Student Assistant (Adventure Counselor - East Texas Adventurers Program 2024-25)

General Description

This is a student position responsible for assisting in the operations and activities of a department or a departmental project, program, or function.

The East Texas Adventurers Program is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grant in collaboration with Stephen F.

Austin State University and Nacogdoches Independent School District (ISD). The primary focus of this program is to bring middle school students (Grades 6-8) into the outdoors, promote environmental science stewardship, and increase the awareness and interest in careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) fields.

Counselors will work with participants on four (4) overnight excursions where we will engage in interpretive programming offered by the parks as well as team building, skill building, and STEAM-related activities. Job Duties

• Leads and supervises middle school students during overnight expeditions to various East Texas destinations, ensuring their safety, well-being, and adherence to program guidelines.
• Facilitates hands-on outdoor learning experiences, including hiking, camping, and exploration of Texas ecosystems at locations such as Mission Tejas State Park, Caddo Lake State Park, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, and Pineywoods Native Plant Center.
• Organizes and leads discussions, activities, and workshops that encourage students to explore their interests and potential within STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) fields.
• Collaborates with program staff and school officials to coordinate logistics, manage student behavior, and address any concerns or emergencies that may arise during expeditions.
• Serves as a positive role model and mentor, providing guidance and inspiring students to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the outdoor and educational settings.
• Assists in the evaluation and assessment of student learning outcomes, providing feedback and recommendations for program improvement.
• Maintains accurate records of student participation, behavior, and achievements, ensuring compliance with program requirements and reporting standards.
• Fosters positive relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders, promoting continued engagement and participation in the program.
• Stays informed about relevant safety protocols, environmental regulations, and best practices in outdoor education and youth development, continuously enhancing professional knowledge and skills.
• Completes all training including but not limited to First Aid, Vehicle, and ProjectWILD certifications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university and program policies and procedures, including safety guidelines.
• Ability and desire to be in the company of children.
• Ability to lead programs and activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with others.
• Ability to problem solve a variety of situations.
• Ability to organize activities.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to obtain a driver’s license and successfully complete van certification.
• Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties.

Required Qualifications The minimum education required for admittance as a student at Stephen F. Austin State University.

No direct experience is required. Training and instruction will be provided. Preferred Qualifications

• Students majoring in interdisciplinary studies (EC-6 or MLGE), history, or forestry.
• Previous experience in a camp, youth program, recreation, working with children or in a related field.
• Certification in first aid and / or lifeguard.
• Experience in photography.
• Experience with driving large vans (up to 12 passengers).

Physical Demands Must be able to carry heavy loads and travel over uneven terrain. Special Conditions for Eligibility A student must be enrolled in six or more semester hours to be eligible for student employment during the fall or spring semesters.

To be eligible for student employment during the summer, a student must be enrolled in three or more semester hours or be registered for courses in the upcoming fall semester.

Student assistants may not hold any other type of position such as a graduate assistantship or temporary casual employment at the same time that they are employed as a student assistant.

Position End Date (if temporary) 05 / 31 / 2025 Posting Detail Information Posting Number SA2024-082 Number of Vacancies 2