VINS Nature Camp Position
Contact Us
Nature Center Hours
VINS Nature Center
10am to 4pm Daily
Accepting Injured Birds
8:00 am to 4:00 pm Daily
802.359.5000 x212
Raptor Camp Instructor
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is seeking energetic, conservation-minded educators to lead our Nature Camp programs. With 49 years of environmental education experience, VINS offers children in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire a fun and safe way to learn about nature through an exciting summer of outdoor exploration, adventure and discovery.
REPORTS TO: Lead Nature Camp and Adult Programs
SUMMARY: Nature Day Camps – Environmental education programs for children ages 4-13
JOB LOCATION: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont
Raptor Camp Instructor Duties
- 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
- Develop, plan, teach and lead engaging activities related to natural science with an emphasis on raptor biology, natural history and behavior
- Present educational sessions to camp groups while handling live raptor
- 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, other 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, including two weeks of raptor handling training prior to camp season, and camp events
- Consult with VINS educators and wildlife
Specific duties will vary according to program, hours, age range, and camp location.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree or currently working towards a degree in education, natural sciences, biology 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
- Must be willing to work with live raptors
- 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
- Passionate about conservation and environmental education
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change
- Excellent group 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
COVID-19 Special Requirements
- Anyone coming from outside Vermont must complete a state-mandated quarantine of 14 days or 7 days plus a negative COVID test result prior to beginning work for VINS.
- VINS may require camp instructors to be tested for COVID-19 prior to beginning work with our camp program, or during the summer if they develop symptoms of or have a possible exposure to COVID-19 while working for VINS.
All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.
Compensation & Work Schedule
- Seasonal position
- Compensation: $11.75+ per hour commensurate with experience
- Work schedule is Monday – Friday
- Regular work week is 40 hours
- The term of employment is June 7, 2021 through August 27, 2021, with the possibility of one unpaid 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
Application
Apply online at vinsnaturecampstaff.campbrainstaff.com
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2021
Position post date: January 2021
VINS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.