Counselor Naturalist

Central Wisconsin Environmental Station

Counselor/Naturalist – Summer 2025

The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station is a field station supported by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources and the UWSP Foundation, Inc. The Station is operated year-round by permanent staff and university students as an environmental education center for people of all ages. 

During the summer, CWES offers: 

1. Residential Summer Camps: Campers stay overnight for anywhere from a few nights to a full week depending on the session. Some overnight sessions include off-site camping. 

2. Day Camp: Campers join CWES staff for the day for nature-based activities and camp programming and return home each night.

3. Contract and Specialty Camps: CWES staff facilitate outside groups that come to use the property and our equipment. These groups come with their own leadership, but CWES staff still have the opportunity to lead various programming. 

Daily/Weekly Staff Responsibilities & Duties: 

· Attend and participate in staff meetings 

· Assist with camper check in/check out, mealtimes, and other camp happenings 

· Under the direct supervision of the Camp Director, present environmental educational programs and lead games and activities (archery, canoeing, arts, tree climbing, etc.)

· Assist lifeguards in waterfront supervision

· Assist with setting up and maintaining equipment and locations on site

· Ensure the safety and well-being of campers

· Utilize appropriate behavior management techniques as trained, or seek guidance when unsure how to proceed

· Maintain professional communication with all other staff members, including radio use 

· Reside in a cabin with campers when assigned to do so. This involves ensuring the campers are prepared in the morning, that lights-out is enforced, that they are cared for overnight, and includes fostering a positive group dynamic as well as addressing the needs of the individual

· Assist in camp projects as needed, including the final camp cleanup week

· Facilitate group competitions and relays with campers 

· Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions: 

· Work cooperatively with CWES summer and year-round staff to build and maintain a positive, cohesive work atmosphere for all

· Work through conflicts with staff and campers in a compassionate and professional manner

· Live in a shared space with fellow summer staff on non-residential camp weeks, and live in shared space with campers during residential camp weeks 

· Serve as a positive role model to campers by following and implementing camp objectives and UWSP policies

· Work in variable weather conditions, often hot temperatures, for several hours at a time 

· Assist maintenance and food service staff as needed

· Maintain an inclusive, positive and respectful attitude towards all staff and campers

· Lift 30 lbs

Accommodations:

When Counselor/Naturalists are assigned to a cabin during CWES residential camp, they will spend the night in the cabin with their campers. During other times (i.e. contract and specialty camps), Counselor/Naturalists will be provided shared, staff housing on-site. Shared restrooms, showers, wi-fi, and laundry facilities are provided. When programs are in session, all staff will receive free meals from the dining hall. When programs are not in session, leftovers may be provided but are not guaranteed. 

Schedule:

Employment begins June 2nd and ends on August 15th. Mandatory training for all staff will be June 2nd-7th. A Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training will also be planned and requires pre-online coursework. 

Requirements:

· 18 years of age or older 

· Must successfully pass a background and reference check, conducted by UW-Stevens Point

· CPR, AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification prior to employment

· Must maintain effective, appropriate, and sustained mental, emotional, and social interaction while working in camp's youth-centered and dynamic environment

· Must adapt to changing needs/environment, independent problem solving, and clear communication with campers/staff/community members

· Must live on-site at CWES and working a flexible schedule with long hours 

Qualifications: Training, experience or significant interest in…

· Natural resources/outdoor skills

· Delivering educational programs

· Working with youth and people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

· Prior experience with summer camp programming

· Familiarity with Wisconsin natural resources 

· Wisconsin Boater Safety certification 

· Lifeguard certification (strongly preferred but not required, higher pay for lifeguard-certified)

Application Information:

To apply, please submit a resume and 3 references (Name, Relation, Number & Email) to CWES (listed below). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted as applications are received.

Employment Contact:

Please email your application to: cwes@uwsp.edu

CWES Phone: 715-346-2937