Youth Kayak Program Coordinator
Job Title: Youth Kayak Program Coordinator
Classification: Part-time, temporary, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $25/hour (typically 25 hours/week)
Reports to: Deputy Director of Public Programs
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) is looking to hire a part-time Youth Kayak Program Coordinator to help support, manage, and execute its youth kayak program in Brooklyn Bridge Park during the 2026 season, approximately June 1 – August 31, 2026. The Youth Kayak Program Coordinator is a key part of BBP’s kayaking program, leading the Youth Kayak camp program. They will perform outreach, schedule schools/youth groups, and lead camps on the water. They will also supervise kayak associates on land and on the water. When needed, they will assist with the walk-up kayak program. The Youth Kayak Program Coordinator will report to the Deputy Director of Public Programs and also work closely with the Program Manager.
Ideal applicants will be adept at multitasking, able to work well with children, passionate about great public programs, and ready to take on many and varied responsibilities. They must also be comfortable with being on and around the East River as well as an experienced kayaker. This position will be trained to be a certified instructor. The ideal candidate should genuinely enjoy being on the water with program partners and participants, making sure things run smoothly and safely. The successful applicant will quickly understand BBP’s mission and be comfortable working outside in all types of weather for the majority of their 8-hour shift.
Primary Responsibilities:
Manage registration of school and camp groups for the youth kayak program including performing targeted outreach, collecting participation fees when needed, ensuring participants sign waivers, and communicating all necessary information to group leaders.
Manage the seasonal Kayak Associates in partnership with the Deputy Director of Public Programs and the Program Manager, ensuring appropriate program coverage is maintained.
Support Deputy Director of Public Programs and Program Manager in administrative tasks such as demographic tracking, season wrap up reports, etc.
Serve as point person for all youth kayak program parties including program partners, Brooklyn Bridge Park staff, and participants.
Remain outside, in the park, for the majority of work shift, offering support to youth kayak program participants, program partners, and the Kayak Associates.
Assist with the Public Kayaking program as needed.
Qualifications:
At least one year of experience in facilitating water-based recreational programming, or comparable public programs.
Certified Kayak instructor trained preferred but not required.
Experience supervising, training, and evaluating others (intern or volunteer level is acceptable).
Capacity to function in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and Teams.
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, as well as the ability to perform physical labor (able to lift 40 pounds, regularly).
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet program needs.
Able to represent the park as a world-class outdoor destination to programming partners, talent, audience, and park visitors
About You:
You strive to be inclusive and collaborative. At BBP, we recognize that doing our best work means working together. We have each other’s back – and are helpful, humble and open.
You are committed. At BBP, we approach our work with integrity, positivity, and pride. We are committed to the public, the park and each other.
You are a problem-solver. At BBP, we prioritize learning, evolving and building creative solutions to ensure the Park remains a leader in sustainable green space for generations to come.
You value people and the environment. At BBP, respect is important to us. We strive to trust each other, act with good intention and communicate with openness.
Working at BBP:
We believe that BBP is a park for all people. We take pride in our ability to provide the community with a beautiful, functional, clean, and safe green space. Internally, we strive to provide a work environment where employees feel supported, respected, and a sense of belonging. Our staff are experts in everything from horticulture to community engagement to park operations and events. The work environment is welcoming, with hardworking and diverse staff who are dedicated to building, beautifying, and maintaining the park. We offer benefits like affordable healthcare, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and prioritize the importance of work-life balance.
ABOUT BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of the most transformative public projects in New York City in a generation, has revitalized a formerly industrial waterfront into a dynamic 85-acre civic space. Created to be environmentally and financially sustainable, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a model for resilient urban design that reconnects New Yorkers and visitors to the waterfront. Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) operates as a non-profit public benefit corporation of the City of New York and is responsible for the stewardship of the park—maintaining its landscapes, maritime infrastructure, and public amenities. BBP develops and delivers dynamic public programming that weaves together arts and culture, recreation, and environmental education to engage, inspire, and serve a diverse community.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Brooklyn Bridge Park provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.