Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Camp Counselor

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Camp Counselor                                                   

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

(Seasonal Position May-August)

General Statement of Duties: Responsible for supervising campers and facilitating daily Camp Backcountry activities and lessons in an engaging, safe, and inclusive outdoor environment.

Supervision Received: Reports to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Camp Backcountry Director (Environmental Education and Program Manager) and the Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental Education Coordinator.      

Supervision Exercised: None

Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Ensure compliance with Colorado State Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations and adhering to those rules and regulations to ensure the health and safety of all children in Camp Backcountry.
• Lead and engage children in diverse activities, including arts and crafts, camp songs, games, team building, social-emotional learning, science lessons, hikes, and child-led nature play.
• Adhere to established Camp Backcountry policies and procedures.
• Uphold high standards of health and safety.
• Follow lesson plans that Camp Director supplies.
• Preparing supplies each morning before campers arrive and clean up after campers depart each afternoon.
• Meet with co-counselor each morning to review the lesson plan and allocate daily duties.
• Facilitate inquiry-based learning and adapt activities to meet a wide variety of learners.
• Work collaboratively within a team.
• Capture and submit daily pictures and videos reflecting campers’ experiences.
• Demonstrate flexibility in performing additional tasks related to camp operations.
• Maintain a positive attitude in all weather conditions and situations.
• Attend all required staff meetings.
• Respond to emergency situations.

Physical and Environmental Standards:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, cold, snow.
• Must be able to walk, hike, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, and reach; lift, push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Vision requirements include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years.
• Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children.
• Passion for the natural world.
• Ability to be fun and engaging while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong communication skills, interacting effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
• Candidates with childcare experience must provide documentation during the interview process.
• Current adult and pediatric First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain these before employment.
• Commitment to working a minimum of 7 weeks during the 10-week camp season (May 27 – August 1, 2025).
• Availability for mandatory staff training from May 19 – May 23, 2025.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage.

401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.

Education:   Working towards, or completion of, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as early childhood education, elementary education, science education, recreation, or a human services field is preferred.

Experience: Previous childcare experience preferred.

Application Submittal Deadline: 1-31-2025

• $15-$18/hour – Entry level, minimum previous childcare or environmental education experience
• $18-$22/hour – Considered a lead under licensing requirements (over 460 hrs childcare experience. See Colorado State Licensing Rules and Regulations)
• $22-$25/hour – All of the above qualifications plus college degree and/or 3+ years professional experience
• $25-28/hour – All of the above qualifications plus college degree and or 5+ years professional experience
• EOE