Nature Based Summer Camp Staff

Nature-Based Summer Camp Staff, Center for Wildlife- Dynamic and unique conservation medicine and nature-based education center seeks full-time, experienced and passionate nature-based education professional who is emotionally intelligent and highly organized. Under the supervision of the Education & Outreach Director, the Nature Based Summer Camp Staff (NBSCS) is responsible for the daily functions of day camps including: Daily setup and breakdown of activity spaces and any equipment used, AM camper Check in time and PM check out, leading nature based play sessions and classes, daily oversight of camper safety and communication to parents when needed, communication of breaks with CFW staff to ensure coverage and engagement with our ambassadorial animals and FT Center for Wildlife Staff. located at our main campus in York, ME. Under the direction of the Education & Outreach Director and FT staff, and together with volunteers, the Summer Day Camp Instructors will host campers between ages 5 to 14 years on any given week and run Monday through Friday. Camp season is July through the end of August, and ambassador care and enrichment for the Education and Outreach Program. The NBSCS is also responsible for representing CFW and providing tours and attending fundraising events where appropriate. The NBSCS serves as a member of the CFW team and will collaborate with all departments to support the greater mission of Center for Wildlife.

Do you love being in the outdoors? Having fun? Learning new things? At CFW our Camp emphasizes hands-on, experiential, frequently field-based education. Campers learn in a variety of settings, including classrooms both inside and out, but also behind the eyepieces of binoculars and microscopes, knee-deep in a cold stream, running behind a butterfly net, and on hands and knees with eyes peeled on the ground. We are seeking enthusiastic, fun-filled individuals with a focus on providing a fun, nurturing and educational environment to help support and grow our future naturalists and wildlife experts!

CFW Summer Camp runs Mon-Thurs starting Monday July 7th running through until the end of August. Applicants are asked to be available for the duration of this time.

Our day-to-day at camp is filled with a variety of amazing activities, from meeting our Ambassadorial animals to being in the woods building fairy houses and learning about the local flora and fauna. We encourage people with a love for the outdoors and fun to apply.

I. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Priority Weight Assigned

Under the supervision and direction of the EOD :

A. Nature Based Summer Camp Programming: 80%

• Leading nature-based, onsite field trips and camps
• Prepare and lead age appropriate nature-based lessons, activities and crafts
• Lead hikes and exploration over uneven terrain in inclement weather
• Assist in management and upkeep of the nature center including all displays and ambassador exhibits
• Assist in management of the front desk including welcoming visitors, answering phone calls, and accepting admission fees
• Assist in managing cleanliness of all educational areas indoors and outdoors according to CFW standards (i.e. to be tour ready at all times and remain within permitting guidelines)
• Assist in the managing and upkeep of educational totes, displays, etc. organized, inventoried, and stocked with proper paperwork
• Assist in the managing and upkeep of front desk education paperwork neat, stocked and up to date
• Assist Marketing and Outreach Coordinator and Development Team with Adoption and Membership packaging and mailings as necessary
• Provide support and guidance to Nature-Based Play Volunteers as needed
• Engage day campers of all ages and abilities; provide accommodations, positive reinforcement and re-direction as needed

B. Safety and Compliance 10%

• Attends meetings as necessary
• Completes safety and training workshops and requirements
• Performs daily safety scans of facilities, gear and clothing, and activities
• To set the tone of camp. Be a role model to other campers and staff
• Supervise up to 15 campers per day with the support of CFW staff, camp volunteers an EE interns
• Set up, break down and cleanup of facilities each week
• Daily verbal check-ins with parents as needed at the beginning of the day and end of the day if there is anything to communicate
• Maintains medical records and complete incident reports when necessary
• With Guidance of the ED, make initial parent contact in the event of an emergency or behavior challenges at camp
• Assists in the promotion of CFW programs and events
• Works with other departments to coordinate workflow and activities to ensure a seamless operation
• Identifies and determines cause of roadblocks; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of identified roadblocks
• Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; utilizes resources that create timely and efficient workflow
• Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operation functions
• Operates as part of the CFW team
• Establishes rapport with diverse range of staff, interns, volunteers, and constituents
• Maintains dignity and self-control in difficult situations
• All other duties as required

C. Ambassador and Volunteer Care and Management 10%

• Operates as part of the CFW team
• Establishes rapport with diverse range of staff, interns, volunteers, and constituents
• Assists with ambassador care in regards to the Nature Center Ambassadors
• Helps and assists with volunteer oversight in relation to day camp activities and needs

II. QUALIFICATIONS

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, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Previous camp experience desired
• CPR and First aid certified
• Ability to follow directions
• Physically fit to work on feet for 8-10 hours, lift up to 30 pounds
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Enthusiasm for teaching children about the environment in general
• Experience motivating and training volunteers and interns
• Strong organizational skills for coordinating the multiple functions and planning
• Computer literate
• Able to maintain confidential information

III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Specific knowledge of New England Wildlife- range, diets, habitats, current challenges, research, and management practices.
• Ability to incorporate stories, statistics, current wildlife challenges, etc. in spoken and written word.
• Ability to effectively and professionally present engaging information and respond to questions from staff, the general public, and program participants.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate roadblocks and present solutions to supervisor and team
• Highly organized and proficient in time management.
• Requires ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and knowledge of or ability to learn Altru, Little Green Light, and Constant Contact Software.
• Ability and desire to keep customer service front-of-mind
• Ability and desire to manage groups of 12 children in a learning environment for 6-8 hours per day

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is subject to inflexible deadlines.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented.

Work Schedule: 32 hours per week (Mon-Thur)

Pay Range: $17/hour

V. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Prior Summer Camp/Day Camp experience preferred.
• Redirecting or managing behaviors in a camp/activity setting
• Project Wild experience
• Leading children in outdoor activities in the woods and on trails
• Experience working with different ages and abilities
• Applicants working towards Degrees in: Environmental Education, Education, Camp Management are encouraged to apply

To apply for this position, please review the complete position description, then send a cover letter and resume to: Josh Bower, Education & Outreach Director, staffing@thecenterforwildlife.org.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17