Summer Camp Educational Leader / 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 join our Oakland County Parks Outdoor Discovery Camps team at multiple park locations throughout Oakland County, Michigan. During the summer, Oakland County Parks offers week-long outdoor day camps that provide hands-on, nature-based educational experiences for children ages 6–12.

As part of the educational staff, the Educational Leader Camp Counselor will lead learning experiences for groups of youth throughout the summer, guiding exploration, discovery, and outdoor activities that support Oakland County Parks’ mission of environmental education and conservation. Camp programming focuses on science, ecology, outdoor skills, and environmental stewardship, led in collaboration with park naturalists.

We are seeking staff with a background or interest in one or more of the following areas: education, environmental or natural sciences, outdoor recreation, ecology, wildlife biology, forestry, geology, sustainability, cooperative games, or experiential learning.

This is an 8-10 week position with one week of training prior to the start of camp. Camps run mid-June through mid-August, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. There is no camp the week of June 29-July 3. Work hours 8:30 – 3:30 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:

• Implement experiential science curriculum and programming for students of various ages at appropriate levels using research-based methods.
• Observe behavior in daily camp life, encourage positive social interactions between campers, and deal appropriately with any improper behavior.
• Be responsible for the safety of campers, teen volunteers, fellow staff, and self.
• Respond appropriately to health, safety, and any camper concerns, including food allergens.
• Attend in-service training.
• Collaborate with staff to deliver daily camp programming
• Organize, assemble, and be responsible for equipment needed for instruction.
• Supervise campers during all activities, transitions, and outdoor excursions
• Communicate with parents, the public, and staff appropriately.
• Lead extended care as needed from 3:30-5:30 pm.
• Assume any task or responsibility necessary for a successful camp operation as assigned by the camp coordinator.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc.).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world.
• Experience working in close proximity to wildlife.
• Ability to work willingly in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain)
• Ability to be physically active for an 8-hour day.
• Demonstrate commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous positions.
• Possess current CPR/First Aid certification (not required).
• All camp staff must successfully complete required criminal background and child abuse/neglect registry clearances prior to working with campers.
• Must participate in required pre-camp and in-service training to fulfill licensing rule training requirements.
• 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.