Organizational Overview:

Located on the shores of Stave Lake in Mission, BC, just one hour east of Vancouver, Zajac Ranch is situated on 41 acres of pristine forested land. During the summer months, Zajac Ranch provides camps for children and young adults with chronic, life threatening and/or debilitating conditions. In the off-season, Zajac Ranch welcomes school groups and private rentals. Revenue raised from site rentals goes to supporting Zajac Ranch summer medical camps.

Reporting to: Program Coordinator

Direct Reports: None

Position Type: Contract, Seasonal

Length of Contract: Summer Camp Season (2027) *some camp session exceptions may apply due to private camps

Compensation: $180.00 per day; plus, meals and accommodation provided during camp sessions.

Number of Positions Available: 2-3

Position Summary:

The Lifeguard Ranger (Activity Specialist) is a frontline program staff member responsible for the safe, inclusive, and engaging delivery of Zajac Ranch aquatic programming, including swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Working primarily at the lakefront and indoor pool, Lifeguard Rangers maintain vigilant supervision, follow established aquatic procedures, and work closely with the Program Coordinator to ensure programs run safely, smoothly, and on schedule.

Aquatic programming is the primary specialization of this role; however, Lifeguard Rangers are Rangers first and are expected to contribute fully to the broader program team. When not scheduled for waterfront or pool duties, Lifeguard Rangers may be assigned to facilitate or support other camp programs, provide staff break coverage, assist with camper supervision, transitions, meals, evening programs, cabin support, and other camp-wide responsibilities as needed. For program-related responsibilities they report to the Program Coordinator; when supporting a cabin group, they follow the direction of the assigned Unit Leader.

Key Responsibilities

Aquatic & Program Duties

- Supervise and facilitate all waterfront and pool activities, ensuring camper and staff safety at all times.
- Maintain vigilance and enforce aquatic safety rules and emergency procedures.
- Lead or assist with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and other water-based programs as assigned and within the scope of training and certification.
- Complete required pre-use checks of aquatic equipment and program areas, maintain organized equipment, and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly to the Program Coordinator.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment where campers can safely build confidence in the water.




- When not assigned to aquatic programming, facilitate or support other camp activities as scheduled by the Program Coordinator and within the staff member’s training, competence, and comfort level.
- Learn and become familiar with a variety of Zajac Ranch programs so they can confidently step into non-aquatic activities when required.
- Apply strong facilitation skills across program areas, including clearly explaining activity expectations, safety requirements, and techniques in engaging and accessible ways that support different learning styles and abilities.
- Participate in regular staff meetings and training sessions to ensure program consistency and communication.

Camper Care

- Supervise and support campers to ensure safety, health, and well-being at all times.
- Act as a positive role model by encouraging participation, empathy, and teamwork.
- Support campers with daily routines including meals, hygiene, rest periods, and medication schedules.
- Collaborate with counsellors and Unit Leaders to foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging cabin environment when assigned to cabin support.
- Promote a safe atmosphere and respond appropriately to behavioural or crisis situations using collaborative approaches and strategies covered in staff training.
- Provide consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement using the therapeutic recreation model covered during staff training.

Teamwork & Camp-Wide Support:

- While Rangers’ primary responsibility is the safe and effective delivery of their assigned programs, they are also members of the broader camp team and may be asked to assist with camper supervision, staff breaks, transitions, meals, special events, cabin support, or other reasonable duties when they are not required in their program area.
- Zajac Ranch operates as one camp team, and all staff are expected to support one another to help create a safe, positive, and memorable experience for campers.
- Staff are expected to be flexible, communicate openly, and step in where they are able and appropriately trained to do so.
- No staff member is expected to take on duties they are not trained, authorized, or comfortable performing.



Staff should communicate with their supervisor whenever they are unsure or need additional support.
- A collaborative, team-first attitude is an important part of working at Zajac Ranch. Everyone contributes to the success of camp, and staff are encouraged to support one another wherever reasonably possible.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Experience working with children or youth, preferably in a camp or recreation setting.
- Experience supporting children or youth with disabilities, neurodivergence, behavioural support needs, or complex medical needs is considered an asset.
- Strong program facilitation skills, with the ability to teach, demonstrate, and adapt activities and safety expectations for campers with different learning styles, abilities, and levels of understanding.
- Willingness and ability to learn and facilitate a variety of non-aquatic camp programs when not scheduled for lifeguarding duties.
- Minimum 1 year of experience working as a lifeguard (preferred).
- Bronze Cross certification (asset).
- National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification (required).
- Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification (required).
- Minimum 17 years of age (required).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (required).

Work Environment:

- Live-in role during camp sessions, with prospect to stay on-site over weekends, as requested.
- Outdoor, dynamic, and fast-paced setting requiring flexibility and high energy.
- Active participation in both waterfront supervision and general camp activities.
- Joining Zajac Ranch as a Lifeguard Ranger (Activity Specialist) offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain valuable aquatic experience, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young adults with medical needs and disabilities — all while working in a supportive and fun camp community.

How to Apply: Interested parties should submit a resume. Only applicants that meet the requirements will be contacted. No phone calls please. Zajac Ranch is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation at any point in the application process, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We thank all interested parties; however, only those invited for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $180.00 per day

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site gym
- On-site parking

Application question(s):
- Are you able to pass a Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector?

Work Location: In person

📌 Lifeguard Ranger (Activity Specialist) (Mission)
🏢 Zajac Ranch for Children
📍 Mission