Overview
The Unit Leader for our overnight Carolina Ocean Odyssey program must be a multi-talented, service-
oriented individual with a strong desire to provide a life changing ocean experience that encompasses
ocean safety and marine science. Applicant must have a passion for ocean conservation, teaching, and
inspiring youth. This position requires the candidate to work as part of a team to instruct and provide
care to a group of 12 campers, ages 10-12. Summer duties will be based at our ocean-view facility on
Topsail Island, 30 minutes north of Wilmington. Candidates will work closely with our entire leadership
team.
The Unit Leader will be responsible for supervising the implementation of all daily activities and will
perform a variety of administrative duties. This role requires a detail-oriented team player with the
ability to see multiple concurrent tasks through to completion. The Unit Leader must provide
leadership, guidance, and feedback to all team members, as well as encourage, inspire, and teach both
campers and staff. The Unit Leader must ensure all staff and campers stay safe while having an
awesome and life enriching experience. This position reports to the Site Director and Program
Coordinator.
Skills & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
❖ BA or BS in marine biology, environmental science, education, recreation, or related field (or
currently pursuing)
❖ At least 21 years of age
❖ Must be in excellent physical condition + able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted
❖ Ability to pass a 500-yard open-ocean swim test
❖ Must have 3 years ocean wave riding experience
❖ Current certifications: Lifeguarding, CPR and First Aid
❖ Experience in marine science, environmental education, summer camp or related fields
❖ Strong desire to change the world for the better through education and action
❖ Must be able to attend mandatory staff training
❖ Willing to work long hours while maintaining energy and stamina
❖ Strong communication, decision making, logistical, and organizational skills
❖ Team player with a positive attitude, even when things are not going smoothly
❖ Loyalty, honesty, and a commitment to excellence
❖ Ability to remain focused in a fast paced, stressful, and fluid camp atmosphere
❖ Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
❖ No conflicting summer commitments including travel, work, or other leave of absence
❖ Proven ability to effectively manage and lead staff
❖ Energetic, morning person with a positive attitude
❖ Able to pass a government background check
❖ Clean driving record
Desired Skills & Traits
❖ Masters in marine biology, environmental science, education, or related field
❖ Wilderness First Responder Certification
❖ Surfing experience
❖ Familiarity with local marine ecosystems and organisms
❖ Previous experience working in a camp setting
❖ Environmental education certification or teaching credential
Unit Leader
Responsibilities and Duties:
Working in collaboration with other staff members, you will provide 24-hour supervision for
campers, both in the bunk rooms and in the field. Activities primarily take place on Topsail Island.
Individual must maintain a strong skill set in the following areas: lesson development, organization,
punctuality, problem solving, as well as have a solid attention to detail. These skills are crucial in order
for you to provide the best possible experience for each camper. Programs do require work on
weekends and holidays, though there is some time off between camps to recharge.
Staff responsibilities are listed below but may not be limited to this list:
❖ Provide consistent support to leadership staff by handling tasks and duties, aiding in delegating
duties to staff, and focusing on campers’ safety and schedule
❖ Responsible for the implementation of program curriculum and consistent day-to-day activities
❖ Provide 24 hour supervision of campers both in bunk rooms and in field activities
❖ Attend all scheduled staff meetings with Site Director and Program Coordinator
❖ Perform all pre-session tasks, including but not limited to: reviewing camp binder, delegating
responsibilities, and ensuring all supplies are prepared and accessible
❖ Conduct daily team meetings to go over any camper issues, logistics and schedule
❖ Make quick decisions throughout the day based on weather and wave conditions
❖ Practice open communication with your team and address any issues immediately
❖ Mentor staff and provide feedback and corrective action when necessary
❖ Delegate daily camp setup and breakdown responsibilities with your team
❖ Prepare and lead hands-on, educational activities on various marine science topics
❖ Supervise and actively participate in all camp activities
❖ Put camper needs before own; get to know each camper
❖ Provide proper behavior management of campers; handle camper discipline issues and
emergency situations that may arise
❖ Serve as a positive role model, display maturity, responsibility, flexibility, and sound judgment
❖ Oversee participants’ safety, medication administration, and dietary preferences
❖ Safely transport students in 15 passenger vans
❖ Communicate professionally with camper parents before camp and during check-in/ check-out
❖ Follow proper Emergency Procedures when necessary
❖ Clearly understand company goals, high safety standards, and mission; continuously work to
professionally promote the organization’s mission and achieve its goals
❖ Will be required to work at least one weekend intersession with campers. This will include
additional compensation.
❖ Be knowledgeable of Surf Camp, Inc. as a company, as well as our diversity of programs
Compensation
We offer a summer stipend, commensurate with experience, and the inclusion of pro-deal opportunities.In
addition, the compensation package will include ocean-view accommodations and meals during the
summer program, valued at an additional $2,000.
Position Duration
Programs run from early June – early August on Topsail Island, NC. Candidates would need to attend
mandatory staff training in the beginning of June. Specific dates TBD.
About Surf Camp, Inc.
Surf Camp Inc. is a leader in the growing world of learn-to-surf, marine science, and scuba adventure
camps. Our brand symbolizes a long-standing commitment to technical instruction expertise and ocean
safety awareness which is evident in our three main core values: “Safety, Learning, and Fun!” We develop
and conduct a diversified mix of summer camps for kids and teens, as well as adult travel adventure
programs.
“Our mission is to cultivate a love and respect for the ocean by building confidence,
developing character and inspiring stoke through safety, fun and learning”.