Part-Time Seasonal Nature Camp Educator

POSITION: Part Time Nature Camp Educator

DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation / Briar Bush Nature Center

HOURLY RATE: $16.00

DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time –FLSA Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Program and Summer Camp Director

SUPERVISES: Camp Volunteers

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 are received through the Director of Briar Bush or a Supervisor.

Tasks: Interacts 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 Program Director (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 6 campers ages 4-6 or a maximum of 12 campers ages 6-12 each day on a rotational basis with other staff; handle and use a variety of domesticated animals 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. Interacts with department employees, the public, governmental, and Township officials in a courteous and professional manner at all times; operates office equipment; other related duties as necessary to support the Parks and Recreation Department.

Job Standards (Minimum qualifications needed to perform essential functions): 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 with others; ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to work the following schedule: May 28, 2024 ideally through August 30, 2024, accommodations for school schedules may be possible. Work hours are generally M-F, 9am-3pm for training and 8:30am4:30pm or 12:30pm-5:30pm for camp/prep, weeks may vary. Employee must be able to pass an FBI, DHS ChildLine and PA State Police Criminal Background Checks and drug test. This is light work requiring carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally; and up to 10 pounds frequently to move objects; work requires reaching at waist level, and performing fine manipulation frequently; standing, walking, lifting, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching at all levels occasionally; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinction in sound frequently; visual acuity (near vision frequently; mid and far vision, depth perception, color perception, and field of vision occasionally) and observing general surroundings and activities frequently; withstand exposure to weather occasionally; walk on uneven trails in all conditions of weather. All work performed is to be mistake free and all interpersonal interactions with employees and the public is to be positive, collaborative, respectful, and courteous. Employee may be asked to perform other duties provided those duties are not illegal or injurious to the employee's health; Employee will be evaluated in part based upon performance of the tasks listed in this job description and at a minimum, to the standards within this job description. Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Management may ask the employee to perform other job-related duties.

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.

Job Location (Place[s] where work is performed): Briar Bush Nature Center, 1212 Edge Hill Rd. Abington, PA 19001

Equipment (Examples of machines, devices, tools, etc., used in job performance): Telephone; computer; copier; paperwork; craft materials; live animals.