Garden Specialist - South Hills Day Camp, Summer 2025

Who We Are

South Hills Day Camp is located in Scott Township. Owned and operated by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, South Hills Day Camp is a co-ed day camp with an emphasis on teambuilding, developing positive values, independence and premiere programming and activities. Our child-centered environment focuses on creating community and enriching the lives of our campers, families and staff. We serve children ages 5-15 through meaningful experiences that focus on building connections, teaching values, fostering individual growth and having fun. The JCC Day Camp experience supports, nourishes and sustains our campers, families and staff. We are professionals who have chosen to make a difference.

South Hills Day Camp is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or special need by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.

South Hills Day Camp strives to create connections among campers, families and staff. We grow our campers through the lens of strong Jewish values and morals. Our facilities and experiences create an atmosphere of safety and fun for each person involved.

Desired Qualifications:

• Interest or experience in instructing gardening, planting, and nature education activities
• Ability to set up demonstration area and program, and to teach skills to staff and campers ages 5-14
• Desire and willingness to work with children
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability

General Responsibility:

To encourage campers’ growth and skill development within the garden specialty area.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Be available for 5 hours of remote pre-camp planning in May and June
• Participate in Staff Week June 9-13, 2025
• Actively participate in staff trainings and meetings
• Assist in conducting initial and end-of-season inventory
• Complete pre-camp garden work, as needed in April-June 2025
• Prepare lesson plans a week in advance and review with the Program Director to ensure materials needed are available, aspirational arcs are being set, and activities are age appropriate
• Implement creative weekly lesson plans by unit and age group for Garden that are infused with the Jewish value (middah) of the week
• Responsible for daily organization and storage of garden equipment and materials
• Teach campers how to grow their own food, about the importance and benefits of gardening, eating healthy and caring for the environment
• Prepare for and lead chugim (club) for 3rd-8th grade campers throughout the summer
• Assist with large group programming during rainy days, schedule changes, and all camp events
• Assist in packing all materials and supplies at end of season
• Must attend and plan for at least one after camp extra programming (late stay or overnight) – additional compensation provided
• Be a positive, contributing member of the specialist team

Additional Responsibilities:

• Set a good example for campers including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing cleanup and chores, and sportsmanship
• Follow camp rules and regulations
• Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities
• Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Compensation:

• $11-$16 per hour depending on experience

Perks:

• Free JCC membership during time of employment
• 5 guest passes to bring friends and family to use the facility (includes gym, pool, outdoor park)
• Lunch and snacks provided every day
• Camp t-shirt/tank top provided to wear every day of the week
• Staff appreciation throughout the summer
• Surprise swag given throughout the summer
• End of summer social
• Hump Day Dunkin Donuts every Wednesday
• Shabbat bagel breakfast every Friday

Physical Qualifications:

While performing duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift up to 40 pounds. The vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to obtain ACT 33/34 and FBI clearances and mandated reporter training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to:

JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

Attn: Human Resources

5738 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $11.00 - $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $11 - $16