Description: URI's Environmental Education Center is seeking qualified individuals to teach and lead campers, ages 9-13 during eight six-day residential camping programs. Earth Camp Counselors oversee safety and teach or lead ecology, natural science, conservation, sensory awareness, canoeing, no-trace camping and survival skills, campfires, group games, evening programs, skits, and arts and crafts. Earth Camp Counselors will also assist Junior Counselor training and development. Earth Camp Counselors also supervise campers in cabins overnight and at mealtimes and during free times on a rotating basis. Other responsibilities are to assist with waterfront supervision; help create a supportive community environment for campers and other staff; assist with camp preparation, clean-up, opening day check-in, and family programs; and instill in each camper an appreciation for the natural environment.
The Site: The URI Environmental Education Center is situated on 2,300 acres of forests, wetlands, and old farmland—the W. Alton Jones Campus. Dedicated to environmental education, the Center has been offering quality day and residential programs for over 30 years. The residential Earth Camp facilities include a knotty pine dining lodge with field stone fireplaces, hardwood floors, and five meeting rooms. The six cabins have electricity, bunk beds, hot showers, and lavatory facilities. Each cabin sleeps between sixteen and twenty campers. Outdoor Skills campers sleep in platform tents when not on their backpacking trip.
Qualifications: Successful applicants will have previous teaching experience either at an environmental education center or in the classroom, experience as a camp counselor, or other teaching experience or similar work with children. Requires energy, enthusiasm, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated interest in the environment and education. Knowledge of natural history required. College degree, or college courses in biology, ecology, environmental science, or teaching preferred. Red Cross certification in standard first aid and CPR required. Experience speaking, leading songs, and/or story telling in front of large (50-100) groups of children is helpful. Lifeguarding certification is encouraged and includes additional compensation; we offer a course in June generally Monday-Friday the week before staff training begins at a cost of $225 plus $20 for Rhode Island certification. Minimum age is 18 years, 21 or older with driver's license is preferred. Pets are strictly forbidden. All final applicants will be subjected to a criminal background check.
Salary: Compensation includes $200 per week plus an additional $10 per week for each full year of full-time college completed (up to 4 years) or $50 per week for college graduate; additional $25 per week for Teacher Certification; and additional $25 per week for RI lifeguarding certification (requires passing the Rhode Island Non-Surf Lifeguard Certification Exam during staff training), and $10 per week for meeting driver qualifications. Also includes room and board and two weeks of paid training.
Dates of Employment: June 17 to August 17. Attendance at staff training (first two weeks) is mandatory.
Closing Date: May 30 or when filled.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, application form, and three references to John Jacques, Manager, URI Environmental Education Center, 401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI 02817, (401) 397-3304, ext. 6043. FAX: (401) 397-3293. E-mail: altonjones@uri.edu