Part-Time Seasonal Camp Counselor

The primary purpose of this position is to teach children in an outdoor setting, inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and protect nature, and encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry.

Click here to view the complete job description.

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Hourly Rate: $15.00/hour

Schedule: May 17, 2021 ideally through September 3, 2021, accommodations for school schedules may be possible. Work hours generally M-F, 9-5 for training and 8-4 for camp, though some weeks may vary.

Job Location: Briar Bush Nature Center, 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington, PA 19001

Purpose: The primary purpose of this position is to teach children in an outdoor setting, inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and protect nature, and encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry.

​The scope of work includes a variety of technical and administrative services that allows the Nature Center to function well, and to provide residents, business owners, and visitors with quality public service. All work is completed in accordance with the ordinances and other laws of the Township and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Assignments and technical supervision is received through the Director of Briar Bush or a Supervisor.

Tasks:

• Interact pleasantly with residents, customers and the general public
• Ability to provide skills assistance to participants
• Actively participate in all aspects of camp training
• Report to the Director of Public Programs (Supervisor) for all aspects of Summer Camp
• Plan and prepare environmental education lessons
• Cooperate with other staff regarding camp content and logistics
• Act as primary educator for a maximum of 5 campers ages 4-6 or a maximum of 8 campers ages 6-12 each day on a rotational basis with other staff
• Handle and use a variety of domesticated and non-releasable wildlife in camp programs
• Manage and evaluate teenage camp volunteers
• Communicate professionally with camp parents
• Keep necessary records for camp programming and management
• Maintain clean, organized camp spaces and equipment
• Perform other program duties, as needed
• ​Interact with department employees, the public, governmental, and Township officials in a courteous and professional manner at all times
• Operate office equipment
• Other related duties as necessary to support the Parks and Recreation Department

​​Job Standards:

• Ability to understand instructions
• Organize and prioritize work load efficiently and effectively
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail, able to follow directions
• Strong computer skills
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Comfortable being the sole staff person on the premises when necessary
• Valid PA Driver's License preferred
• Handle personal and confidential information tactfully
• Work well with others
• Good ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Employee must be able to pass a FBI, DHS ChildLine and PA State Police Criminal Background Checks and drug test

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Employee must be self-motivated and perform tasks independently and often without direct supervision, although employee will have regular contact with Director and other assigned Managers
• Strong commitment to excite and teach children about the natural world
• Willingness to work with and handle live animals such as reptiles, insects, birds, and small mammals
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and problem-solving skills
• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and positive working in a group environment
• Physically able to teach outdoors in the summer over forested terrain
• Some knowledge of general rules of procedure
• A demonstrated ability to work for more than one person
• Possess excellent organizational skills
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with department personnel, managers, residents, and the general public
• Ability to work under stressful conditions with frequent interruptions

​​Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education that results in employee achieving the functions of the job satisfactorily, with, as a minimum, one year of college/professional experience in biology, education, recreation, or related field and experience working with children, preferably in a camp setting
• Holds First Aid/CPR Certification or ability to pass First Aid/CPR Certification
• Customer service experience preferred

​For questions, contact Melissa Eldridge, Director of Public Programs, at melissa@briarbush.org or call (215) 887-6603.

How to apply:

To apply, click here. Be sure to upload a resume and type "Camp Counselor - Briar Bush Nature Center" in "Position applying for" field.