Summer Ecology Camp Junior Instructors

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for two seasonal Junior Instructor positions for recent high school graduates interested in exploring the career of environmental education. Positions entail 3 weeks of camp instruction (40 hours/week) starting on or after June 30, with 2-3 days earlier in June to help plan and prepare for camp. We host 9 weeks of camp starting June 30 and concluding on August 29. We allow Junior Instructors some flexibility in selecting their weeks.

Junior Instructors will work with the Ecology Camp Instructors to implement all aspects of the Cary Institute Summer Ecology Day Camp for children in grades 2-8. Camp activities include ecology experiments in streams, forests, ponds and fields, games, arts and crafts, and hiking on our 2000-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley.

The Junior Instructors will shadow, teach alongside, and receive feedback from experienced instructors. Cary summer camps provide ample opportunities for practicing leadership, teaching, designing science activities, and building relationships with youth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe, friendly, and supportive space for all camp participants.
• Help develop and lead scientific investigations for elementary- and middle-school age campers.
• Prepare and maintain camp educational, recreational, and safety materials.
• Co-mentor high school Eco-Leaders.
• Collaborate with Ecology Camp Instructors on ecology-based lessons, games, and activities.

Duration: Seasonal position, 3 weeks in July-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 2-3 days 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. $15 per hour.

Required Qualifications

Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

• High school diploma achieved by the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
• 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 (e.g., summer camp counselor).
• Openness to diverse perspectives, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive camp atmosphere.
• A positive attitude, patience, and a nurturing approach to working with camp participants.
• 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.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College coursework completed in education and ecology or relevant scientific field.
• Experience with facilitating engaging science lessons for students of varying age groups and backgrounds.
• Spanish language skills: proficiency (conversational) or fluency.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based, hands-on educational methods.
• Knowledge of Hudson Valley natural history and ecosystems.

Closing Date: Positions open 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 : $15