Camp Marrowbone is YMCA Seven Council Fires’ overnight camp on the shores of Lake Oahe in South Dakota. The camp provides youth and families, many from reservation communities. With a safe, welcoming place to build confidence, strengthen friendships, connect with culture, and experience the outdoors. Campers enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, archery, hiking, team-building, cultural programming, and evenings around the campfire. More than a summer camp, Camp Marrowbone is a place where every young person can feel that they belong.
This position ensures that Camp Marrowbone and our daycamps are safe, welcoming, well maintained, and ready to serve youth, families, staff, volunteers, and partners throughout the year.
The Director of Camp Operations is the operational leader of Camp Marrowbone. Working closely with the CEO, Associate Executive Director, Camp Program Director, seasonal leaders, volunteers, and community partners, this individual oversees facilities, grounds, safety systems, food service support, transportation, inventory, vendor coordination, seasonal readiness, and capital improvement projects. The role also helps translate organizational priorities into practical work plans so staff and volunteers have the direction, tools, and materials needed to succeed.
This is a year-round, on-site position at Camp Marrowbone on Lake Oahe and Dupree, SD. The successful candidate will lead with humility, sound judgment, cultural respect, and a commitment to creating a place where every camper feels safe, supported, and that they belong.
- Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in camp operations, facilities management, construction, property management, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, coordinate volunteers, manage multiple projects, and follow work through to completion.
- Working knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance, basic repairs, grounds care, tools, vehicles, and contractor coordination.
- Experience with budgets, purchasing, bids, inventories, schedules, and operational documentation.
- Strong judgment and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and changing conditions.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and comfort using email, spreadsheets, shared documents, and maintenance tracking systems.
- Bachelor's degree or relevant trade/technical training preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience in camps, YMCAs, youth-serving organizations, rural facilities, or tribal communities preferred.
- Passion for serving Native youth, families, and communities and advancing equitable opportunities.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to travel as needed.
- Ability to pass required background checks and drug/alcohol screening.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak seasons or emergencies.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, walk uneven terrain, climb ladders, bend, reach, and safely lift and carry 50 pounds.
Camp Operations Leadership
- Develop and execute an annual operations plan covering opening, summer season, Family & Friends Camp, retreats, rentals, winterization, and off-season projects.
- Coordinate daily site operations and serve as the primary point of accountability for operational readiness.
- Build clear work plans, schedules, checklists, and communication systems for staff and volunteers.
- Partner with program leadership so operational decisions support an excellent camper experience.
- Respond calmly and decisively to urgent operational needs, weather events, and site emergencies.
Facilities, Grounds & Capital Projects
- Oversee the inspection, maintenance, repair, and improvement of cabins, Gather Here Dining Hall, Welcome Center, waterfront, program areas, staff housing, roads, utilities, equipment, and grounds.
- Maintain preventive maintenance schedules and accurate records for buildings, vehicles, tools, water systems, septic systems, fire protection, and other infrastructure.
- Identify facility priorities and prepare scopes of work, cost estimates, timelines, and recommendations.
- Coordinate contractors, vendors, deliveries, permits, and project documentation.
- Support capital projects from planning through completion, ensuring quality, safety, budget discipline, and minimal disruption to programs.
Safety, Risk Management & Compliance
- Maintain sitewide safety practices consistent with YMCA policies, applicable codes, licensing expectations, insurance requirements, and American Camp Association standards.
- Conduct routine inspections; document concerns; and ensure timely corrective action.
- Maintain emergency action plans, evacuation procedures, incident reporting systems, safety signage, and required records.
- Coordinate staff training in emergency procedures, equipment use, safe work practices, and risk prevention.
- Support emergency response and serve as an on-site leader during incidents.
Seasonal Readiness & Staff Support
- Lead pre-season opening and post-season closing processes, including utilities, housing, equipment, program spaces, and inventories.
- Recruit, onboard, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate seasonal operations, maintenance, food service, housekeeping, and transportation staff as assigned.
- Ensure seasonal staff arrive to clean, functional housing and have the equipment and supplies needed to perform their roles.
- Participate in staff training and reinforce a culture of safety, service, accountability, and belonging.
- Provide operational support during camp sessions, retreats, rentals, special events, and community gatherings.
Volunteer & Partner Coordination
- Translate facility and program needs into well-defined volunteer projects with clear outcomes, timelines, tools, materials, and on-site leadership.
- Coordinate volunteer work groups and skilled trades partners, including project orientation and safety briefings.
Work collaboratively with YMCA Alumni, partner YMCAs, community organizations, and local contractors. - Ensure volunteers are welcomed, respected, productively engaged, and connected to the mission.
Food Service, Housekeeping & Hospitality Support
- Support safe, efficient food service operations in partnership with program and kitchen leaders.
- Ensure kitchens, dining areas, cabins, bathrooms, and common spaces meet standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and readiness.
- Coordinate inspections, service calls, pest prevention, waste management, laundry, and supply replenishment.
Support a welcoming arrival and stay for campers, families, guests, volunteers, and rental groups.
Innovation
Community
Emotional Maturity
Developing Others
First Aid/CPR within the first 90 days of hire