Substitute Camp Counselor

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) is looking for enthusiastic people who want to work in nature, with children, and on a team with other silly camp staff. CincyNature Camp provides a safe and inclusive environment for children ages 3-15 to explore the natural world while making new friends. Counselors drive our mission of “inspiring conservation” by creating positive experiences out in nature for campers. Campers learn and foster a love for the environment by experiencing it, enjoying it, and caring for it.

The CincyNature Summer Camp Counselor position can double as an internship or co-op opportunity for many majors. CNC is happy to work with colleges and universities to meet requirements for their internships/co-ops. Camps are held at both Rowe Woods in Milford, OH, and Long Branch Farm & Trails in Goshen, OH.

CincyNature Camp Subs work on an as needed basis across every location.

Direct reports:  None

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

SUMMER CAMP (100%):

• With direction from the Camp Director and Site Coordinators, work on a team to plan and deliver top-quality summer day camp experiences in nature for youth ages 5-15 (campers split into age-appropriate groups).
• Co-lead and be responsible for a group of 12-13 campers with another counselor. Each week, co-counselors and campers will change.
• Guide camp groups in hands-on environmental learning activities and projects, hikes, songs, stories, games, and crafts as they actively explore the natural world around us.
• Create a welcoming environment for all campers, teen volunteer Leaders-in-Training (LITs), and other staff.
• Executes all activities with the highest standards for safety, customer service, and in keeping with the Nature Center’s mission, values, and principles.
• Select Long Branch camps have overnight camp opportunities.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.

This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Qualifications

REQUIRED  SKILLS AND ABILITIES

SKILLS

• A hearty interest in the outdoors and enthusiasm for sharing that interest with children
• Some knowledge and training in natural science preferred
• Experience working with children preferred
• A sense of humor, creativity, and initiative
• Desire to work as part of a team
• Collaborative working style utilizing strong organzational and customer service skills
• Procure and provide proof of current First Aid and CPR certification prior to training week

ABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center
• Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods
• Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility
• Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information
• Must pass a background check under the BCI code and FBI code 5104.013 as required by ODJFS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or higher preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is performed on-site, almost exclusively outdoors in the nature preserve. Camp is held rain or shine.

COMMITMENT

• All staff training week; hours typically 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, Monday through Friday.
• Works as needed (0-5 days per week).
• Hours typically weekdays, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, with some longer or shorter depending on the camp and other responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS

• Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
• Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks.  Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
• CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
• Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training:  Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
• Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.