Program Specialist Nature

Description

Job Title: Program Specialist – Nature

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Meadow Program Coordinator   

Compensation: $85-$100/day ($510-$600/week)

Our Commitment to Equity:

Camp Fire is committed to building a diverse team and culture. We recognize that there are many aspects of one’s life experience that contribute to the growth of our organization. We encourage everyone to apply. If you believe in our values and mission and want to contribute to the work we do, we want to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every one of the qualifications listed.

If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. Camp Fire Columbia strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. 

Organization Overview: 

At Camp Fire Columbia, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to find and pursue their spark– a passion that inspires and drives them to set and achieve goals for their future. Our Summer Camp Program was founded in 1924 and continues to serve youth ages 5-18. During the summer months, we offer overnight summer camp at our beautiful 552-acre camp, Camp Namanu, bordered by the vibrant Sandy River and presided over by century old trees. For more information, please visit: 

http://campfirecolumbia.org/ 

https://www.campnamanu.com/

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for developing, organizing, and delivering a nature program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers. Activities include but not limited to plant identification, nature hikes, nature and science games, and creek hikes. Specialists live on site, attend trainings and meetings, create a positive environment for campers and peers, and assist in the cleaning and maintenance of program areas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. This role will come in contact with campers, families, visitors, vendors and employees. Each of these persons may have visible and invisible qualities that makes that person unique. This includes race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity, and other identities. This role requires sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning and working environments by having respectful and considerate behavior, thoughtful and constructive speech to all.

· Ability to commit to learning and applying an equity lens to the delivery of youth programming and community building.

· Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation including supporting Namanu by assisting with duties outside of this role.

· Open to feedback and contributing to an environment of continual learning. 

2. Delivers progressive nature activities that follow safety protocols, meet camp outcomes, and support the abilities of the campers. 

· Evaluate abilities and interests of campers and staff to ensure program activities are age appropriate.

· Inform and train camp staff about their responsibilities when in program spaces including safety procedures, how to prepare their campers, and how to use supplies.

· Manage Nature program schedule including attending scheduling meeting and ensuring all units attend Nature programming each session. 

3. Assists in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the nature program area including supply inventory and requisitions. 

· Conducts a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair. Maintain and clean the nature equipment and ensure the security of the equipment when not in use. 

· Ensure all participants are aware of safety and educational procedures when in program space or using program supplies. 

4. Live in an assigned unit and support the overall success of camp.

· Assist and participate in individual, cabin, unit, and all camp activities.

· Learn, teach, and lead camp songs, games, and transitions as needed. 

· Support time-off coverage for unit counselors as schedule allows. 

· Supports Logistics team with Sunday check-in and Friday check-out.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for the overall wellbeing of campers and supports staff with direct child supervision. No staff supervision responsibilities

Requirements

Qualifications: 

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with coworkers, volunteers, parents, and contractors; including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.

· Has a High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. We are able to hire a small number of current high-school aged staff that are at least 17-years-old, but the majority of our staff must be 18 years or older.

· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manages time and stress levels, and proactively solve problems.

· Ability to interact with campers of varying age levels.

· Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions.

· Plant identification knowledge 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Prior to June 2025, must be able to obtain a valid Lifeguard certification, Oregon Food Handler’s card, First Aid & CPR certification and completion of Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse online training. 

https://occd.educadium.com/

Physical Demands: 

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

The employee must frequently move up to 25 pounds and occasionally move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to traverse varied terrain over the 60 acres of main camp, be stationary for prolonged periods, gather supplies from various heights and locations. The employee must feel comfortable leading hikes across different distances and terrains.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is exposed to outdoor weather conditions 95% of the time. The employee may be occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and work in high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with occasional periods of excessive noise (i.e. meal times, talent show).

Housing for this position will be with campers and is rustic. Living spaces may not include full exterior walls, electricity or a private space away from campers. The bathroom may be located in a building a short distance away and will be an all-gender space. Depending on session assignments and camper numbers, staff may be required to move to different housing between sessions.

Our Commitment:

Camp Fire welcomes and embraces all people of diverse cultures, beliefs, experiences, and identities. We are committed to creating a culturally-responsive, inclusive, and safe environment for all youth, families, staff, and members of the greater community. 

Camp Fire Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, gender expression and identification, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Salary : $85 - $100