OUTDOOR SCHOOL TEACHER NATURALIST                   RESPONSIBLE TO: CAMP DIRECTOR

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, ecology, environmental science, recreation, biology or related field.
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR or equivalent certification as  approved by the American Camp Association preferred but not required 
• Valid driver's license

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of experience in camping, education, recreation, or group-related work.
• Proven ability to work out-of-doors in a variety of seasons and weather conditions.
• One years’ experience in hiking and camping, with solid knowledge of Leave No Trace principles
• Experience and desire to lead extended overnight outdoor recreation and outdoor living skills programs.
• Age 21 years or more    

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

1. Desire to work and live in a camp community with a diverse population of staff and campers

2. Be a positive role model for students, Outdoor School staff and school faculty,

3. Strong desire to work with disadvantaged youth.

4. Exhibit enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, integrity, self-motivation and adaptability

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to communicate and work with students and provide necessary instruction to students and school faculty.
• Ability to observe students behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce  appropriate  safety  code  regulations  and  emergency procedures  and  apply  appropriate  behavior  management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to any student activity the staff member participates in or leads.
• Ability to work maintain camp live animal collection in a safe and sanitary condition
• Ability to safely handle camp animals for instructional activities
• Physical ability to participate in all facets of camp programs
• Ability to work long hours during the operation of the outdoor school program.

BROAD RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead Environmental Education and Team Challenge programs for students in order to meet the intended camper outcomes. 
• Assist with the supervision of students participating in Outdoor School programs
• Become completely familiar with those aspects of Risk Management Code that relate directly to this position. 
• Assist with weekend programs and special camp events as necessary
• Maintain the health and cleanliness of the Camps’ live animal collection

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead small instructional groups and at times participate in environmental activities during lesson periods.
• Lead small instructional groups through the group challenge courses.
• Develop new activities/curriculum that focus on Environmental Education and utilizes the natural areas of camp such as creeks, pond, meadows and forest.
• Lead a large group evening activity at least twice a week.
• Follow the teacher and supervision guidelines outlined in the OS Planning Guide.
• Maintain the Environmental Center, exhibits, and garden in a sanitary, organized and tidy state.
• Maintain the camps’ live animal collection and assume responsibility for the daily feeding, watering and cleaning of all live animals at the Environmental Center.
• Maintain Environmental Center displays and lesson equipment
• Keep the Environmental Center, lesson and program equipment neat, clean, in good condition and organized.
• Help with special day programs and events if the need arises.
• Participate in the overall camp program, focusing on bringing positive environmental awareness to as many aspects of the camp program as possible.
• Particular emphasis should be placed on activities which involve visiting the animal, natural areas, Environmental Center and garden.
• Provide for spontaneous and additional Environmental Education activities, i.e. owl lessons during overnights, creek crawl afternoons and other program times as assigned.
• As a camp staff member, assist teachers with duties such as supervision during meals, snack and transition time,  and whenever needed. 
• Help with dining hall procedures and supervision.
• Keep communal and personal living areas neat and tidy.
• Assist with end of the week clean up and inventory.
• Become familiar with those facets of the Risk Management Code relating to your job responsibilities.

Teacher Naturalist (TN) Position Perks

• Salary: Starting Salary is $300 per week plus room and board Adjustments will be made dependent on qualifications and experience.
• Housing: Each TN will have a private room in a dormitory style house. The house has 4 bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry room and lounge. The lounge is complete with satellite television, DVD player, stereo and three computers with internet access.
• Good Food: We operate our own food services at College Settlement, so food is plentiful and yummy. Vegetarians love our choices.
• Health Benefits: All TN’s are covered with Workman’s Compensation. A full membership to a local gym is provided to all employees.
• Great Location: The College Settlement Outdoor School is 235 acres located in Horsham, PA. We are an oasis in the middle of suburbia with convenient access to major shopping malls and public transit. We are just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, 90 minutes from New York City and 3 hours from Washington DC.
• Extra money making opportunities: School groups needing evening chaperones in the cabins and weekend use groups give TN’s the opportunity to make extra money.
• Training Opportunities: We offer state of the art high and low ropes course training through The Adventure Network.
• Knowing you are having a positive influence on the life of a child: immeasurable
• Opportunity for summer and fall season work.