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
• 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

• 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

• 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

Apply online at vinsnaturecampstaff.campbrainstaff.com