Camp Coordinator Assistant

Have fun, get outdoors, and make a difference this summer while gaining valuable training and experience working in environmental education! The Summer Camp Coordinator Assistant will provide leadership and instruction for the Summer Instructors at MNHC’s full-day Summer Outdoor Discovery Day Camps at the Montana Natural History Center. As a camp coordinator assistant, you will help with different summer camp programming in both educational and support positions. 
 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

I. Summer Camp Assistant Responsibilities:

• Support  Summer Camp Instructors with daily responsibilities such as gathering supplies and materials, ensuring the classroom is clean and organized, ensuring that check-out runs smoothly, and being available for communications with parents at pick-up and drop off. 
• Lead instruction for Summer Camps as needed. 
• Prepare emergency contact paperwork for every camper and facilitate Monday morning check-ins for each camp week.
• Supervise Instructors and lead MNHC camps when Camp Coordinator is offsite. 
• Provide feedback and support for Seasonal Naturalists.
• Collaborate with the Camps Coordinator to evaluate and adjust camp settings, routines, and systems as needed. 
• Communicate effectively with parents.
• Mediate camper conflicts.
• Create camp activities and curriculum.
• Gather supplies and inventory needed for camp weeks.
• Work with the Camps Coordinator and Teaching Naturalist staff to help lead two weeks of training for Seasonal Naturalists. 
• Spell Seasonal Naturalists as necessary. 
• Work with camp registration software to help with administrative duties. 

II. Required Qualifications:

• Experience and passion for working primarily with elementary school audiences.
• Experience supervising and leading other adults or demonstrating the skills necessary for the role.
• Comfort using basic naturalist tools (binoculars, journals, nets, etc.)  and teaching others how to do so.
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• Interest and engagement with the study of natural history. Desire and willingness to learn more about the natural history of the local area.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances.
• Ability to thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, creative, and dynamic.
• Proven ability to plan and implement educational activities using various curriculum sources.
• Proven oral and written communication skills with supervisors, co-workers, and others.
• Strong organizational skills, including managing multiple teaching dates and other calendar events, maintaining communications with many people at once, and keeping equipment organized and well-maintained.
• Proven ability to work independently with little direct supervision and in a team environment.
• Ability to accept responsibility, act professionally in all situations, and be self-motivated.  
• Willingness to work and teach both outdoors (for up to a full day, in all conditions) and indoors.
• Ability to use basic computer programs, including Google suite (email, Drive, Sheets, etc.), Microsoft Word and Excel, and others.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain before the start date.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and willingness to transport passengers and equipment.

III. Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Proven ability to deliver educational and interpretive natural history programs such as nature walks, field trips, and group presentations on various topics.
• Proficiency in natural history knowledge of northwestern Montana, including a broad knowledge of native flora and fauna, a cultural history of the region, and an understanding of ecological processes and systems.
• Practical knowledge of methodologies in natural history education.  (Examples include constructivist learning theory; place-, inquiry-, and project-based learning; interdisciplinary learning; service-learning; hands-on approach to learning; etc.).
• Experience and interest in recording and studying nature as an artist, writer, and/or scientist
• Proven ability to develop, write, and implement the curriculum. 

To apply, please send the following to agiffin@montananaturalist.org:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references

Accepting Applications until positions are filled

https://www.montananaturalist.org/employment-opportunities/