexible, and some components may be conducted remotely. The Summer Camp Lifeguard is expected to work 3–4 days per week, typically from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday during camp weeks (June 29, 2026, and August 7, 2026). This is a seasonal, contract position.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Current American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard certification or its equivalent (or ability to obtain prior to the start of camp) with the Waterfront Lifeguard Module
- Must have prior experience in a youth camp or an equivalent educational environment
- Enthusiastic, energetic, patient, and passionate about working with youth
- Highly organized, responsible, and able to problem-solve under pressure
- Able to pass a background check
- Ability to become CPR and Basic First Aid certified (training provided by CRM)
- Reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications:
- American Red Cross Small Craft Safety program or equivalent
Physical Requirements
Must be able to routinely stand for long periods of time, bend, lift up to 30 lbs, climb stairs and be comfortable delivering programs indoors, outdoors, and on the museum’s sailing vessels.
Compensation:
$20 hourly rate. Staff enjoy a 10% discount at our gift shop.
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Application Process and Additional Information
Please email your resume and cover letter to the Director of Education, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org
Please include your last name and the title of the job in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until April 30th 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Connecticut River Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The mission of the Connecticut River Museum (CRM) is to lead in the study, preservation, and celebration of the cultural and natural heritage of the Connecticut River and its valley. By deepening understanding of the River’s importance to past generations, the museum will inspire the stewardship of future generations. To learn more, please visit our website ctrivermuseum.org.
