TITLE:  Nature Camp Program Specialist: Wilderness Skills Instructor

SUMMARY:  Nature Day and Overnight Camps – Environmental, wilderness-based education programs for children ages 8-13

REPORTS TO:  Lead, Nature Camp and Adult Programs

UPDATED:  December, 2016

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is seeking energetic, conservation-minded educators to lead our Nature Camp programs. With over 44 years of environmental education experience, VINS offers children in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire a fun and safe way to learn about nature through an exciting summer of outdoor exploration, adventure, and discovery.

Instructor Duties:

• Plan and deliver a variety of daily summer programs to a various age groups (primarily ages 8-13)
• Create safe, fun, and educational outdoor opportunities
• Supervise and facilitate quality camp programming and lead three weeklong overnight camps
• Be able to develop, plan, teach, and lead engaging and safe activities related to natural science, various wilderness survival skills ranging from basic to advanced levels, and outdoor target archery
• Facilitate a wide range of activities including: group games, outdoor sports, adventure scenarios, geo-caching, orienteering, leadership skills, craft activities, nature hikes, and more
• Maintain excellent rapport and communication with parents of camp participants on a daily basis
• Share and communicate teaching responsibilities and planning with other educators
• Support and mentor other instructors and Leaders-in-Training
• Develop and maintain excellent communication with the Lead, Nature Camp, Nature Camp Assistant, other instructors, and other VINS staff and volunteers
• Act as a professional representative of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science
• Participate in all scheduled staff training sessions and camp events
• Specific duties will vary according to program, hours, age range, and camp location

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or currently working towards a degree in education, natural sciences, or related field of study preferred
• Previous work experience with groups of children is a must, experience with summer camps, environmental education, outdoor education preferred
• Experience and knowledge of wilderness survival skills and general knowledge of basic ecological processes and New England natural history (or motivation to learn), a must
• Experience developing curriculum or programs, a plus
• Instruction experience in archery, canoeing, Leave No Trace, wilderness first aid, and backcountry travel, a plus
• Passionate about conservation and environmental education
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to lead field trips over diverse terrain in all weather conditions
• Current driver’s license and clean driving record
• USA Archery Level 1 instructor certification, to be provided during training period
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications a must, or willing to obtain
• Lifeguard Certification a must, or willing to obtain
• General computer literacy including ability to use Microsoft Office programs

Compensation and Work Schedule:

• Compensation for this full time, seasonal position is $10.00+ per hour depending upon experience
• Benefits do not apply for seasonal employees
• The term of employment is June 7, 2017 through August 23, 2017 (some flexibility for appropriate candidates)
• The regular work week is 40 hours, Monday – Friday, with some exceptions based on particular camp offerings
• Note: Weekly schedule and length of summer term may vary slightly

All VINS staff working directly with children is subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.