Camp Assistant (Environmental Education Assistant)

Camp Assistant (Environmental Education Assistant)
Employment Type: Independent Contractor
Employment Classification: Exempt
Start date: May 27, 2025
End date: August 6, 2025
Apply by: Open Until Filled
Reports to: Education Manager
Compensation: $3,750 stipend (plus $75/day for training)

Trees Atlanta is a nonprofit community group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Since its beginnings, Trees Atlanta’s goals have been to plant new trees, conserve existing trees, replace trees lost to development and hazards, and educate the public on the many benefits of trees. Trees Atlanta has become one of the most widely-known and respected non-profits locally, as well as nationally, for their work as stewards of our urban environment. To date, Trees Atlanta has planted and cared for over 170,000 trees in metro Atlanta.

Job Description

Atlanta is looking for a Camp Assistant to help with the facilitation of its Junior TreeKeeper Camp. This position is a great fit for applicants seeking a summer internship and is ideal for recent high school graduates (or equivalent), as well as first year college students who are looking for an entry-level position in the field of environmental education. Camp Assistants will be assigned to one of the age groups listed below for the summer session, and will be paired with 1-2 Camp Counselors who lead the camp group throughout the course of the camp day.

• Rising 1st Grade (10 campers per group - NON-biking group)
• Rising 2nd - 3rd Grade (20 campers per group - Biking Group)
• Rising 4th - 6th Grade (20 campers per group - Biking Group)

The Camp Assistant will support the Camp Counselors with the following:

• Providing support leading lessons, activities, or games by managing camper attention, facilitating the preparing of materials and supplies, and redirecting the focus and attention of campers
• Taking the supportive role in a collaborative group atmosphere while working with Camp Counselors to problem-solve, troubleshoot, and communicate ideas regarding camp logistics, group dynamics, and behavior management

• Working collaboratively with the Camp Counselors to monitor the participation and safety of campers during group bike rides with up to 20 campers along the Atlanta Beltline (if placed in a biking group) or group walks (if placed in the non-biking group)
• Ensuring that campers are following the behavior/safety expectations setup by the Camp Counselors at the beginning of the week, and assisting with behavior management when needed

In addition to assisting Camp Counselors with the camp group, The Camp Assistant will:

• Mentor a team of 2-4 Junior Interns (middle/high school-aged volunteers) by delegating tasks, modeling behavior, and being a main point of contact)
• Taking photos of camp activities for Trees Atlanta marketing staff to share on social media

Requirements:

• Minimum education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Desire to work with young students in rising grade levels 1-6 with an environmental education focus; experience working with this age group preferred
• Ability to ride a bike / Bike maintenance skills are helpful; two camp groups will be riding bikes throughout the day, and one will be a non-biking group
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment, including the Camp Lead, Camp Counselors, and Junior Interns
• Have a positive attitude, especially in an active outdoor environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be self-motivated and enthusiastic.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be capable of being very active outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to summer sun, heat, inclement weather, and natural wildlife habitats, including animals and/or insects for extended periods of time.
• Must be a confident and safe bike rider able to ride several miles each day of camp.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. repetitively.

Dates and Hours:

There are 8 one-week sessions of Junior TreeKeeper Camp during the summer (June 2 –July 31). There is no camp programming in the week of July 4 holiday. The schedule for this position involves a 35 hour work week while camp is in session, with a 4-day paid orientation session before the summer begins (required).

Camp Assistants will report to work at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse (825 Warner Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310) and will work in various locations in and around the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum, and potentially in venues hosted by partner organizations during off-site field trips (rising 4th-6th grade only). Counselors are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse.

To Apply

Submit an employment application. Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume in order to complete and submit the application. In your cover letter, you may share a camp or school experience from childhood, your interest in environmental education, interest in working with underserved communities, etc. A cover letter helps provide more information on your experience that might not be reflected in a resume.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted to set-up a brief phone call to answer any questions regarding the position following completion of application (resume and cover letter.) Candidates will then be selected to move forward with an in-person interview. This interview will take place in-person with two education team members. Final candidates will be asked to submit at least 3 references before a conditional offer will be extended.

Background Check Disclaimer:

• All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results could impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug-Free Workplace program).
• All new hires will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States of America. Trees Atlanta in compliance with regulation set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.

Salary : $75