Conservation Education Camp Counselor

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!

We are currently accepting applications and interviews are underway for this upcoming summer. We are working to finalize our rosters for 2025, apply soon to be considered! To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to this email (campemploy@dec.ny.gov).

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. Environmental Education Camp Counselors are the heart of our overnight summer camp program, which has been running since 1947. Counselors bring a passion for sharing ‘camp magic’ and their love of nature with the next generation.

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 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 a 11 - 17 on:

Core Environmental Science Curricula

Outdoor Skills & Recreational Activities

Being an Environmental Steward

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

New York State is an equal opportunity employer.