Job Description

Opportunity Type: seasonal, part-time/hourly, non-exempt

Location:

Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE

Coverdale Farm Preserve, Greenville, DE

Organization Description

Delaware Nature Society’s (DelNature) mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment.  Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for our educational programming, conservation, and advocacy. We provide the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.

We manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve. Our organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on:  Working & Natural Lands, Healthy Waters, and Protecting Habitats and Wildlife.

DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity and is committed to understanding and addressing where we fall short. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing of each other’s perspectives. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all who are qualified to apply.

Job Description

This position reports to: Education/Site Coordinator at assigned site.

Varied Schedule, based on program offerings by site. There are several required trainings that occur prior to the start of camp season that this position will need to attend.

The Summer Camp Counselor position is a minimum 6-week, maximum 12-week employment. Summer Camp Counselors (Counselors) support the effective delivery of educational lessons and activities for children ages 4 to 12 during week-long summer camp programs. Counselors participate in staff training and rotate through various summer camp duties. Duties include assisting with 4-12 y/o camps and programs, assisting with extended care activities, and leading summer camp activities. Summer Camp Training will be held a few evenings and weekend days starting at the end of May. Summer camps begin Monday, June 9th, and continue until Friday, August 29th.

Responsibilities

• Support summer camp instructors with all aspects of camp during twelve weeks of summer camp programming.
• Assist with daily camp program preparation and clean up, and with care and maintenance of education materials, equipment, and teaching tools.
• Support and participate in staff training events and activities.
• Co-lead early morning care and/or afternoon extended care as needed over the course of the summer.
• Assist with extended day events as needed.
• With guidance, develop, plan, prepare and deliver various outdoor/indoor activities, for summer camp, that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, fun, safe and incorporate the core values.
• Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures, including health and safety protocols, are followed, and always enforced.
• Record accurate work hours daily in PayCom including daily 30-minute meal break.
• Assist with other camp duties such as sign in and sign out process.
• Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of audiences.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor or leadership staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society.
• Outdoor recreation or Farm skills and experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team, indoors and outside under variable weather conditions.
• Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills, work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• 16 years of age or older – candidates under 18 years old will need to secure working papers at time of hire.

Essential Dates

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
• Start Date: May 31st, 2025

• End Date: August 29, 2025

Salary and Benefits

Starting hourly rate – $14- $15/hr based on experience. This is a seasonal position ending in August. Summer Camp Counselors are paid hourly for the seasonal position divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld. Camp staff are required to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break daily.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY– Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change. 

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