Lead 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 Sharon Audubon Center’s Summer Nature Programs for children in K-6th grade, along with the Seasonal Educator and other Seasonal Camp Counselors. Lead Camp Counselor will help train and mentor new seasonal camp staff in learning summer camp protocols and activities with children before and during the summer camp season. Lead Camp Counselor will be needed approximately 11 weeks over the course of the summer Monday through Friday, for an estimated 7-8 hours per day.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Setting up and cleaning up each day’s activities, planning and executing each weeklong camp session for their individual small group of campers, including teaching discovery hikes, pond explorations, live animal programs, nature crafts and games, and other activities relating to summer camp.
• Assist with providing training to new seasonal camp counselors on various activities used throughout the camp season, such as, but not limited to pond scooping, insect sweeping, animal handling, daily camp schedules, drop-off and pick-up procedures, lunch procedures, etc.
• Mentor new seasonal camp counselors as needed on appropriate teaching methods for children of various ages, behavioral challenges, etc.
• Work closely and communicate with the Seasonal Educator/Camp Counselor, Summer Camp Director, and other Sharon Audubon Center full time staff.
• Maintain the safety of all campers during their time at Audubon Camp.
• Maintain positive working relationships with summer campers and their parents and/or guardians, as well as SAC staff and volunteers.
• Use of basic office equipment such as a photocopier, fax machine, telephones, digital camera and simple outdoor recreational equipment, such as pond nets, compasses, etc.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least one year of experience as a Summer Camp Counselor at Sharon Audubon Center Summer Nature Programs summer camp.
• Ability to communicate well and mentor other seasonal camp staff, working closely to teach various SAC summer camp protocols and procedures.
• Must work well with children and adults, show respect for all others, nature and the outdoors.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Strong work ethic, natural history background, self-motivation, on-going enthusiasm, attention to detail, commitment, flexibility, ability to work with sound judgment under pressure in changing situations, a desire to learn, excellent time management, and the ability to work well with others and with children.
• Counselors must show respect for others of all ages, race, gender, etc., as well as respect for nature and the outdoors
• Enthusiastic about working, even in unfavorable weather conditions, pleasant, reliable and able to carry out simple assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Must have a ride to and from the Audubon Center each day for work.
• Environmental Education experience and local natural history knowledge is necessary.
• Must be aware of COVID-19 guidelines and SAC safety procedures and the ability to enforce those safety precautions.
• Must have the ability to walk all major trails of the Sharon Audubon Center and on uneven terrain
  Must be able to run, sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, push, reach, climb and pull for short and extended periods of time.
• Able to work outdoors in the heat of summer.

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.