Summer Camp Educational Leader

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:

As part of the educational staff, the Summer Camp Edu-Leader will lead the learning experience for groups of youth during 9 weeks of science-themed camp promoting MSU Tollgate's mission. We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following areas: education, agricultural science, animal science, cooperative games, music, food science, entomology, forestry, gardening, fisheries and wildlife.

This is a 10-week position with one week of training prior to the start of camp. It runs June 9-August 22. There is no camp the week of June 30-July 4.

For more information about Summer Farm Camp at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, visit our webpage at https://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/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.
• Work with camp staff to plan activities.
• Organize, assemble, and be responsible for equipment needed for instruction.
• Handle farm animals and work in proximity with wildlife.
• Communicate with parents, the public, and MSUE staff appropriately.
• Lead aftercare one day per week from 4-5:00 pm.
• Assume any task or responsibility necessary for a successful camp operation as assigned by the camp director.

Desired Qualifications

• Comfortable and interested in working with elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth.
• Past 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 and farm animals.
• Ability to work willingly in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain).
• Be comfortable with and/or interested in agriculture, gardening, plant science, entomology, fisheries and wildlife, and animal science.
• 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)
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• 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.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

See position description/desired qualifications.

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.