Environmental Education Camp Counselor - NYS DEC Summer Camps

*Applications submitted through really may not be received. To apply, interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts to campemploy@dec.ny.gov We are actively accepting applications and scheduling interviews.

Do you want to spend your summer outside hiking, camping, canoeing, birding, fishing, and doing archery? Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts? Apply to work as a counselor at NYS DEC's Summer Camps TODAY!

Environmental Education Camp Counselors are the heart of our over-night summer camp program, which has been running since 1947. We operate four overnight camps in different parts of NYS for youth ages 11-17. Counselors bring a passion for sharing ‘camp magic’ and their love of nature with the next generation. The counselor’s primary role is to teach and supervise campers. They live in an assigned cabin that may include another counselor and a small group of campers for whom they are responsible. Counselors teach lessons on field, forest, aquatic habitats, and human impacts, often working with a second counselor as co-instructor. Counselors do crafts, perform skits, sing songs, and entertain campers throughout the week while ensuring their safety. Counselors are on call 24 hours/day during the camp week, but they get one 4-hour block of time off sometime between Monday-Thursday during camp, and then have Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning off.

The NYS DEC is seeking talented staff to work at our four environmental education overnight summer camps: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Camp Pack Forest near Lake George, Camp Rushford near Buffalo/Rochester, and Camp DeBruce in the Catskills. Our popular and engaging programs draw 11–17-year-old youth from across NYS for life changing experiences in the outdoors. The camp season runs from mid-June through mid-August, with training the first three weeks, and campers the last seven weeks. Campers come to camp for one week at a time from Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

NYS DEC Environmental Education Camp Counselors instruct campers in hand-on lessons focusing on environmental subjects, outdoor skills, and recreation. NYS DEC Environmental Education Camp Counselors earn $8,150 over the season (before tax) and room and board are provided for the full ten weeks.

Specific duties include, but not limited to:

Instructing campers on:

Core Environmental Science Curricula

• Forest, field, and aquatic communities, General ecology

Outdoor Skills & Recreational Activities

• Hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing, birding, archery, and arts & crafts

Being an Environmental Steward

• Human impacts, environmental solutions, Leave No Trace Principles

Supervising campers to ensure health, safety, and well-being:

• In-cabin, overnight, during meals, on a 24-hour basis
• During weekly overnight camp-outs
• During recreation & waterfront activities
• Who become homesick or disruptive
• By administering first aid if necessary

Working as a team with fellow counselors & director team to:

• Develop & implement plans for education, recreation, and work projects
• Support in the development and completion of camp activities
• Maintain inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment
• Assist director team in the development of daily, weekly and seasonal schedules

Requirements:

Education / Experience

At least 48 college credits, at least 12 credits of which are in STEM, Education, or Outdoor Recreation

OR 2 years of work experience in the following fields:

• Natural resources, environmental studies, environmental education, outdoor recreation, STEM [Science (biology, chemistry, computer, earth, environmental, and physics); Technology; Engineering; Mathematics], elementary-middle-secondary-special education, or camp management

Required Certifications

• American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies (or equivalent) - Check the Camps Employment page for equivalent certifications
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent) - must be in its first year - Check the Camps Employment page for equivalent certifications
• Must have and maintain a current Driver’s License

Preferred Advanced Certifications (not required)

• Waterfront Lifeguard - Waterfront lifeguards are required for all swimming & boating activities
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) - May be required to assist Waterfront Director with swim tests
• NYS Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher - May be required to serve as temporary alternate Health Director

* Applicants do not need to currently hold certifications to apply, but must obtain accepted certifications before the start of employment*

Information on all NYS DEC Camp positions (and requirements) can be found at

https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps/education-camp-employment

*Requirements and Accepted Certifications are LINKS found under Position Requirements*

General information on NYS DEC Environmental Education Summer can be found at:

https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps

*Applications submitted through LinkedIn may not be received. To apply, interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts to campemploy@dec.ny.gov We are actively accepting applications and scheduling interviews.

New York State is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary, Internship

Pay: $815.20 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $815