Camp Counselor

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout 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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Blue Hills 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a group of children by exploring fields, forests, wetlands, streams, and hiking trails
• Work with a partner or team to develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate nature-based lessons and daily activities for children
• Assist in cleanup/organization at the end of each day
• Ensure health and safety of all children in group
• Treat all campers with compassion
• Act as a role model to both campers and colleagues
• Provide behavioral support to campers and Counselors in Training as needed

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.

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

• Must be 18 +
• Have 4+ weeks experience working with children (including, but not limited to: babysitting: volunteer or otherwise, and experience with younger siblings)
• Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• 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
• Ability to lead hikes up to 6 miles on steep and uneven terrain

Desired Qualifications

• Have a strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
• Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics

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

Compensation and Benefits
This position’s starting rate of pay is Starting at $16.54/hour; actual pay will reflect level of experience, qualifications relative to position requirements, and location of the position. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
Camp runs from June 24-August 23, 2024. Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, with additional before and after camp hours as needed.

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 embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

---