Summer Camp Coordinator / Extension Program Worker

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

MSU Extension is seeking candidates to serve as Camp Coordinators for Oakland County Parks Outdoor Discovery Camps at multiple locations throughout Oakland County, Michigan. These week-long outdoor day camps provide hands-on, nature-based educational experiences for children ages 6–11.

The Camp Coordinator is responsible for the overall management of camp.

• Oversees daily camp operations.
• Supervises and collaborates with staff.
• Communicate with parents and ensure high-quality programming that supports environmental education and conservation.

We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following areas: camp management, education, environmental or natural sciences, outdoor recreation, ecology, wildlife biology, forestry, geology, sustainability, cooperative games, or experiential learning.
 
 
This is a 8–10-week position with two weeks of preparation and training prior to the start of camp. It runs mid-June through mid-August. There is no camp the week of June 29-July 3. Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with work hours 8:00 a.m.–4:30p.m. with optional aftercare hours.
 
 
For more information about Nature Discovery Summer Camps at Oakland County Parks, visit our webpage at https://www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/nature/nature-education/outdoor-discovery-summer-camps
 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure camp operations comply with all applicable licensing regulations, safety standards, and MSU Extension policies.
• Oversee and manage daily camp check-in and check-out procedures to ensure accurate attendance and camper safety.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for parents and guardians regarding camper behavior, schedules, policies, and concerns.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of supplies, materials, and lesson plans used by Camp Educational group Leaders.
• Supervise, support, and mentor Camp Educational Leaders and teen volunteers to ensure effective program delivery.
• Lead the planning and implementation of summer camp programming and assist in the coordination of staff training.
• Ensure experiential, science-based curriculum is implemented appropriately for various age groups using research-based and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Monitor camper behavior, promote positive social interactions, and address behavioral concerns in accordance with camp policies.
• Maintain responsibility for the health and safety of campers, volunteers, staff, and self, including emergency preparedness and response.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to health, safety, and camper needs, including managing food allergies and medical concerns.
• Participate in and help facilitate required in-service training and staff meetings.
• Collaborate with camp staff and park partners to plan, schedule, and refine daily activities and programs.
• Organize, inventory, and manage instructional equipment and supplies.
• Communicate professionally with parents, the public, staff, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate and supervise extended care programming as needed (8:00–9:00 a.m. and/or 3:30–5:30 p.m.).
• Perform additional duties as needed to ensure the successful operation of camp, as assigned by the Camp Director.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Michigan LARA camp licensing rules and regulations, including health, safety, supervision, and documentation requirements.
• Experience maintaining required camp documentation (attendance, health records, incident reports, staff credentials) in accordance with LARA.
• Comfort and interest in working with elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth.
• Experience working with youth in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc.).
• Experience implementing emergency procedures, incident reporting, and risk management protocols in outdoor or camp settings.
• All camp staff must successfully complete required criminal background and child abuse/neglect registry clearances prior to working with campers.
• Working knowledge of the natural world and environmental systems.
• Experience working in close proximity to wildlife and natural boundaries.
• Ability to work willingly in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain).
• Be comfortable with and/or interested in forestry, plant science, entomology, fisheries and wildlife, and animal science.
• Ability to remain physically active for a full workday.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to comply with licensing and safety regulations.
• Demonstrate commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous positions.
• Possess current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to support and deliver programming aligned with Oakland County Parks’ mission of environmental education, conservation, and stewardship.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 50 lbs.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
•  Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Required application materials:

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

See Desired Qualifications section.