Program Educator & Summer Camp Coordinator (Ft

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Full Time Grand Rapids, MI, US

5 days ago Requisition

Program Educator and Summer Camp Coordinator

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt, Full Time, Regular

REPORTS TO:

Program Manager and Camp Manager (during the Camp Season)

POSITION SUMMARY:

This year-round position is a combination of teaching academic education programs to school groups (Weekdays from 8:00am-2:00pm, September-May) as well as facilitating community education programs for adults and families. Occasional weeknights and Saturdays are required.

In the late spring and summer season (May-August), this position transitions into conducting the Summer

Camp Coordinator responsibilities. The Summer Coordinator portion is responsible for providing support to the Summer Camp Educators and campers all season long. They care for staff, volunteer, and camper happiness, health, and safety for 10 weeks, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm.

The Programs Team at Blandford Nature Center offers a wide array of programming to the West Michigan community. Much of the school year (September-May) is dedicated to field trip programming for preschool and elementary-aged students. We also offer year-round programming to the general community, including arts and crafts programs, nature and STEM-focused programming, bilingual (Spanish) programming, and Michigan history-focused programming. Program Educators at BNC participate in all of the varying program content but may focus on specific areas depending on their personal skillsets.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Educational Programming

Including but not limited to:

Lead outdoor environmental education programs for school and youth groups at Blandford Nature Center year round

Lead in the delivery of community education programs for children, adults and families

Maintain high standards of safety and well-being of program participants

Assist in the development of environmental education curriculum and materials, including lesson plans and learning aids

Assist in documentation and evaluation of all programs, including participant demographics, satisfaction and program effectiveness

Assist in the maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities

Assist with organization-wide special events and community programs as a member of the Programs Team

Maintain a high level of professionalism and safety when working directly with animal ambassadors

Assist with other program duties as assigned

Community Programming

Including but not limited to:

Lead in the delivery of community education programs for children, adults and families

Provide interpretation at festivals, community events, and other specialty programming as needed

Assist in the development of community programs and materials, including lesson plans and festival planning

Summer Camp Coordinator Responsibilities

Including but not limited to:

Assist in establishing a camp community that fosters responsibility, team building, and social development for staff, volunteers, and campers

Stand in for absent Camp Educators whenever necessary

Stand in for group support in absence of Camp Aides

Provide on-the-ground support to all camp educators in maintaining a high quality camp experience

Lead a weekly Camp Warm-Up program that operates Monday-Friday from 7:45-8:45am

Maintain high standards of safety and well-being of program participants and camp aides

Provide excellent customer service to camp families, reporting camp inquiries and concerns to Camp Manager and Administrator

Assist in communicating any behavioral interventions involving campers to parents after consulting with the administrative team

Organizes weekly camp supply needs and maintains camp resource inventory

Assist in the maintenance and storage of camp equipment, supplies and facilities

Assist in weekly tie dye activities and maintaining tie dye supplies throughout the summer

Provides administrative assistance for off-site activities including ability to transport campers and camp aides in a 15 passenger van

Assist with other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Required Qualifications

Including but not limited to:

Coursework and/or experience in the fields of outdoor recreation, youth development, education, environmental or natural sciences or other related disciplines

Previous experience working with children and adults in a non-formal education environment

Experience working with/leading school age children (Pre-K through 12th) in an outdoor/ camp setting

Ability to communicate factual, scientific information simply and enthusiastically to a broad audience

Demonstrated ability to implement standard outdoor risk group management techniques

Comfort with and ability to work effectively outdoors, in all types of weather, for extended time periods

Ability to monitor and model safe work habits to all staff, volunteers, and campers

Ability to communicate calmly,…