Program Specialist, Nature AmeriCorps

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist - Nature is responsible for developing and implementing the Nature Program during summer camp. The Nature program involves its own nature center with some supplies. This is a seasonal position.

Please note that this posting is an AmeriCorps position. Compensation for AmeriCorps positions are non-negotiable and consist of a fixed-amount living allowance and education award which vary based on the term of service. For more information about AmeriCorps service at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, including living allowance and education award amounts please visit www.bgcmilwaukee.com/AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps Summary: 

AmeriCorps members agree to complete a term of National Service; as they support Boys & Girls

Clubs of Greater Milwaukee programming and receive a set living allowance. Upon successful completion of this term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps

Education Award.

Responsibilities: 

• When on duty, account for the location of all youth for which you have direct responsibility.
• Only use discipline techniques approved by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Behavior Management Plan and trainings.
• Seek immediate medical help for any sick or injured youth.
• Report medical emergencies as designated by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Emergency Action Plan.
• Attend all meals and sit with youth during meals.
• Act as a positive role model while at the pool, waterfront, archery range or other high risk program area.  Only use techniques which are safe and appropriate.  Provide careful supervision of youth during these times.  
• Develop nature program which utilizes a variety of land types.  
• Keep accurate inventory of supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure all programming is developmentally appropriate for the age group you are working with.
• Utilize a wide range of resources available to you, including but not limited to nets, animal mounts, animal furs, animal tracks, and magnifying glasses.  
• Facilitate programs with an experiential education style while utilizing a natural and logical progression for learning outdoor living skills and environmental education activities.   
• Ensure that your area of responsibility is clean, free of food, and orderly.
• Hand in maintenance request forms any time you notice areas or items in need of repairs.
• Assist with the set up and take down of camp, which may include pre-camp cleaning and landscaping.

Education Requirements: 

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must provide proof of citizenship, as required by AmeriCorps. 
• Must pass background check requirements, including fingerprint screening.
• Some college, major in Education or Recreation preferred

Experience Requirements: 

• One year of full-time experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds.

 Skills: 

• Ability to organize and plan activities for children ages 7-14. 
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.  
• Excellent organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong background in education preferred. 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

 Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an AmeriCorps member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and serve irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

 Service Environment:

The service environment characteristics described here are representative of those a member encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the service environment is usually moderate.

As a member of AmeriCorps, I have read and understand the requirements of my service and responsibilities as stated in this position description.  Further, I understand that my duties as well as policies and procedures may change over the course of my service as long as the changes are agreed upon by myself and program staff, and the responsibilities do not include any activities prohibited by the Corporation for National and Community Service.