Assistant Caretaker - JCCs of North America

Assistant Caretaker
Surprise Lake Camp
382 Lake Surprise Road
Cold Spring, NY 10516

Surprise Lake Camp seeks a year-round, Assistant Caretaker. Option to will live on site. The position offers a chance to live and work in a beautiful location with passionate, dedicated people. Along with the Head Caretaker and seasonal maintenance staff, the Assistant Caretaker works to ensure the safety and integrity of the site and facilities. This is a year-round position with benefits. The ideal candidate will have some skills such as: carpentry, electrical, small engine mechanics, painting, plumbing skills, and experience with facilities maintenance, and be willing to learn more. The ideal candidate will also have good problem-solving skills and the ability to laugh.

Job Requirements and Responsibilities

• Perform general maintenance repairs to buildings
• Assist in major repairs
• Assist in the maintenance of grounds and natural resources
• Help maintain the lake, pool, sewage system and water system
• Assist in general camp clean-up
• Help maintain vehicles
• Assist in managing disposal of trash, garbage, and compost
• Ensure appropriate documentation of maintenance activities, equipment and vehicles
• Evening and weekend work will be required
• Other duties as assigned

Facility Team Commitments

• Act in a manner that positively represents Surprise Lake Camp
• Help to build awareness of Surprise Lake Camp's mission among the community
• Provide support to other members of the seasonal and year-round team
• Practice the agency's policies and procedures

Qualifications & Certifications

• At least 21 years of age
• Must have a valid driver's license and be approved by SLC's insurance company to drive
• Must be able to work with children and receive satisfactory results from a thorough background screening
• Able to become a certified sewage system operator
• Passion for Surprise Lake Camp's mission and values
• Knowledge of/experience with electrical, carpentry, painting, and plumbing equipment and installation, small engine mechanics, general vehicle maintenance, and pool operations
• Experience in building and grounds maintenance
• Experience with tools and equipment associated with the above
• Have aptitude for carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills
• Comfortable with computers and able to use email, MS Word, and MS Excel.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills, especially with regards to accepting guidance and feedback
• Good and persistent problem solver
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated
• Ability to listen and follow instructions
• Must be flexible and able to juggle multiple projects/tasks at once
• Willingness to seek additional training to stay current on best practices

Essential Functions

• Ability to effectively communicate in person or by phone, and exchange accurate information
• Ability to work and navigate in a variety of terrain and weather conditions
• Ability to record, handle, file, disperse, and maintain neat and orderly records
• Ability to operate a computer and other office technology
• Ability to work long and flexible hours
• Ability to drive camp vehicles, mowers, tractors, etc.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to make repairs
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders
• Ability to visually assess facilities and vehicles
• Ability and willingness to live at camp year-round

To apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and necessary contact information to sheryl@surpriselake.org.

General Information

All candidates have an equal opportunity for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable United States federal or state law. Personal staff information - (application, references, background investigations, medical records) - will not be released, except as may be required by law. Requests for references regarding the staff member's performance will be honored; however, the staff member must authorize the release of such information.

$25,000 - $35,000

Since 1902, Surprise Lake Camp has provided a haven for children in the beautiful mountains of Cold Spring, NY. What makes SLC the best is the beauty of the site, the richness of the people and the program, the sense of history and tradition, and the magic we create when the whole thing comes together. We blend a commitment to traditional, rustic camp experiences with state of the art recreational facilities and are particularly proud of our open, inclusive community that is sensitive to the needs of interfaith and diverse families.