Day Camp Counselor

~ The Fenner Nature Center has provided over 50 years of environmental education and recreation for the citizens of greater Lansing! ~

Fenner Nature Center encompasses 134 acres. Now run by the non-profit Fenner Conservancy, the property includes over four miles of trails, including two handicap-accessible paved trail loops, and a Visitor Center, that features a collection of live native reptiles and amphibians. Visitors watch songbirds, deer and wild turkeys through our large picture windows and explore our hands-on children's exhibits.

Position Overview 

Day Camp Counselors will work Monday - Friday (35+ hours per week, depending on need); weekend and occasional evening work may be required. This position ends on August 30, 2014. There is the potential for a contract extension if organizational need requires it.

The work associated with this position will occur in both the office environment and the outdoor environment in all kinds of weather and in uneven terrain. 

Note: Interested applicants must apply by March 14, 2014 and must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities 

Essential Position Functions: Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director and/or Program Manager, the Day Camp Counselor will undertake the following responsibilities:

Programmatic (90%): 

• Development and delivery of environmental education programs for summer day camp participants
• Lead and/or participate in service learning projects with volunteers of all ages and abilities 

Administrative (5%): 

• Light janitorial, clerical and office duties 
• Opening, staffing, and closing the Nature Center, as well as various types of computer work
• Provide assistance to the public in person, on the phone, and via the internet
• Maintenance of live animal displays and bird feeding areas 

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Note: This Position Description does not include all tasks that may be completed in this position. Duties may be added, removed, or modified at any time. 

Qualifications 

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least one (1) year of college-level course work in biology, natural history, earth science, elementary education, or related fields highly preferred.
• Previous experience communicating and interacting with children individually and in a group setting preferred.
• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience and competence in oral and written communication, and will be familiar with Michigan plants, animals, and their ecology.
• The City of Lansing reserves the right to utilize equivalencies where deemed appropriate with regard to education and experience requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements: 

• Knowledge of general ecology.
• Knowledge of outdoor skills such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other similar topics.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of group communication.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and policies.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheets, and other software packages.
• Skill in the use of various pieces of office equipment.
• Skill in facilitating groups of children in an outdoor setting.
• Ability to develop interpretive programming for day campers.
• Ability to supervise and direct volunteer assistants.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively teach children about environmental topics.
• Ability to proactively identify tasks that need to be accomplished and work independently to ensure their completion. 

Physical Capacity Requirements: 

• This position requires the ability to walk, speak, hear, lift, carry, finger dexterity, and visual acuity.
• It also requires the ability to lift 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions of the assignment. 

Compensation: Starting pay rate is $8.50 per hour  

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Here!" to access and submit our application form. Or, you can mail to this address (or use the drop box there) to submit your application: 

The City of Lansing
124 W. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor City Hall
Lansing, MI 48933

~ The City of Lansing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies or practices on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, disability, or genetic information of any individual. ~