Summer Nature Camp - Lead Teacher

Summer Nature Camp - Lead Teacher The Belle Isle Nature Center, a facility of the Detroit Zoological Society, holds nature-based summer day camps for children in Detroit.

We seek motivated, dynamic individuals who want to make a difference and share nature with youth in a summer day camp setting.

Camp takes place on Belle Isle, near downtown Detroit.

The chosen candidate must be available to work the entire camp season, from June 17 to August 16, 2024, Monday through Friday.

Programs are held primarily outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. All candidates must attend one week of staff training prior to the start of camp (June 17 - 21, 2024) and be available for all weeks of camp programming from June 25 - August 16, 2024).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with an Assistant Teacher, facilitate activities for participants between the ages of 5 to 12. Camp activities include nature hikes, science investigations, field trips, team building activities, camp songs, games and assisting campers in developing meaningful and fun projects
• Lead Teachers are paired with an Assistant Teacher to provide support and supervision to camp participants
• Provide kind, positive behavior management for individual participants and camp groups
• Provide responsible adult supervision and physical, social, and emotional safety for a group of participants
• Build respectful relationships with campers and colleagues
• Communicate effectively with participants, families of participants and Nature Center staff
• Follow organizational policies and procedures at all times
• Must be available for a weekday work schedule, typically 8 : 15 a.m.- 4 : 45 p.m.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent with two years of experience in a zoological institution or a youth organization OR enrollment in or completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology or other related field
• Experience working with children in a variety of settings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be 18 years or older
• Familiar with concepts of biology, environmental science or animal welfare or a willingness to learn more
• Will use a computer, printer, two-way radio and iPad
• Enthusiasm for working with students of varying ability levels and backgrounds
• Willingness to give and receive help, apply feedback and work as part of a team
• Familiarity with environmental education and outdoor recreation is helpful
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Must be reasonable, diplomatic and exercise good judgment to make sound decisions
• Must have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to address issues before they escalate
• Must be professional and have a positive and respectful, disposition
• Before hire, must clear a background check

Working Conditions

Work is conducted both inside and outside and may include work in adverse weather with the outside environment, heights, and exposures.

The position involves exposure to all types of weather, air conditioning, and heating systems. The regular work schedule will include weekends.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping for extended periods. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds.

The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.