Temporary Naturalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description

Working Title:Extended Day Wilderness Instructor

Classification:Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)

Start Date:6/22/2026

End Date:9/4/2026

Duration (months): Less than 3 months

Hours per week:40 hours: 6/22-26;20 hours: 6/29-9/4

Days per week / schedule:Monday-Friday / 2pm-6pm

Work Location:4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY

Compensation:$18/hour

Supervisor Name & Title:Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader

Benefits Eligibility:Not Benefits Eligible

Employment Type:Temporary

Position Summary

The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. Primitive Pursuits offers a variety of programs year-round, with our biggest program being our summer camps.

The Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will oversee and supervise campers enrolled in the Extended Day Program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers who remain onsite after the Day Camp program ends. They will work within a small team to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.

Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp
• Drivers license and/or able to arrange transportation to various camp locations on time
• Attend all of staff training June 22-26, 2026
• Commit to working at least 5 weeks of the camp season June 29-September 4, 2026
• Experience as a wilderness instructor/camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting OR working with youth ages 6-16 in an out-of-school or classroom setting
• Able to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day
• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
• Demonstrate a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
• Developing skills in specialized areas pertaining to wilderness living, primitive or naturalist skills OR seeking to learn specialized skills pertaining to wilderness living and primitive or naturalist skills
• Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth and teens
• Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills

• Uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, and Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, and families within programs and activities
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in rigorous outdoor physical education activities
• Experience in planning daily activities, projects, and games for youth ages 6-16
• Experience instructing youth on primitive technologies and wilderness survival/naturalist skills
• Passionate about learning new material and practicing skills outside of work
• Experience working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
• Experience with Coyote mentoring

Responsibilities

• Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
• Create and implement experiential environmental immersion experiences for diverse groups of youth in the context of wilderness survival, living skills, outdoor/naturalist skills and knowledge
• Contribute to brainstorming, planning, and leading the daily and weekly activities and skills
• Role-model passion, enthusiasm, and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature
• Role-model appropriate footwear, clothing, and outdoor gear for the summer camp experience
• Facilitate group energy and respond swiftly to group needs in order to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience
• Actively contribute to efforts of the Extended-Day Camp Coordinator in planning, preparing, delivering, and evaluating each week and each day of programming
• Actively participated in the process of giving, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback within Instructor teams
• Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to families, staff, and participants
• Deliver high-adventure experiences while keeping an unfailing eye on the safety of each activity and each participant and co-worker in accordance with risk management protocols
• Ability to fill in as a Wilderness Instructor during the regular camp day if needed
• Work with campers ages 5-12
• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Please note: this position is dependent on being able to run the program. If we cannot run the Extended Day program, we will not be able to offer this position.

Contact:Fionna McSweeney, Summer Day Camp Director, primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu

Additional Info

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu