Spring & Fall At Orkila!
The spring and fall seasons consist of two programs. The Environmental Education program caters to elementary and middle school groups and occurs on the weekdays. On the weekends we offer family camps and parent/child programs to participants from the Greater Seattle area. Both programs have goals of nurturing a sense of appreciation for the natural world, building skills to foster cooperation and trust, and nurturing self-esteem and independence in all participants. Working with families and students at Orkila is truly rewarding, but there is constant action and a powerful work ethic is key for success. Our program goals are robust and we seek creative, compassionate, self-motivated individuals to join us in our efforts.
We start hiring for the spring season in mid-October of the previous year. It is possible to combine spring and fall employment with a summer position to create a seamless career from March through October. Our fall staff is often comprised of returning staff from the previous spring and summer. The following are typical dates for our two seasons:
Spring : mid-March to mid-June
Fall : early September to late October
If you have any questions about the program or available positions, please contact Dylan Gonda at dgonda@seattleymca.org, our site director for Outdoor Environmental Education, or click the button below.
Assistant Director
Minimum age 21
Assistant Program Directors provide leadership across all of camp’s programs. Assistant Director responsibilities include coaching and supervising staff, working with school groups, families and other user groups before and during their time at camp, managing the day-to-day operations of camp, and assisting in problem solving as unique and challenging situations arise. Assistant Directors are supervised by Sr. Program Directors and perform other duties as assigned. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements. We are hiring two Assistant Directors for the Fall Season.
The Fall season for Assistant Directors runs from August 23rd to November 8th.
Program Instructor
Responsibilities include teaching classes in marine / aquatic science, terrestrial ecology, earth science, and facilitating group development and challenge course activities. You will work at least two evenings a week running evening programs. Staff generally work 5 days a week which will include at least one weekend day facilitating recreation activities for family camp and retreat programs. Camp staff also assist with many other camp operations, including cleaning, kitchen work, and maintenance projects.
Spring and fall staff enjoy many benefits during the season. Staff are provided with room and board, a shared kitchen, meals in the camp lodge and bulk food weekly for staff houses, in-house laundry machines, use of the camp kayak fleet with training, paid time off, and potential guest housing for visiting family and friends by request.
The Fall season for Instructors runs from August 23rd to November 2nd.
Outdoor Environmental Education Coordinator
Program Coordinators responsibilities include coaching and supervising staff, working with school groups during their time at camp, managing the day-to-day operations of camp, and assisting in problem solving as unique and challenging situations arise. Coordinators are supervised by Sr. Program Directors and perform other duties as assigned. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
The Fall Season for Coordinator’s runs from August 23rd to November 8th.
Bus Driver
Minimum age 22
Every day hundreds of children participate in fun and engaging YMCA programs. Bus Drivers support camp programs through transporting children to and from program activities and sites.
Cook
Minimum age 18
Resident Camp Cooks assists the Food Service Director in all camp food services for camp staff and guests. Our kitchen staff take part in trainings with other members of the program teams and will get training in their department and their specific kitchen position. They’ll work alongside the full-time kitchen team to help with food prep, dishwashing and maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen. This is a crucial role in providing delicious and healthy camp meals in a highly organized manner.
Cook’s Apprentice
Minimum age 18
Cook’s apprentice will prepare and serve food in one of our fast-paced commercial kitchens. Additional responsibilities include maintaining kitchen and lodge cleanliness, washing dishes, and storing food and supplies with food safety in mind. Cook’s assistant will work with Food Service Director and will assist them as needed, as well as attend Kitchen Staff Meetings and participate in the Camp Orkila Community.
Dishwasher
Minimum age 16
Resident Camp Dishwashers assists the Food Service Director in all camp food services for camp staff and guests. Our kitchen staff take part in trainings with other members of the program teams and will get training in their department and their specific kitchen position. They’ll work alongside the full-time kitchen team to help with food prep, dishwashing and maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
Groundskeeper
Minimum age 18
Maintains grounds of beautiful camp facilities, including lawns, landscaping, and other areas.