Camp Leopold Environmental Educator

Are you passionate about helping the next generation build a meaningful relationship with the environment around them? Do you enjoy facilitating experiences where students see learning come to life? Do you love learning new skills, exploring new ecosystems, and developing communication skills? If you answer yes to any of those questions, Camp Leopold could be looking to add YOU as a valued member of our team!

Background:

Camp Leopold is a residential outdoor education program supported by the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Camp Leopold is named after Aldo Leopold, the modern father of wildlife conservation and management. Leopold once said, “the objective is to teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands.” This framework guides us as we provide positive outdoor experiences for students of all backgrounds.  Successful staff members encourage students to make thoughtful observations, experience wonder, and deepen their respect for conservation.

Camp Leopold is based near Pinewood, SC at the Wildlife Education Center. Our 1,200-acre facilities consist of forests, ponds, wetlands, prairies, and agricultural lands. While groups are on-site, they participate in either single-day or overnight programs. Classes cover various topics and connect students to what they learn in the classroom. This includes Wetland Ecology, Celestial Navigation, Wildlife Ecology, Canoes, and Forestry. To learn more about the classes offered at Camp Leopold, please visit https://wildlifeedcenter.org/class-descriptions/. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead students and chaperons through daily programs including class instruction, outdoor activities, adventure courses, meal times, clean-up, and night lessons
• Maintain high standards of safety and health in all activities for all participants
• Daily care and frequent handling of animal ambassadors, mainly reptiles and waterfowl
• Provide outstanding and consistent customer service to all camp guests
• Develop course curriculum and activities
• Prepare facilities & vehicles for upcoming trips and events
• Perform maintenance on facilities & vehicles as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Possess or be working towards a bachelor's degree in education, ecology, forestry, biology, wildlife, conservation, natural resources, or other related fields.
• Has 1-2 years of experience working with children in an outdoor setting.
• Possesses enthusiasm, passion, and initiative for connecting youth with the outdoors.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of responsibility.
• The ability to work nontraditional hours and in adverse weather conditions; flexibility.
• The ability to professionally represent Camp Leopold and SCWA.
• Pass a Criminal Background Check and receives a negative Drug Test before arrival.
• Willingness to be certified as a Zipline and Low Ropes Courses facilitator.
• Possesses a valid Driver's License.
• The ability to lift and move 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of fauna and flora of southeastern US ecosystems and management.
• CPR/First Aid and LifeGuard training (we will provide these if you are not certified).
• Spanish language skills.
• Experience with: Animal keeping and handling skills, Canoeing, Musical skills, Field research, and other outdoor skills are all a plus.

How to Apply:

We are looking for energetic individuals who have a great passion for leading students through the outdoors, are eager to grow as conservation educators, and are dedicated to constantly learning more about the wonderful world around them! If this resonates with you, please email a copy of your resume and cover letter to Camp Leopold Director of Marketing Joe Gonzalez at joe@scwa.org. Please use “Camp Leopold Environmental Educator Application” as the subject line.