Eco Camp at Chimo Director – Recreation

Department and Commission: Recreation, Community Services
Vacancy Type: Temporary Part-Time
Posting Date: October 26, 2026
Application Deadline: December 6, 2026

About the City of Markham

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Work Location: Outdoors at Eco Camp at Chimo

Work Period:

• Casual work from February to mid-May 2027 – Schedule to be determined, and hybrid work options may not be available.
• Full-time (35 hours per week) from mid-May to Labour Day 2027 – 100% in-person

Job Summary

• Manages the City of Markham Eco Camp at Chimo Outdoor Summer Day Camp.
• Has oversight responsibilities for program planning, program delivery and administration.
• Oversees up to approximately 250 campers ranging from 4 to 14 years of age, while supervising and coaching 40-50 staff including supervisors, counsellors, specialists, and volunteers.
• Ensures consistency in camp policies and processes, including training and communication in conjunction with other camp directors.
• Through strategic leadership and programming, enables pre-schoolers, children and/or youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for day-to-day operations under the guidance of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator, ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides daily direction and support to camp supervisors and camp staff as required (including inclusion staff in area). Plans and schedules camp staff resources, routines, schedules and procedures to ensure successful program delivery.
• Oversees daily activities across the camp(s), ensuring programming is effective and adapted to camper needs with regard to safety, hygiene, weather, breaks, etc.
• Assists Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator with review and approval of daily plans created by camp supervisors.
• Oversees before and after care program and/or bussing
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the camp(s). Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks.
• Acts as a leader role model, fostering a positive learning environment where people feel included as members of a team and are motivated to work towards common goals.
• Liaises with camp supervisors and staff to resolve any issues with the support of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Serves as an ambassador for the Corporation of the City of Markham, liaising frequently with parents of campers including email to communicate camp information, provide contact information, resolve issues or address concerns with the support of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator. Displays a heightened sense of customer service.
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Plans and implements camp staff training. Plays a leadership role in camp preparations as well as regular meetings.
• Ensures adherence to policies and procedures, working closely with other directors to ensure consistency under the guidance of the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator.
• Provides ongoing training, coaching and recognition to staff and volunteers. Provides regular feedback and completes formal performance assessments for all direct reports.
• Assists with recruitment, screening and scheduling of camp staff and volunteers.
• Controls supplies and equipment inventory for sessions, ensuring that all necessary supplies and equipment are ordered and received in accordance with City policies.
• Oversees area camp purchases in accordance with City policies and budget.
• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise.
• Oversees swimming and canoeing activities. Must be comfortable in and around water.
• Reports all incidents, including bussing, promptly and thoroughly to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator using incident/accident report forms and processes. Maintains camp documentation, including registration information, attendance records, permission and waiver forms, log books and time sheets.
• Completes a full report on the camp session including feedback and recommendations to the Community Program Supervisor and/or Community Program Coordinator at the conclusion of the summer.
• Responsible for effective and efficient communication to all stakeholders including parents, campers and staff.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Must have completed a minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education in the field of Recreation or Outdoor Recreation; other fields will be considered as relevant, i.e. Education
• Minimum of two years/summers of camp experience in a senior supervisory capacity managing staff and/or volunteers in an Eco/Outdoor Programming environment.
• Extensive knowledge of program planning and child development stages.
• Demonstrated experience developing, organizing and carrying out both regular daily and special programs including canoeing, archery, high ropes, rock wall climbing and other adventure programming.
• Knowledge of crafts, sports, music and/or games;
• Knowledge of special needs programming is an asset;
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ certification or Intermediate First Aid with CPR C and AED;
• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required;
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development certification is required;
• HIGH FIVE Quest 2 certification is an asset;
• Behaviour Management Training, or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and Safe Management Training is an asset;
• Certified in Ontario Recreation Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) or Belaying would be an asset;
• Computer skills (Microsoft365, Adobe Acrobat);Registration system applications are an asset;
• Must be able to work in a variety of work environments i.e. indoors (with or without air conditioning) and outdoors.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Core Values

At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another.

• Service Excellence: the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer-centric service that exceeds expectations.
• Accountability: our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance.
• People-Focused: putting people first.
• Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness.
• Innovation: Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services.

We are looking for candidates who bring these values to life through their actions, decisions, and leadership approach.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) / Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) letter.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.