Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Camp Counselor

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Camp Counselor                                                     FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

(Seasonal Position May-August)

General Statement of Duties: Responsible for supervising campers and facilitating daily Camp Backcountry activities and lessons in an engaging, safe, and inclusive outdoor environment.

Supervision Received: Reports to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Camp Backcountry Director (Environmental Education and Program Manager) and the Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental Education Coordinator.      

Supervision Exercised: None

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Ensure compliance with Colorado State Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations and adhering to those rules and regulations to ensure the health and safety of all children in Camp Backcountry.
• Lead and engage children in diverse activities, including arts and crafts, camp songs, games, team building, social-emotional learning, science lessons, hikes, and child-led nature play.
• Adhere to established Camp Backcountry policies and procedures.
• Uphold high standards of health and safety.
• Follow lesson plans that Camp Director supplies.
• Preparing supplies each morning before campers arrive and clean up after campers depart each afternoon.
• Meet with co-counselor each morning to review the lesson plan and allocate daily duties.
• Facilitate inquiry-based learning and adapt activities to meet a wide variety of learners.
• Work collaboratively within a team.
• Capture and submit daily pictures and videos reflecting campers' experiences.
• Demonstrate flexibility in performing additional tasks related to camp operations.
• Maintain a positive attitude in all weather conditions and situations.
• Attend all required staff meetings.
• Respond to emergency situations.

Physical and Environmental Standards:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, cold, snow.
• Must be able to walk, hike, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, and reach; lift, push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Vision requirements include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years.
• Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children.
• Passion for the natural world.
• Ability to be fun and engaging while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong communication skills, interacting effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
• Candidates with childcare experience must provide documentation during the interview process.
• Current adult and pediatric First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain these before employment.
• Commitment to working a minimum of 7 weeks during the 10-week camp season (May 27 - August 1, 2025).
• Availability for mandatory staff training from May 19 - May 23, 2025.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Education:   Working towards, or completion of, a bachelor's degree in a related field such as early childhood education, elementary education, science education, recreation, or a human services field is preferred.

Experience: Previous childcare experience preferred.

Application Submittal Deadline: 1-31-2025

EOE