Nature Adventure Camp Instructor

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

Moose Hill Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers. 

Spend your summer exploring beautiful Moose Hill as you co-lead small groups of campers on explorations of our 1900+ acres of property. Nature Adventure Camp (NAC) focuses on backcountry and place-based living skills that will give campers the knowledge and confidence to explore nature safely. You and your co-leader will develop and lead active lessons that teach campers ages 13 - 15 to appreciate nature, one another, and build their outdoor skills. Nature Adventure Camp alternates weeks with our Environmental Teen Leaders program. The NAC Staff will also help teach the Environmental Teen Leaders program. To discover more about our programs, check out our website, Moose Hill Camp!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend Mass Audubon’s Camp Field School, if schedule allows
• Create a community with a small group of teens and inspire curiosity
• Lead the Nature Adventure Camp and co-lead with the Environmental Teen Leader’s staff
• Keep the group safe in terms of emotional and physical risks
• Be a part of the daily camp community and participate in the staff meetings
• Be willing to use first aid and CPR skills when necessary according to the camp’s standing medical orders
• Participate in all game activities like opening and closing circle, all camp games, and clean up and organizing at the end of the day
• Help create a community of curiosity and nature reconnection
• Have the physical ability to walk over unimproved terrain and to assist campers in an emergency
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying weather conditions
• Communicate with campers, parents, and the staff team in an age-appropriate manner
• Maintain composure under stressful situations and a long work day

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Applicants must be at least 20 years of age
• Have experience working with and enjoy being with pre-teens and teens
• Have the ability to lead groups over rough terrain
• Must have ability to design and implement nature-based activities including group bonding games
• Have experience leading teens or youth on hikes
• Current certification in CPR and first aid is required (training opportunity provided)
• Experience working with knives and fire building
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
• Be willing to manage a group outdoors for six hours a day in most weather conditions
• Physically access sanctuary terrain easily by foot
• Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred applicants have backpacking, camping and outdoor cooking experience
• Preferred applicants are studying or have a degree in a life science, education, or outdoor recreation
• Ability to speak a second language

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $18.28-$20.50/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon:

• Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
• Training in Natural History & Classroom Management

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Staff training June 12-23, 2023
Camp sessions run June 26-August 25, 2023

All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. Training includes: Natural History, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Games, and so much more. If you have a strong desire to work with campers in an outdoor environment, and are interested in learning how to teach and effectively lead groups, please apply.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How To Apply

Please apply on ADP Workforce Now: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=451262&lang=en_US&source=EN.