Recreation Leader - Camp Counselor: Camp Putah (2025)

Program Description: Camp Putah is a beloved nature education camp which has operated in Davis for over 50 years! Camp Putah is held at the Riparian Reserve along a creek near the University Airport. It is a 5-day program for 7 to 12 year old youth emphasizing outdoor education and nature exploration. Each day camp staff and participants bike from Central Park to UC Davis’ Riparian Reserve where they engage in various activities including canoeing, archery, crafts, hiking and nature education with an overnight camp program on Thursday.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have education equivalent to completion of high school.

Must be proficient in bicycling. Will bike upwards of 10 miles per day with coworkers, volunteers and campers.

Wages: $16.97/hr. Community Services Specialist II.

Status: Temporary part time (no benefits, paid for all hours worked)
 
Hours: Camp runs for at least eight weeks from June 23 – August 22, 2025 (no camp July 4). Candidates must be available Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 am through Friday at 2:00 p.m. for the weekly overnight. 

Duties: Under the supervision of the Camp Manager and Camp Putah Senior Leaders, the Recreation Leader position assists in the implementation of daily operations for Camp Putah. 
 
Typical Responsibilities:

• Be a positive role model to elementary and middle school aged children as well as high school aged volunteers 
• Build positive relationships with campers helping them strengthen life skills and create fun lasting memories
• Initiate and lead activities including canoeing, archery, hikes, crafts, games and bicycling in a rural, outdoor setting
• Ensure the safety and supervision of campers, equipment and facilities
• Keep work environments clean and organized
• Communicate with campers parents regarding camper behavior, injuries and other relevant camp information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other City staff
• Assist in the training, supervision and coaching of camp volunteers
• Renders first aid as necessary
• Attends weekly staff meetings as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have education equivalent to completion of high school
• Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR before the start of program
• Experience working in a day camp setting with large groups of youth
• Knowledge of nature study, arts and crafts, camping and outdoor recreation skills
• Knowledge of best practices in youth development, including behavior management and positive role modeling
• Ability to demonstrate strong skills in leadership and team building
• Ability to provide strong internal and external customer service
• Ability to communicate effectively with camper parents, children, camp staff, and other City employees
• Ability to display good judgment, problem solving and critical thinking skills 
• Ability to bike up to ten (10) miles per day
• Must be able to complete a list of other required online trainings prior to the start of the program, including but not limited to, Sports Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Protocols, Mandated Reporter, Prevention of Sexual Discrimination and Harassment, etc.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Staff should be prepared to work outdoors, in various environmental conditions each week. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This is an active position requiring the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 lbs.; verbal and hearing skills to effectively communicate with children and other staff; visual acuity to oversee projects, and make observations.  Work is done both indoors and out, with exposure to heat, often over 100 degrees, sun, noise, dust, pollens and slip hazards when near water. Throughout the summer, staff will sleep outside on tarps exposed to the elements, and will be required to work at full capacity the following day. Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens when rendering first aid. Must be able to complete additional trainings, including but not limited to: Concussion Training, Blood Borne Pathogens, Mandated Reporter, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Heat Illness, Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. To Apply: A City of Davis online employment application must be submitted to be considered for this position; paper applications will not be accepted.  To apply, please go online at www.cityofdavis.org
 
PLEASE NOTE: All applicants will be notified via email.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of Davis encourages applications from qualified women and minorities. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability or sexual preference.
 
NOTES
Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and the provisions are subject to change.  According to the Federal Reform and Control Act, the City of Davis is required to hire only U.S. citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
 
If you require accommodation during any phase of this recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources office at (530)757-5644 or TDD (530)757-5666.
 
The City of Davis has a no smoking policy for all city facilities.

Salary : $17