Outdoor Environment Educator - Residential

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties•Gig Harbor, WA

2h•$100 - $130•Onsite

About The Position

Do you have a love for nature and the environment? This is your opportunity to teach what you love to provide an amazing experience for children at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties Camp Seymour. We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team of Outdoor Environmental Educators for an unforgettable school-year long experience! Located in Gig Harbor, Camp Seymour lies within Glen Clove providing direct access to Puget Sound. You will have the opportunity to explore the Kitsap Peninsula and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the nearby Olympic National Forest and our Pacific Ocean beaches! This position is residential and you will stay on-site with room and board provided for the full school year including all meals, and access to all Camp Seymour has to offer. As an Outdoor Educator, you will teach and mentor children about the wonders of nature, explore diverse ecosystems, and help foster students outdoor skills. If hired, you will help lead classes and activities on various topics such as marine science, wildlife ecology, and sustainability that make science come alive. POSITION SUMMARY: Provides supervision, leadership and instruction for participants in the Outdoor and Environmental Education program including programs at Camp Seymour and at schools for after school programs. This position is a residential position at Camp Seymour. Provides a quality experience to participants focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun.

Requirements

Minimum age of 20 years.
A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
Minimum age of 20 years.
A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
The ability to implement the activity program.
The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
Required trainings within 90 days, Child Abuse Prevention training within 30.

Nice To Haves

Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (preferred).
Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid.

Responsibilities

Create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment that reflects YMCA values.
Treat every participant with fairness and respect, ensuring all feel valued and confident regardless of background or ability.
Build positive relationships with participants, parents, and school staff, encouraging involvement and identifying potential volunteers.
Arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled shifts and fulfill commitments responsibly. Communicate directly and promptly with a supervisor regarding any absence or schedule change.
Participate fully in required staff meetings and training courses, including OEE staff development sessions.
Maintain a safe, engaging program environment by confidently and respectfully enforcing YMCA policies.
Prepare thoroughly for classes by shadowing experienced staff, developing thoughtful lesson plans, and reviewing them with directors prior to teaching.
Collaborate with Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) staff to share ideas and strengthen program delivery.
Progress from co-teaching to independently leading natural science, group-building, and outdoor skills classes for school groups.
Support and lead educational and recreational activities as needed, including waterfront and evening programs.
Help maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the Environmental Center and surrounding camp facilities.
Contribute to program growth by developing curriculum, activities, materials, and displays.
Promote a positive environment that fosters fun, safety and our YMCA values.
Treat every participant fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
Accentuate positive attributes nurturing the whole; physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Give praise for effort.
Encourage member and parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
Maintain good public relations with program participants and always represent the best interests of the YMCA.
Arrive with ample time to report to position at the scheduled time.
Be responsible and fulfill your commitments to scheduled shifts. Notify a supervisor personally and in a timely manner if you are unable to meet your commitment. This includes illness and extenuating circumstances.
Participate in staff meetings as required.
Participate in trainings as required.
Assume other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with a supervisor.
Since this is a residential position, the individual is required to live on-site at Camp Seymour.
Attend and engage with OEE Staff trainings
Monitor area and ensure a safe, positive and fun environment. Confidently and tactfully enforce YMCA policies.
Shadow OEE classes to gain a solid understanding of the class material and flow.
Prepare class lessons before teaching. Submit written lesson plans to directors and go over lessons with them before teaching.
Communicate with Outdoor and Environmental Education staff about class ideas and information.
After preparing lesson plans, co-teach natural science, group building, and outdoor skills classes to school groups. After co-teaching, move to teaching classes on your own.
Participate in or direct educational and recreational activities as needed, including waterfront areas and evening activities.
Actively work to achieve a quality educational experience for all program participants and staff in line with the goals of the Outdoor and Environmental Education Program.
Maintain the cleanliness and general upkeep of the Environmental Center and other camp areas as needed.
Develop activities, curriculum, program materials, and displays to enhance the Outdoor and Environmental Education program.
Communicate the OEE philosophy to administrators, teachers, school staff, and campers.
Follow YMCA Camp Seymour Standard Operating Policies and Procedures.