What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Ecology Camp Instructors position at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies?
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for three seasonal positions entailing 6-8 weeks of camp instruction (40 hours/week) starting on or after June 30, with 1-2 weeks earlier in June to help plan and prepare for camp. We host 9 weeks of camp starting June 30 and concluding on August 29. The first session is 4 days (June 30-July 3); the other sessions are 5 full days. We allow instructors some flexibility in selecting their weeks.
Instructors will work with the Education Program Leader to implement all aspects of the Cary Institute Summer Ecology Day Camp for children in grades 2-8. Camp activities include ecology investigations in streams, forests, ponds and fields, games, arts and crafts, and hiking on our 2000-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley.
The Summer Ecology Camp Instructor position is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in environmental education or elementary-middle school education. Elementary-middle school teachers and/or early career environmental educators are especially encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain a safe, friendly, and supportive space for all camp participants.
- Develop and teach ecological curriculum and facilitate scientific experiments for elementary- and middle-school age campers.
- Prepare and maintain camp educational, recreational, and safety materials.
- Mentor Junior Instructors and high school Eco-Leaders.
- Collaborate with educational and scientific staff on ecology-based lessons, games, and activities.
- Support documentation and evaluation of camp activities and outcomes.
Duration: Seasonal position, 6 to 8 weeks from June-August, 40 hours per week. We host 9 weeks of camp and allow instructors some flexibility in selecting their weeks. If possible, the Instructor(s) will spend 1-2 weeks in June helping plan and prepare for camp.
Location: In person at Cary’s campus in Millbrook, NY.
Salary: This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt, non-benefited position. $18-21 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.
Housing: Optional on-site shared housing is available at a rate of $563/month. Includes private room, shared bath and kitchen.
Required Qualifications
Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
- College coursework completed in education and ecology or relevant scientific field.
- Genuine enthusiasm for the natural world and for sharing science and instilling a sense of wonder about the environment in camp participants.
- Teaching experience with elementary- and/or middle-school children, in formal or informal settings.
- Ability to design and deliver engaging and age-appropriate ecology lessons for students of varying age groups and backgrounds.
- Openness to diverse perspectives, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive camp atmosphere.
- A positive attitude, patience, and a nurturing approach to working with camp participants.
- Strong group management skills.
- Adaptability to unexpected and challenging situations.
- Demonstrated positive experience in working collaboratively with others in a team environment.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all environmental conditions (includes, but is not limited to, hot temperatures, light to moderate rain, mosquitoes and ticks).
- This position requires physical activity, including walking across uneven and sometimes steep terrain through forests, meadows, and creeks.
- Certification/willingness to become certified in first aid and CPR.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Spanish language skills: proficiency (conversational) or fluency.
- Familiarity with inquiry-based, hands-on educational pedagogy.
- Knowledge of Hudson Valley natural history and ecosystems.
Closing Date: Positions open until until filled.
To Apply:
Visit our website at https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary and complete our online job application. Please attach one document which includes a brief cover letter, resume, and the names and full contact information (including email address) for three professional references.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Salary : $18 - $21
