Seasonal Outdoor Educator (March Start)

Universities of Wisconsin • Wisconsin Dells, WI

2d • $17 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Outdoor Educator is a primary program staff member at Upham Woods during the summer season. The role teaches educational programming and recreational activities, works with 4-H educators, volunteers, and other group leaders, and cares for program and recreation equipment and nature center animals. The work emphasizes customer service, effective educational methods, and a safe environment.

Upham Woods is a residential center within UW–Madison Division of Extension that provides hands-on, field-based environmental and leadership education and recreation for youth, youth leaders, and adults. It is located on the Wisconsin River and includes more than 300 acres of forested land, a state natural area island, program facilities, lodging, a nature center, and a dining hall.

The position is temporary and may be extended depending on need and funding. Work is expected to be performed in person at the Upham Woods work location. Lodging is available in a staff duplex, with individual or shared bedrooms and shared bathroom and common areas. The role may require occasional nights and weekends, and on-call liaison duties may extend overnight.

Requirements

• Ability to work enthusiastically and creatively in a team setting and independently.
• Desire to teach user groups ranging in size from 20 to 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.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry 35 pounds and hike several miles on uneven terrain, including trails and stairs, in a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Ability to complete a caregiver check under Wisconsin Caregiver Law.

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, active through at least August 2027.
• Professional certification in an activity offered by the center, such as licensed teaching, 4-H Archery, low-ropes challenge course, or canoeing.

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programs to school and community groups of 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 point of contact for visiting groups, including on-call status.
• Facilitate meal service with dining hall staff.
• Complete facility maintenance projects, move canoes and kayaks, perform trail work, and undertake minor cleaning as needed.
• Care for programmatic and recreational equipment and nature center animals.
• Perform typical duties required by the position and provide unit assistance as requested.

Benefits

• Lodging is available while working at Upham Woods in a staff duplex, with individual or shared bedrooms and shared bathroom and common areas.
• Hourly compensation ranges from $17.45 to $19.70, based on experience and qualifications, with stated incentives for returning staff, lifeguard certification, and other camp experience.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED