Year-Round Openings

Position title: Caretaker

Status: Full time, year-round

Location: Lake Nebagamon, WI

Reports to: Head Caretaker, Director(s) of Camp Nebagamon

Salary: $45,000-$50,000, with flexibility based on work and lived experience

Position Summary 

Camp Nebagamon is seeking a skilled, versatile, and dedicated individual to join our year-round team as a Full-Time Caretaker. While the summer months are defined by the energy of campers and immediate operational support, the off-season offers a different pace focused on facility preservation, capital improvements, and preparing the grounds for Wisconsin winters.

Reporting to the Head Caretaker, this position helps ensure the safety, functionality, and beauty of Camp’s land, property, and equipment. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded generalist, who takes pride in their work, possesses strong problem-solving skills, and embodies the spirit of stewardship required to maintain this historic property for future generations.

Note: The successful candidate may not hold every one of the responsibilities and qualifications that follow, but will be a unique and passionate contributor to an extraordinary and evolving year-round Camp team.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Maintenance & Repair (Year-Round)

• Perform ongoing maintenance and repairs of all camp property, including buildings, roofs, fences, roads, and program and operations equipment.
• Maintain and repair electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration infrastructure.

Grounds & Landscaping

• Summer: Mow extensive grass areas, blow/rake leaves, maintain flower boxes/gardens, repair and manage paths and trails, and manage trash/recycling disposal daily.
• Winter: Execute snow removal and ice management for roads, paths, and roofs to ensure access and structural safety.
• General: Perform forestry management, including the identification and removal of hazardous tree limbs, erosion control, and maintaining firewood supplies.

Fleet & Equipment Management

• Conduct ongoing maintenance and repair of camp vehicles, including trucks, vans, and tractors.
• Service small engines and equipment, including mowers, blowers, and chainsaws.
• Keep the workshop area neat, organized, and safe; assist in inventory management of tools and supplies.

Seasonal Operations (Opening & Closing)

• Spring: Assist in management of turning on water supply systems (sterilize and flush), install docks and waterfront equipment, and prepare all facilities for staff and camper arrival.
• Fall: Winterize all buildings and water systems to prevent freeze damage, remove and store docks/waterfront equipment.

Camp Community Support

• Assist with the setup and takedown of special events.
• Serve as a role model for campers and seasonal staff, maintaining a professional demeanor and interacting positively with the camp community.
• Respond to facility emergencies as needed.

The Magic of Nebagamon & Capital Projects

• Beyond basic repairs, contribute to the wonder of camp by designing and building unique projects, such as a creative addition to a program area, or a unique piece of camp whimsy that enhances the camper experience.
• Assist the Director(s) and Head Caretaker in executing major capital projects, from new cabin construction to large-scale facility renovations.
• Take ownership of unique projects that make the grounds feel magical, such as improving hidden trail lookouts, building bridges over Northwoods creeks, or creating aesthetic landmarks around the property.
• Actively look for ways to improve the aesthetic and functional vibe of camp, ensuring the property maintains its rustic identity for generations to come.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills and experience in a range of trades is essential (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanics, painting).
• Ability to transition effectively between the fast-paced, people-oriented summer season and the independent, project-focused off-season.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, identify necessary repairs, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Physical ability to lift and move heavy machinery/equipment, work on ladders/roofs, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions (summer heat and winter cold).
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards; ability to use power tools and heavy machinery safely.
• Ability to relate to peers, accept guidance, and work as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the principle that Camp should be a Place of Welcome For All. This is a longtime Camp Nebagamon slogan that emphasizes the importance of tolerance, respect, and sportsmanship.
  

Benefits
Full-time employee benefits include health insurance, a retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Transitional housing is available if a candidate is relocating to Lake Nebagamon, WI. Camp tuition discount for eligible children.

How to apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to apply@campnebagamon.com by 2/18/2026

Cabin Staff

Junior Cabin Counselor
You and a Senior Counselor will have responsibility for a cabin of campers (anywhere from 6-14 boys depending on their age). You supervise and maintain their health, safety, and happiness throughout their four- or eight-week stay. Additionally, you will teach in one of our program areas during the days. Applicants must have finished either their junior or senior year of high school.

Senior Cabin Counselor
You and a Junior Counselor will have responsibility for a cabin of campers (anywhere from 6-14 boys depending on their age). You supervise and maintain their health, safety and happiness throughout their four- or eight-week stay. Additionally, you will teach in one of our program areas during the days. Applicants must be of college age or older.

Trip Staff

Trip Counselor
You will be responsible for all aspects of wilderness trips ranging from overnight to two week trips. Position involves food packout, health supervision, route planning, and counseling of groups of 7-10 boys. Trips are always led with two staff members. Applicants should have experience with canoeing and hiking. Cycling experience is a plus. Applicants must also be certified Wilderness First Responders and certified lifeguards.

Quartermaster
You will be responsible for maintaining and stocking the trip room with provisions and gear for our extensive wilderness tripping program. Applicants should be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and serious organization skills!

Wilderness Trip Drivers
This position involves the safe delivery of campers and trip counselors to and from camp as they embark on and return from their trips. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, an excellent driving record, and experience driving vehicles with trailers.

Assistant Trip Director
You will work with the Trip Director in the administration of our extensive wilderness tripping program. Responsibilities include route planning, menu planning, trip driving, staff training, staff supervision, schedule making and crisis management. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and have extensive experience with wilderness tripping. An outstanding knowledge of the Boundary Waters and the North Woods is a huge plus.

Program Specialists

The following summer positions do not involve supervision of a cabin group, but rather focus on instruction in one of our program areas.

Sailing Specialist
You will be responsible for administering the entire sailing program. Camp’s boats include X-class boats, Barnett sailboats, Flying Junior sailboats, a Hobie-Cat, a C-Scow racing boat, and windsurfers. Instruction levels range from absolute beginners through racers. Position also includes some boat maintenance and the supervision of a staff of approximately six other counselors. Applicants should have an extensive background with a wide array of sailboats, should be at least 21 years of age, and possess lifeguard certification.

Waterskiing Specialist
You will be in charge of teaching campers how to ski (and slalom), driving ski boats and supervising staff working in the area. This position also includes routine maintenance of our ski boats. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age, enjoy working with children and have experience in skiing, both with two skis and slalom. Previous experience in ski instruction highly preferred.

Arts and Crafts Specialists
You will be responsible for administering our arts program. Activities would include using a potter’s wheel and kiln, sculpture, drawing, painting, woodwork, fiber arts and anything else you can bring to the table! Drama and music backgrounds are a plus. Applicants should have backgrounds in a variety of artistic endeavors and be at least 18 years of age.

Climbing Wall Specialist
You will be responsible for educating our campers in proper climbing technique and safe belaying practices, managing four other staff, as well as maintenance of climbing wall equipment and the wall itself. You must be familiar with Gri Gri¹s and have previous experience working at a climbing wall. We prefer that applicants possess certification from the AMGA or other accredited organization.

Nature Specialist
You will be responsible for administering our nature program. Instruction and activities center around the flora and fauna of the area. The use of camp’s property is prominent as well as taking advantage of field trip opportunities around the area. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and have a good working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. Teaching experience is HIGHLY preferred.

Target Shooting Program Director
You will be responsible for all aspects of our shooting range. This includes maintenance of the Olympic style pellet guns, safety instruction, shooting instruction, and supervision of staff working in the area. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and have good experience working on rifle ranges.

Campcraft Project Director
You will be responsible for administering our campcraft program, otherwise known as CNOC (Camp Nebagamon Outdoor Center). Along with six other staff you will teach campers how to build fires, use knives, axes and hatchets, operate stoves and cook over them, pitch tents, teach knots and lashings, and a variety of other skills. This program is very closely linked with the wilderness tripping program. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age, have a solid knowledge of wilderness camping skills, and demonstrate both teaching and supervisory skills.

Masters of Culinary Arts (M.O.C.A.) Specialist
You will be responsible for designing a curriculum, and instructing campers in food preparation and clean-up in our highly popular M.O.C.A. program. Safety, and proper use and cleaning of equipment, is required. In addition to teaching, the specialist is responsible for planning the program and working closely with the food service manager for ordering food supplies. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age, and have strong organizational and teaching skills.

Photography Specialist
You will be responsible for administering our photography program. The primary responsibility is to inspire and teach photography to our campers along with teaching them how to develop black and white film in our fully equipped darkroom. A secondary responsibility is to shoot and process a variety of photos and video for Nebagamon’s promotional purposes. Applicants should be at least 18 years of age, have a solid knowledge of photography and developing techniques, and demonstrate creativity and teaching skills.

Camp Administration

Village Directors
You will be responsible for a group of approximately 70 boys and 14 staff members. Duties will include maintenance of their hygiene, health, emotional well being, physical well being, and general happiness at camp. A heavy emphasis of the job involves creative problem solving and coaching of staff throughout the summer. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and have experience supervising both children and staff. Professional teaching experience is a huge asset.

Waterfront Director and Assistant Waterfront Director
You will be responsible for maintaining a productive and safe waterfront area. Program areas include fishing, swimming, rowboats, sailing and canoeing. The waterfront director supervises all of these areas and ensures that all is going well both with respect to instruction and safety. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age, have their lifeguard certification, have staff supervision experience, and have a working knowledge of as many types of boats as possible including outboard engines, pontoon boats, sailboats, canoes, and rowboats.

Office Staff
You will contribute to running camp’s administrative office. Duties will include light bookkeeping, execution of mailings, answering telephones, aiding staff in their office needs, copying, mail distribution, and just anything that needs to happen in the camp office! Applicants should have a good work ethic and be at least 16 years of age. Office experience is a definite plus.

Health Staff

Licensed R.N.
You will be responsible for the administration of our health center. Working with a staff of two Nurse Assistants and a licensed M.D., you take care of camp! Duties involve maintenance of records, supervision of the Nurse Assistants, supervision of medication dispersal, and responding to whomever walks through the doors of the Health Center. Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and have an RN license.

Nurse Assistants
You are responsible for the administration of our health center. Working with a licensed R.N., and a licensed M.D., you take care of camp! Duties involve maintenance of records, supervision of medication dispersal, and responding to whomever walks through the doors of the Health Center.

Food Staff

Kitchen Manager
You will be responsible for all aspects of our food service. This will include supervising a staff of approximately fifteen, ordering food and kitchen supplies, maintaining excellent food quality and ensuring its timely delivery, maintaining a sanitary kitchen, providing safety instruction, and working with the camp directors to make the most of everyone’s summer experience. Applicants should have extensive experience in food service management and cooking for large groups.

Evening Cook
You will be responsible for the preparation of our evening meal and will work together with the Morning Cook on lunch. Responsibilities will include managing a staff of 12 food assistants, maintaining a sanitary kitchen, safety instruction and guidance, storing food deliveries in an organized manner, and the maintenance of excellent food quality and timely meal delivery. Applicants should have extensive cooking experience, supervisory experience, and experience cooking for large groups.

Morning Cook
You will be responsible for the preparation of camp’s breakfast and will work together with the Evening Cook on lunch. Responsibilities will include managing a staff of 12 food assistants, maintaining a sanitary kitchen, safety instruction and guidance, storing food deliveries in an organized manner, and the maintenance of excellent food quality and timely meal delivery. Applicants should have extensive cooking experience, supervisory experience, and experience cooking for large groups.

Food Assistants
You will be responsible for a tremendous variety of food oriented tasks in the camp kitchen. These include food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, willingness to be a team player, and must be at least 16 years of age. Previous food experience is a plus.