Junior Counselor Director - Temporary

The Junior Counselor Director is responsible for running the youth leadership development program (the Junior Counselor program) including supervising Junior Counselors (JCs) while they are at camp, creating their schedules, directing work projects, helping with Junior Counselor Orientation and serving as a mentor and role-model. The JC Director will work as a team with the Camp Director in administering the Green Mountain Conservation Camp Program, will assume the Camp Director's duties during their absence, and enforce all camp policies. The JC Director will work under the Camp Coordinator. The JC Director will be responsible for teaching courses at a residential camp such as first aid education, hunter firearm safety, fishing, forestry, ecology, fish and wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. The JC Director will also be responsible for mentoring campers and other staff members in educational, social, professional, and personal matters and assuring that the camp goals, objectives, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's mission are met. Please note: this is a residential position at either the Edward F. Kehoe Camp in Castleton, VT or the Buck Lake Camp in Woodbury, VT.Room and Board is included with the position.

Position Dates: early June to late August

• Supervise the Junior Counselor Program (approximately 100 high school volunteers) and provide them with valuable feedback for professional growth through end of the season evaluations.
• Work closely with the Camp Director to ensure that program goals and objectives of the camp are met, including health and safety policies and regulations.
• Fill in for Director on their day off including sending "Daily email" to the Camp Coordinator
• JC Director should assist the Camp Director during high stress disciplinary or medical situations, but Junior Counselor program will be their day-to-day focus.
• Communicate with parents, volunteers, and the public in person, on the phone, and via email.

• Serve as a liaison between the Camp Director, Instructors, and Volunteer staff.
• Work closely with the Camp Director to oversee daily camp operations.
• Hold JCs to high standards regarding facilities maintenance and cleanliness, class equipment care, and time spent with campers at mealtime, swim time, and cabin time. If disciplinary action needs to be taken regarding a Junior Counselor, the Camp Coordinator must be informed immediately.
• Create work project lists for Junior Counselors, as well as assist the Camp Director when assigning work projects to staff during their off blocks.
• Organize the collection of weekly camp photos, make sure JCs are taking care of the camp cameras, and create the weekly graduation slide show.
• Provide weekly JC report to be given to the Camp Coordinator and assist Camp Director with the collection of weekly paperwork.
• Oversee the assembly of the graduation packets given to campers

• Be able to teach courses independently and co-teach all courses with other staff members (teach 2-3 classes a day) as well as act as a mentor for new instructors.
• Co-lead camp activities, and other responsibilities including; health and safety supervision, dining hall duties, inventory and organizing class materials, grounds maintenance, and similar tasks.
• Be 'on call' to the needs and responsibilities of camp, other camp staff, and campers 24 hours a day.
• Be a positive role model and leader for other camp staff, volunteer staff, and campers.
• Deal with discipline issues in an appropriate and sensitive manner.
• Cooperate fully with the Director, Instructors, Volunteers, and all Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Staff.

This position, Junior Counselor Director - Temporary (Job Requisition #51958), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

If you would like more information about this position, please contacthannah.phelps@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Minimum of two years of college, preferably in Natural Resources, Wildlife, Environmental Education, or similar field or one season as a Natural Resource Instructor. Experience in education, residential camp life, leadership, and supervising staff are highly desired. Willingness to work with and teach adolescents 12 to 18 years old and excellent communication skills are a must. Knowledge of safety procedures for children and adults in residential settings are highly desired. Applicants with camping, fishing, hunting/firearm experience, First Aid and CPR certifications or advanced emergency care certifications (WFA, WFR, OEC, etc.), and a valid driver's license, are preferred.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.