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Camp Fire First Texas Job Summary

Job Title

Outdoor Program Specialist

Department

Outdoor

Position Level/Classification

Location

Camp El Tesoro, 7710 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury TX 76049

In-Person/Virtual

In-Person 100%

Reports To

Outdoor Education Coordinator and Rentals and Retreats Coordinator

FLSA Status

Exempt

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Regular/Temporary

Seasonal (September to December and January to May)

Compensation Package

$350/week

Plus, food when programs are in session and lodging includes private rooms, shared kitchen and laundry

Start Date

 Flexible

Our Commitment to Equity

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. Camp Fire strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Our Investment in You

Through a commitment to equity, continuous learning and by leading with our values, we believe in maintaining a supportive work culture while providing the highest quality programming. Camp Fire is putting the call out to the passionate individual who is ready to join our team.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Texas Outdoor Education Coordinator and Rental and Retreats Coordinator, this position is responsible for facilitating a variety of hands-on experiential learning opportunities for participants of all ages.  In working with the Texas Outdoor Education Center (TxOEC), the program specialist teaches environmental education programming to kindergarten to 12th grade students, who participate in day and overnight programming.  In conjunction with our Rentals and Retreats department, the program specialist facilitates outdoor adventure activities for a variety of user groups renting Camp El Tesoro facilities throughout the year. 

Essential Functions:

         Implement a variety of age and ability appropriate activities in environmental education programs, such as: fossils, birds, habitats, native flora, insects, and additional studies as developed.

         Implement a variety of age and ability appropriate activities in the above-stated outdoor adventure programs, such as: archery, challenge course, canoeing, outdoor survival skills, and additional studies as developed.

         Participate as a member of the TxOEC and Rental and Retreats team to deliver and supervise evening programs, overnights, and special events.

         Evaluate the success of outdoor programs and assist in quality modifications through Camp Fire Program Quality Assessment.

         Ensure participants know and follow safety and educational procedures.

         Maintain the environmental education and outdoor adventure equipment including curriculum and material storage areas, facility areas, books, brochures, materials and supplies.

         Observe hazards or developments in the natural environment and alert appropriate staff.

         Inventory and restock environmental education and outdoor adventure equipment in a timely manner.

         Conduct a daily check of the facilities and equipment for safety, cleanliness and good repair.

         Ability to live in camp setting and work irregular hours while delivering programs.

         Endurance including standing, some bending, stooping and stretching.

         Ability to observe behavior, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

         Assist in overall implementation of camp programs.

         Ability to support Facilities team through occasional cleaning of cabins, dining hall, trail maintenance, among other tasks

         Adhere to Camp Fire First Texas policies and procedures.

         Assume other duties and special projects as assigned

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  Bachelor's degree in education, forestry, anthropology, wildlife management, environmental science, outdoor recreation, or related fields is preferred. Degree may be substituted by a combination of college hours and at least two years of outdoor experience. Volunteering or interning in organizations that focus on child education or nature education can also assist in experience for the Outdoor Education Program Specialist

  Current CPR/First Aid certifications (or willingness to attain upon hire)

  Self-motivated, able to work independently or with a team

  A genuine interest in working with and teaching participants of all ages in an outdoor environment.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  Previous summer camp and/or outdoor education experience.

  Preference toward current or willingness to attain Archery, Challenge Course Level 1, and/or Lifeguard certifications.

  The ability and desire to work with elementary school students through senior adults in small and large group situations, a desire to live in community, a sense of humor, creativity and flexibility.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

         First Aid / CPR certified

Essential Functions:

         Ability to lift 40 pounds, to stoop, stretch, bend and walk on uneven terrain and in a variety of environments and weather

         Provide a warm, nurturing, fun, and safe environment for all participants

         Interact with program participants in a positive and professional manner

         Attend all meetings and functions required by the position

         Ability to facilitate implement curriculum with participants of all ages

         Ability to use office equipment including copiers, computers and telephones

         Ability to use maintenance equipment including saws, loppers, rakes, and shovels

Relationships:

Program Specialists report to TxOEC and Retreat and Rentals coordinators, develop positive relationships with program participants, and collaborate with other staff at Camp El Tesoro.

Accountability:

This position is responsible for supervision and safety of program participants at Camp El Tesoro.

Program and Management Key Areas of Responsibility: 

Key Area of Responsibility

Specific Duties

Program Operations

         Plan and coordinate with Program Coordinators to implement daily lesson plans based on groups needs or other daily tasks as needed

         Supervise and participate in group activities

         Delivery of designated outdoor education and recreational lesson plans

         Prepare for educational programs

         Support curriculum development

         Perform Camp Fire Program Quality Assessment

         Assist in program events such as Camp Previews, Fall/Winter Camping, Trail Run, and Breakfast with Santa, as needed

         Ensure proper use of program supplies and equipment to minimize waste

Human Resources

         Report any concerns to supervisors immediately

         Attend required training and staff meetings

         Working collaboratively with other Program Specialists, Program Coordinators, and Facility Staff.

         Maintain positive, professional relationships with participants, school faculty, and families

         Interact with program volunteers, as needed

Financial Operations

         Provide exceptional customer service to participants

         Maintain high number of programs by providing excellent programming.

Marketing & Communication

         Promote Camp El Tesoro programs within the community and during programs

         Represents Camp El Tesoro in a positive manner.

Facilities & Equipment

         Maintain a clean and safe program area

         Report all maintenance and repair needs to the Site Director

General Responsibilities

         Attend Camp Fire Town Hall Meetings

         Communicate regularly with supervisor about unusual events, special needs, participant concerns and suggestions

         Be able to communicate program purposes and goals in the community

         Support and implement Council goals as assigned

About Camp Fire:

Camp Fire First Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invests in North Texas communities by providing out-of-school time and outdoor learning programs for children and youth while also offering workforce development programs for early childhood educators. We envision a community in which every child has equitable access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

As part of Camp Fire First Texas, Camp El Tesoro has been operating since 1934, and serves over 3,000 participants during the school year in our TxOEC and Rental and Retreat programs. At camp, participants get to experience many fun new activities, like archery, canoeing, fossil hunting, outdoor cooking, and more, while simultaneously developing important social skills, like teamwork, communication, and independence.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our Commitment

Camp Fire welcomes and embraces all youth of diverse cultures, beliefs, experiences, and identities. We are committed to creating a culturally-responsive, inclusive, and safe environment for all children, families and staff. Camp Fire First Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, gender expression and identification, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any otherfication protected by law.

Employment at Camp Fire First Texas is on an at-will basis. The employee and the organization are each free to terminate the relationship at any time without cause.

Due to the volume of responses, only qualified parties will be contacted. No phone calls or follow up emails, please.