VINS Nature Camp Position

• Plan and deliver a diversity of daily summer camp programs to a variety of age groups
• Create safe, fun and educational outdoor opportunities
• Supervise and facilitate quality camp programming
• Be able to develop, plan, teach and lead engaging activities related to natural science with an emphasis on raptor biology, natural history and behavior
• Present educational programs to camp groups while handling live raptors
• Facilitate a wide range of activities including: group games, outdoor sports, adventure scenarios, leadership skills, craft activities, nature hikes and other hands-on activities
• Maintain excellent rapport and constant communication with parents of camp participants on a daily basis
• Share and communicate teaching responsibilities and planning with co-instructors
• Support and mentor other instructors and Leaders-in-Training (L-I-Ts)
• Develop and maintain excellent communication with the Lead Nature Camp, Nature Camp Assistant, Instructors, VINS staff and volunteers
• Act as a professional representative of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science
• Participate in all scheduled camp staff training sessions and camp events
• Consult with VINS educators and wildlife rehabilitation specialists to bring added content to camp programs, as appropriate

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or currently working towards a degree in education, natural sciences, or related field of study preferred
• Previous work experience with groups of children is a must, experience with summer camps, environmental education, outdoor education preferred
• Previous animal handling experience, especially raptors, preferred
• Knowledge of raptor biology, natural, history and behavior and general knowledge of basic
  ecological processes and New England natural history a must, or willing to learn
• Experience developing curriculum or programs, a plus
• Must be willing to work with animals, particularly raptors
• Passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental education
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment (up to 40 lbs.)
• Ability to lead field trips over diverse terrain in all weather conditions
• Current driver’s license and clean driving record
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications a must, or willing to obtain
• Lifeguard certification may be required, or willing to obtain
• General computer literacy including ability to use Microsoft Office programs

• Full time, seasonal position
• Compensation: $11.00+ per hour commensurate with experience
• The regular work week is 40 hours, Monday – Friday
• The term of employment is May 20, 2020 through August 21, 2020, with the possibility of one week off during the summer. Term of employment includes two weeks of required raptor handling training prior to camp staff training
• Raptor Camp Instructors will lead three weeks of camp focused solely on raptor education and other weeks of camp focused on other topics

Apply online at vinsnaturecampstaff.campbrainstaff.com

OR

Send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Sarah Strew at sstrew@vinsweb.org.