Summer Camp Counselor - 77902349

State of Florida

14d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, seasonal Other Personal Services (OPS) employment position based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach. These positions will serve as Summer Camp Counselors working alongside teammates to provide a safe and educational summer camp experience for youth ages 8-17. Expectations include leading youth in activities such as paddle sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, jon boating, and canoeing), archery, fishing, crafts, exploration activities, etc. The position is responsible for leading programs, chaperoning off-site field trips, monitoring camper safety, set up/breakdown for programs, lifeguarding, and providing a positive guest experience to campers. Most camp activities take place outdoors in the heat/elements during summer.

Requirements

A High School Diploma and at least two months of professional experience instructing or assisting with educational programs for youth focusing on one or more of the following: archery, saltwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife, marine exploration, or counselor in training programs, is preferred; OR
A High School Diploma and at least two months of experience in wildlife conservation field work, conservation, or natural science, and two months of experience working with youth in any setting.
Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.
Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Ability to engage professionally and sensitively with a varied audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others.
Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies.
Possess strong swimming skills: ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in brackish water conditions.
Applicants must be 19 years of age before May 22, 2026.
Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, e.g., Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED certification, Human Resource Orientation, Canoeing/Kayaking/paddleboard/Jon Boating Skills Course, Fishing Skills Course, L1 USA Archery Instruction, Behavior Management, Florida Boaters Safety, Lifeguarding, Leave No Trace, SafeSport, Supervision, and Emergency Procedures. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.
Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN’s Four Pillars: shooting sports, fishing, paddle sports, and wildlife exploration.

Responsibilities

Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to SYCC through program interactions.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions.
Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems.
Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies regarding camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.
Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.)
Assist Instructors with program facilitation as assigned (archery, bowfishing, saltwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, marine exploration, fish dissections, paddleboarding, jon boating, etc.)
Provide support as assigned in the facilitation of summer camp activities.
Provide supervision coverage as needed.
Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp’s Director.
Assist with daily camper check in and check out.
Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.
Participate in meetings, phone communications, etc. as needed with SYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships.
Ensure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned.
Ensure education programs are following American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner.
Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned.
Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (classroom, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.)
Perform administrative duties as required.
Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.