Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for two seasonal positions entailing 3 weeks of camp instruction (40 hours/week) starting on or after July 8, with 2-3 days earlier in June to help plan and prepare for camp. We host 8 weeks of camp starting July 8 and concluding on August 30. We allow Junior Instructors some flexibility in selecting their weeks.
Junior Instructors will work with the Ecology Camp Instructors to implement all aspects of the Cary Institute Summer Ecology Day Camp for children in grades 2-8. Camp activities include ecology experiments in streams, forests, ponds and fields, games, arts and crafts, and hiking on our 2000-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley.
The Junior Instructor position is designed for those who are interested in exploring the career of environmental education and would like to shadow, teach alongside, and receive feedback from experienced instructors. Cary summer camps provide ample opportunities for practicing leadership, teaching, designing science activities, and building relationships with youth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain a safe, friendly, and supportive space for all camp participants.
- Help develop and lead scientific experiments for elementary- and middle-school age campers.
- Prepare and maintain camp educational, recreational, and safety materials.
- Mentor high school junior counselors.
- Collaborate with Ecology Camp Instructors on ecology-based lessons, games, and activities.
Duration: Seasonal position, 3 weeks in July-August, 40 hours per week. We host 8 weeks of camp and allow instructors some flexibility in selecting their weeks. If possible, the Instructor(s) will spend 2-3 days in June helping plan and prepare for camp.
Location: In person at Cary’s campus in Millbrook, NY.
Salary: This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt, non-benefited position. $15 per hour.
Required Qualifications
- High school or college coursework completed in education and ecology or relevant scientific field.
- Genuine enthusiasm for the natural world and for sharing science and instilling a sense of wonder about the environment in camp participants.
- Teaching experience with elementary-and/or middle-school children, in formal or informal settings.
- Ability to design and deliver engaging and age-appropriate ecology lessons for students of varying age groups and backgrounds.
- Openness to diverse perspectives, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive camp atmosphere.
- A positive attitude, patience, and a nurturing approach to working with camp participants.
- Adaptability to unexpected and challenging situations.
- Demonstrated positive experience in working collaboratively with others in a team environment.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Spanish language skills: Proficiency (conversational) or Fluency.
- Familiarity with inquiry-based, hands-on educational methods.
- Knowledge of Hudson Valley natural history and ecosystems.
Closing Date: Positions open until April 20, 2024 or until filled.
Position Reports to: Ashley Alred, Education Program Leader
To Apply:
Visit our website at https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary and complete our online job application. Please attach one document which includes a brief cover letter, resume, and the names and full contact information (including email address) for three professional references.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.