Seasonal Outdoor Educator (March Start)

University of Wisconsin Madison•Wisconsin Dells, WI

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Upham Woods Seasonal Outdoor Educators are the primary programmatic personnel at the residential center during the summer season. They teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programming to school and community groups, interact with 4-H educators, volunteers, and other group leaders, and care for programmatic and recreational equipment and nature center animals. The work emphasizes customer service, effective educational methods, and safety. The role includes serving as the main contact for visiting groups, including overnight on-call duties, and facilitating meal service with dining hall staff. Educators also help with facility maintenance, canoe and kayak moving, trail work, and minor cleaning as needed. Lodging is available in a staff duplex, with individual or shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms and common areas. The position is temporary and may be extended based on need or funding. Work is performed onsite and may include occasional nights and weekends. The role requires occasional lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds and hiking several miles on uneven terrain, trails, and stairs in varied temperatures and environmental conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work enthusiastically and creatively as part of a team and independently.
Desire to teach user groups ranging in size from 20–150 participants.
Familiarity with outdoor adventure activities and related equipment, such as camping, canoeing, and archery.
General understanding of environmental education, natural resources, education, and youth development.
Ability to work flexible hours any day of the week, including evenings.
Willingness to complete a varied set of tasks on any given day.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry 35 pounds and hike several miles on uneven terrain, trails, and stairs in varied environmental conditions.
Ability to pass an initial caregiver check and subsequent checks every two years, as required under Wisconsin Caregiver Law.
Eligibility to work in the United States by the effective date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in education, natural science, biology, environmental education, or a related field.
Ability to take responsibility for a specialization area, such as program animals, challenge course, technology, marketing and social media, or facility improvement.
Lifeguarding certification, or ability to obtain it before employment begins, with certification active through at least August 2027.
Professional certifications in commonly offered activities, such as licensed teaching, 4-H Archery, low-ropes challenge course elements, or canoeing.
At least two months of other camp experience.

Responsibilities

Teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programs to school and community groups of approximately 20–150 participants.
Collaborate with team members to identify and manage outdoor risks.
Prepare and clean up program activities and maintain educational materials and spaces.
Serve as the main contact and liaison for visiting groups, including overnight on-call duties.
Facilitate meal service in coordination with dining hall staff.
Complete facility maintenance projects, move canoes and kayaks, work on trails, and perform minor cleaning as needed.
Care for programmatic and recreational equipment and nature center animals.
Perform typical position duties and assigned tasks in accordance with job standards, represent the university positively, and assist units with tasks such as wiping tables, filing, copying, sorting, and delivering mail.