Job: Natural Resource Instructors

Jobing Description

Natural Resource Instructor, Green Mountain Conservation Camp

Temporary Seasonal Position with the VT Fish and Wildlife Department

Summary: Are you interested in wildlife conservation, working outdoors, and educating youth? Jump start your career in conservation and gain valuable experiences. We have openings available as Natural Resource Instructors and Camp Directors at our Green Mountain Conservation Camps (GMCC). Our positions provide tremendous opportunities for students and graduates to apply their academics in the field and develop additional outdoor knowledge and teaching skills. Best yet, these internship level positions pay competitively. Why work anywhere else?

About the Camp: The Green Mountain Conservation Camps are twin summer camps administered by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department with the mission of educating youth about Vermont s natural resources. The camps are located in two sites: the Edward F. Kehoe Camp in Castleton, VT and the Buck Lake Camp in Woodbury, VT. Annually around 1,000 kids between the ages of 12-16 come spend a week with us. The camps run for nine weeks in the summer and there are separate weeks for boys and girls. Seasonally 18 residential summer staff (directors and instructors/counselors) operates the summer program. In addition, close to 75 youth serve as Junior Counselors, a youth development leadership program for highly motivated past camp graduates. The camps give youth life skills and knowledge so they can continue the state's traditional rural pursuits-enjoying all aspects of the outdoor world. The program's greatest strength is connecting young people to the outdoors.

Job Description: Natural Resource Instructors work under the Camp Director, Assistant Director, and Camp Coordinator. Instructors will be involved in teaching courses at a residential camp ranging from first aid, hunter firearm safety, fishing, forestry, ecology, fish and wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. They will also be responsible for mentoring campers in educational, social, and personal matters and assisting all staff members in carrying out camp goals, objectives, and the Vermont State Fish and Wildlife Department s mission. Please note: this is a residential position at either the Edward F. Kehoe Camp in Castleton, VT or the Buck Lake Camp in Woodbury, VT; NO exceptions.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Live in close proximity with campers and be available for adolescent counseling and helping each camper adjust to other campers and camp life.
2. Encourage and lead each camper in their participation in camp activities and interactions with other campers.
3. Be able to teach courses independently and co-teach all courses with other staff members (teach 32-40 classes weekly).
4. Assist with camp activities, and other responsibilities including; health and safety supervision, dining hall duties, inventory and organizing class materials, grounds maintenance, and similar tasks.
5. Be on call to needs and responsibilities of camp and the campers 24 hours a day.
6. Be a positive role model and leader for the campers and volunteer staff.
7. Deal with discipline issues in an appropriate and sensitive manner.
8. Cooperate fully with the Director, Assistant Director, other Instructors, Volunteers, and all Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Staff.
Application Criteria: Minimum one year of college, preferably in Natural Resources, Wildlife, Environmental Education, or similar field. Willingness to work with and teach adolescents 12 to 16 years old is a must. Must be able to provide general guidance and leadership to campers. Leadership, teaching, and mentoring experience are highly desired. Applicants with camping, fishing, hunting/firearm experience, First Aid and CPR certifications or advanced emergency care certifications (WFA, WFR, OEC, etc.), and a valid driver s license, are preferred.

Additional Information:
Positions are open until filled.
Early applicants are encouraged, as there are a limited number of positions available.
Salary: Approx. $550/week + room and board
Position Dates: early June to late August

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action

For more info, contact:

To apply:
Applications are accepted via: email (preferred), mail, or fax.
Send resume and letter of interest along with a State of Vermont Employment Application (http://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/dhr/files/pdf/recruitment_classification/DHR-SOV_Temporary_Application.pdf) to:
Amber van Zuilen, Camp Coordinator
Email: Amber.vanZuilen@state.vt.us
Phone: 802-654-8977 Fax: 802-338-4890
Mail: Amber van Zuilen, Vermont Dept. Fish & Wildlife
103 So. Main Street, Bldg 10 So. (VSAC)
Waterbury, VT 05671