Summer Nature Camp Assistant

Glen Ellyn Park District • Glen Ellyn, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Nature Camp Instructor and Environmental Outreach Specialist, Nature Camp Assistants are responsible for helping to plan, prepare, and teach nature-based camps. Each camp program is a week-long session, some based on a specific theme, that runs Monday – Friday from 9-11:30am. Some weeks an afternoon camp also takes place from 12:30-3pm. This is an eight-week position, plus training prior to the start of camp. Assistants work with children ages three through thirteen, in groups of 10 – 16 individuals. Camp is held outdoors in a natural park with hiking trails, a pavilion, and green space. Activities include but are not limited to: nature hikes, reading stories, completing crafts, doing scientific experiments, group games, plant identification, creek and pond studies, tracking animals, habitat enhancement, and more. Additional duties include behavior management, set up, clean up, craft and activity preparation. This is an at-will position.

Requirements

• Must be in good physical condition for playing games, walking trails, and being on their feet for extended periods.
• Strong voice and listening skills with the ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and other sounds.
• Must have adequate sight to observe participants and identify potential hazards.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, such as equipment, supplies, etc.
• Must be comfortable teaching outdoors in a variety of weather condition, including high heat and humidity.
• Capable of assisting campers with basic physical needs, such as applying sunscreen, tying shoes, etc.
• Individual must be 16 years of age or older.
• Ability to effectively communicate with participants, their parents, and the public.
• Reliable transportation to and from work is required.
• Candidate must pass a post-offer background check.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred candidate has, or is pursuing a degree in education, ecology, biology, or natural resources.
• Prior experience working with children of multiple ages is recommended.
• Knowledge of plants, animals, and ecosystems is helpful and preferred.
• Previous camp and/or teaching experience is a plus.
• Ability to maintain discretion regarding confidential matters and/or information.
• CPR / First Aid certified, or willing to become certified within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Helping to plan, prepare, and teach nature-based camps
• Work with children ages three through thirteen, in groups of 10 – 16 individuals
• Nature hikes
• Reading stories
• Completing crafts
• Doing scientific experiments
• Group games
• Plant identification
• Creek and pond studies
• Tracking animals
• Habitat enhancement
• Behavior management
• Set up
• Clean up
• Craft and activity preparation

Benefits

• Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center and Sunset Pool Individual Membership while actively employed.
• (4) Free one-time use guest passes for GEPD facilities (Ackerman/Holes & Knolls/Sunset Pool)
• Competitive wages, paid training, and opportunities for additional work.
• $50 Referral Bonus for referring a new employee. Both will receive the bonus following 30 days of employment and in good standing.
• Letter of recommendation for college, internships, or future career opportunities.
• Plus, you get to work and interact with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and make an impact in someone else’s life!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees