| Description: URI's Environmental Education Center is seeking a qualified individual to assist the Teen Expeditions Coordinator in carrying out the Expeditions summer program which consists of seven 5 to 7-day canoeing, kayaking, rockclimbing/rappelling, and backpacking trips. The Assistant Coordinator provides leadership for the Expeditions staff (leads some staff training sessions, observes and evaluates leaders, assists with discipline and group dynamics issues) and assists the Teen Expeditions Coordinator with logistical support. This includes maintenance and preparation of equipment, food supplies, and transportation of campers (12-passenger extended van) and gear (pick-up truck and canoe trailer). Requires assisting with pick-up and drop-off of rental vans. Visiting groups out-of-state at remote locations may be required. The Assistant Coordinator leads one to three trips during the summer, fills in for Expedition Leaders in emergencies, assists with other W. Alton Jones Summer Camp activities when requested, fills in for the Expedition Coordinator in her/his absence, and shares responsibility for end-of-summer inventory and storage of equipment. May also involve scouting and planning for future trips. Sunday through Friday workweek while camp is in session. Requires being on call (Nextel cell phone) 24 hours when expeditions are in session. Seven weeks of six-day expeditions (Sunday - Friday) includes one extended trip that may require Saturday duties. |
| |
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. In addition to the W. Alton Jones Campus, the Teen Expedition program utilizes the adjoining state parks and state forests of Connecticut and Rhode Island which encompass 40,000 acres, the Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers of southern Rhode Island, the Saco River of southwestern Maine, Acadia National Park in Maine, rockclimbing sites in Rhode Island, eastern Connecticut, southeastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and backpacking, caving, and white-water rafting sites in the mountains of northwestern Connecticut, eastern New York and northwestern Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Adirondack Mountains of NY, and West Virginia. Expeditions include backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, and rockclimbing/rappelling, white water rafting, mountain biking and limited caving with teens ages 12-17. All expeditions emphasize outdoor skills, group building, no-trace camping, and environmental stewardship. |
| |
Qualifications: College credits towards degree in education, environmental studies, outdoor recreation, or a related field; experience teaching and/or leading expedition programs; supervisory experience helpful. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Experience with at least one of the following skill areas and knowledge of the others is required: river canoeing or kayaking (class 1, flatwater), backpacking, or rockclimbing and rappelling. Experience teaching and leading adolescents is preferred. Successful applicants will have a thorough working knowledge of no-trace camping techniques. Applicants must have a valid driver's license with no risk-creating infractions. Familiarity with natural history, environmental stewardship, and conservation preferred. Pets (even goldfish!) are strictly forbidden. All final applicants will be subjected to a criminal background check. |
| |
Salary: Compensation includes $330 per week, room and board. |
| |
Dates of Employment: June 7 to August 20. |
| |
Closing Date: When filled. |
| |
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, application form, and name/phone number of 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 |