Camp Counselor Assistant

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a nature enthusiast with a passion for educating youth and cultivating nature-inspired connections. 

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 350,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Support lead education staff in hosting an amazing summer camp.
• Ensure the safety of campers during various activities.
• Assist in offering daily nature-based programming to campers ages 6-12.
• Support campers in activities such as kayaking, interpretive hikes, crafts and more.
• Assist in camp prep and clean up each day.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience and Expectations

• Strong interest in the fields of environmental education, science education, natural interpretation, natural history, earth and natural sciences, formal and informal education, or other related areas preferred. Experience working with youth and family audiences or other relevant leadership experience in the above-mentioned fields a plus.
• Familiarity with kayaking, outdoor interpretation, public speaking, and collaborating with diverse audiences is a plus.
• Spanish language or sign language skills a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and communicate efficiently while maintaining a friendly and professional image with coworkers and the public.
• Must be able to perform physical duties including but not limited to walking with ease, moving frequently, lifting, and moving props and materials, shifting from sitting to standing position and kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Ability to traverse difficult terrain and deal with potential exposure to ticks, chiggers, intense heat and sunlight, water, and other environmental conditions.
• Adherence to dressing in a professional manner.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont.
• Comfort and ability to engage in outdoor environments, in all weather conditions.
• Ability to adapt to the unexpected while still progressing toward core objectives.

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org. 

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.