Field Naturalist - Summer Camp Instructor
Have a remarkable summer that allows you to share your passion for science and make a difference in the life of a child!
Be a hero, a mentor and a role model, earn college credit, build your resume, have fun and make lifelong friends.
With over 300 animals in our hands-on zoo and over 100 activities, Cub Creek Science Camp is not your average summer camp. We have staff and campers from all over the world who all share the same passion for science, nature and animals.
Working a Summer at Cub Creek Science Camp will give you experience working in over 300 acres of Missouri Ozark Forest and the opportunity to share your knowledge and passion for the natural world, wildlife, and the outdoors with our campers. You will teach classes in botany, pond study, wildlife biology, and even caving!
Interns will participate in two weeks of staff training before the arrival of campers to learn about our local environment, as well as instructional techniques for teaching outdoors. Throughout the summer you will improve your confidence in identifying native species, developing learning activities and teaching a variety of ages. Interns will meet regularly with an intern supervisor to reflect and build on skill development as well as work towards a capstone project. The intern and internship coordinator will work with school advisors to meet any school requirements.
We are looking to hire superstar staff who are able to show leadership, maturity, integrity and are excited to give campers the experience of a lifetime!
Visit our website to learn more about working at camp and to complete an application https://cubcreeksciencecamp.com/join-our-team/
Position Overview:
The Field Naturalist is responsible for facilitating nature-based activities for campers including classes, early-bird and night-owl activities. The Field Naturalist lives in a cabin group of 16 campers and 3 staff and provides activity instruction to additional campers during the day.
Key Responsibilities:
Activity Instruction (60%)
• Provide instruction of assigned camp nature-based activities to campers
• Coordinate with the special events coordinator to schedule and facilitate nature-based early-bird and night owl activities.
• Manage the care and up-keep of ‘capture-and-release’ reptiles and invertebrates in coordination with the Animal Programs Coordinator and Animal Specialists
• Manage camper behavior to ensure all campers are actively and positively participating
• Ensure the safety of all campers when participating in camp activities
• Keep program areas clean and supplies well maintained
Camper support (30%)
• Ensure campers are on time to activities and cabin is kept clean
• Provide guidance to campers on their schedule, activity choices and abiding camp rules
• Lead camp activities, songs and games that are engaging and age appropriate
• Provide emotional and behavioral support to campers as needed
• Follow all camp policies and procedures to ensure camper and staff health and safety
• Role model appropriate hygiene, interpersonal interactions and dress codes at all times
• Greet parents and campers professionally and with a smile, using appropriate language
Paperwork and Administration (10%)
• Complete daily and weekly camper documentation
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Keep cabins and other assigned camp locations clean and tidy
• Other duties and tasks assigned by leadership to assist in functioning of camp operations and programs
Required Experience and Skills:
• Completed at least 1 year of college education, with specialization in wildlife biology, ecology or environmental sciences preferred
• A desire to positively impact the life of a child and willingness to put the needs of campers first
• Have a passion for science, animals and childhood development
• Able to effectively communicate ideas, thoughts and instructions in a constructive manner
• Self-motivated and able to work on tasks and assigned goals with minimal supervision
• Be willing to learn new concepts and skills
• Able to work in a team and both give and take direction from others
• Willingness to adhere to camp’s code of conduct, rules and policies
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Field Naturalists will be required to work outdoors in all weather conditions. An average of 5 miles of walking is expected each day and all staff must be comfortable walking on uneven ground for extended periods. Willing and able to sleep in shared housing in a cabin with other counselors and campers, single or private accommodation is not available. Comfortable sleeping outdoors at least one night a week and enthusiastically supporting campers to sleep out. Comfortable interacting and handling a range of animals including snakes, spiders, lizards and other native- and non-native species. Able to sustain energy and enthusiasm throughout the full work day of 7am-10pm.
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting base pay of $4000 for 12 week summer. Additional $100 credit in camp store for snacks and sundries. Housing, meals and laundry included. 2 one-hour breaks provided each day, and 1 scheduled day off each week. Additional leadership training and certifications available to the right candidates.
Dates: May 21 - Aug 13, 2023.