Summer Camp Counselor

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

To safely execute Bent of the River (BOTR) Programs for children ages 5-14. Seasonal Educator will be needed approximately 9 weeks over the course of the summer (1 week of training, 8 weeks of camp) Tuesday through Friday for training, Monday through Friday, for 7.5-8 hours per day.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Planning and executing each weeklong camp/program session for their individual small group of children, including teaching discovery hikes, pond explorations, live animal programs, nature crafts, and games, setting up and cleaning up each day’s activities.
• Create, prepare, and deliver 8 weeks of nature, science, and conservation-based curriculum for assigned age groups centered on weekly themes.
• Create a meaningful experience for summer program participants while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
• Counselors must keep good communication with the Educator to report bathroom usage (for cleaning purposes,) possible sick campers, as well as other camp communication as required.
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, materials, tables and chairs, and other items used during the day will be expected at the end of each camp day or as needed.
• Summer programming will primarily be 100% outdoors, with the exception of thunderstorms or other potentially dangerous hazards.
• All camp staff will be required to complete related COVID-19 requirements. Counselors showing/feeling any signs of Covid-19 will be asked to be tested for COVID-19 and remain home until results are received. If the counselor tests positive, they will be required to leave camp until they have complied with current State guidelines for quarantine.
• Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Camp Director to further the mission of BOTR and Audubon.
• Educators will help with other aspects of a nature center, such as contacting camp parents by phone or email, photocopying, or more.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of at least two years of college coursework in environmental or life sciences is preferred.
• Some teaching experience and/or curriculum development is necessary, and environmental education experience is preferred.
• Seasonal Educators must be confident in leading a group and initiating activities, working independently, and aware of Covid-19 guidelines and BOTR safety procedures and the ability to enforce those safety precautions.
• Candidates should possess a strong work ethic, self-motivation, ongoing enthusiasm, commitment, flexibility, a desire to learn, and the ability to work well with others and with children.
• A background in natural history is preferred.
• Counselors must show respect for others, nature, and the outdoors, be enthusiastic about working, even in unfavorable weather conditions, pleasant, reliable, and able to carry out simple assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to walk trails on uneven terrain, and must be able to run, sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, push, reach, climb, and pull for short and extended periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors in the heat of summer and during rain.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.