Job Opportunity - Recreation Program Leaders

Recreation Program Leader

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Job Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Job Dates: June 15, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Hours: up to 35/hours a week

Compensation: $25/hour 

Job Overview:

Do you love to sail? Do you love to lead positive, empowering youth programming? Are you an ocean enthusiast? If so, this role might be for you!

The Recreation Program Leads will facilitate the Nova Scotia Sea School’s Halifax-based youth programming from the Halifax Waterfront, in partnership with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Programming will include both single day programming and week-long day camps, introducing youth to a variety of ocean and coastal experiences, including sailing our traditional 30’ wooden boat, canoeing, rowing, teaching outdoor and navigational skills, and leading teambuilding, leadership and reflective activities. The Recreation Program Leads will work directly with permanent and seasonal staff, as well as with youth participants, their families and guardians, and organizational partners. Given the location of the role, Recreation Program Leads will be in public-facing roles and require strong interpersonal and group management skills. 

About the Nova Scotia Sea School:

The Nova Scotia Sea School offers transformative ocean and coastal experiences to youth ages 12-19. This includes single and multi-day recreational programs in sailing, hiking, wilderness survival, and related activities. These are immersive, experiential, outdoor programs for youth that emphasize and cultivate personal growth, environmental stewardship, community, and a sense of belonging. The participants represent a diverse cross-section of society, including youth experiencing marginalization due to race, gender, poverty, language, mental health challenges, and other intersections. The Sea School works closely with other youth organizations to ensure program offerings are suited to the groups that it serves.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Leading youth recreation programs, including but not limited to: introductory activities; sailing; canoeing; rowing; introductory ocean science; marine skills; hiking; field trips; survival skills; basic boat maintenance, teambuilding, and leadership. 

• Participate in multiple staff training sessions

• Maintain relevant certifications as required. This may include sailing qualifications, SVOP, First Aid, Big Canoe Leader Skills, etc. 

• Coordination of participant and group registration alongside the Recreation Registration Coordinator

• Foster a safe, inclusive, welcoming, interactive, and engaging learning environment for all participants and staff

• Promote environmental stewardship, community, teamwork, and sense of belonging

• Provide high-quality, safety-first youth programming

• Participation in small-group programmatic staff debriefs with a focus on quality assurance and improvement

• Ongoing positive promotion of Sea School programs and values amongst participants, stakeholders, and the public

• Maintain accurate records and reports on participants and programs as required

• Regular care, inventory and maintenance of all gear, and care for all program venues

• Supporting our funding deliverables by taking pictures & short videos of programming (with participant consent), and supporting participants to fill out feedback forms & testimonials

• Maintain strong, communicative, collaborative relationships with NSSS colleagues and all staff at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

• Other duties as required

Job Requirements:

• Sailing, canoeing, and outdoor certifications will be required, although it is possible that some may be obtained after hiring. 

• Experience working with youth

• Highly collaborative; team player

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

• Criminal record check

• Child abuse registry check

• First aid, PCOC, SVOP, SDV-BS, ROC-M, Paddle Canada, and other certifications are an asset. Please note in your CV or elsewhere in your application if you hold any of these certifications.

How to apply:

Send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your past experience in sailing and youth facilitation, as well as your interest in the role, to Hannah at programs@seaschool.org. Please use the subject line “Job Application: Recreation Program Lead” for your email.