What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Counselor/Interpreter - WNC Nature Center position at City of Asheville?
About our opportunity:
The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of WNC Nature Center Camp Counselor/Interpreter in the Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities' WNC Nature Center division. The WNC Nature Center connects people with the native wildlife and habitats of the Southern Appalachian region through education, recreation, and conservation programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage youth and Nature Center guests in activities that promote understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading activities for youth ages 5-10 (rising 1st-4th graders) from established lesson plans focused on natural history, ecology, and recreation.
- Organizing, facilitating, and participating in crafts, games, and nature exploration activities.
- Managing activity schedules and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for campers.
- Supervising campers, administering first aid as needed, and managing behavior when necessary.
- Communicating with the Camp Director about daily camp operations and activities.
- Engaging with visitors of all ages through interpretive activities, including leading hands-on stations, introducing biofacts, and serving as a roving naturalist.
- Ensuring positive guest experiences by interacting directly with visitors in a professional and welcoming manner.
- Assisting in maintaining the cleanliness of camp and public facilities.
- Performing other related duties as required.
Salary: $17.70 hourly
About you:
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:
- Job Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Experience working with youth.
- Experience working with the general public or in customer service.
- Must be willing and able to pass a City-provided Adult and Child CPR/American Red Cross First Aid certification class (unless currently certified).
- Preferred: Experience and/or coursework in environmental or conservation education.
- Performance Aptitudes:
- General knowledge of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and group management.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to enforce rules while maintaining program standards.
- Ability to connect with diverse groups and ensure positive guest experiences.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor settings in various weather conditions.
- Must be physically able to hike up to 2 miles on uneven terrain.
- Extended periods of standing and engaging in physical activities required.
Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.
Other things to know:
- Work Schedule: The position runs from Monday, May 27, 2025, through Friday, August 8, 2025, with an optional additional week (August 11-15). Four positions will work Monday-Friday, and one position will work Tuesday-Saturday. Shift hours are 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM.
About us:
The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC, is a thriving mountain city with a culture enriched in diversity.The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce, and ideas and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents, and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building, and an authentic sense of belonging.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The City of Asheville is proud to be a second-chance employer.
The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Salary : $18
