Lead Summer Camp Counselor

About Audubon 

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Position Summary:

Seward Park Audubon Center is seeking a passionate and energetic Lead Summer Camp Counselor to deliver engaging, nature-themed summer camp experiences for children ages 6-9. The Lead Counselor will oversee the daily operations of a group of 12 campers, supported by 1-2 interns and 1-2 volunteers. They will lead activities aligned with the camp’s specialized curriculum, fostering curiosity and a love for nature in a fully outdoor setting. The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

This is a non-exempt position reporting to the Programs Manager.

This position is classified as an on-site position based in the Seward Park Audubon Center, Seattle, Washington, office.

Schedule and Commitment

• Training Period: June 15–June 19, 2026
• Camp Dates: June 22–August 14, 2026
• Overall work period: June 15, 2025, to August 21, 2026
• Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Housing: This is a day camp position; room and board are not provided.

Compensation:

$28.50 – $30.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

Camper Supervision, Safety & Engagement:

• Ensure the physical safety, emotional well-being, and active participation of all campers.
• Actively supervise campers during all activities, transitions, and breaks, maintaining headcounts and following safety protocols.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and fun environment for campers of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Address behavioral challenges with patience, empathy, and age-appropriate, restorative strategies.

Program Delivery & Nature Education:

• Lead daily outdoor activities, including nature hikes, hands-on science explorations, arts and crafts, and team-building games.
• Adapt and deliver curriculum activities to meet weekly themes and camper interests.
• Share knowledge of local Pacific Northwest flora, fauna, and ecosystems to encourage curiosity and environmental stewardship.
• Safely facilitate and supervise water-based activities.

Leadership, Collaboration & Mentoring:

• Mentor, guide, and provide daily direction to intern and volunteer counselors.
• Collaborate with all camp staff to adapt programming for weather, camper needs, and group dynamics.
• Serve as a role model, setting the tone for an inclusive, respectful, and enthusiastic camp culture.
• Ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are actively incorporated into all aspects of the program.

Communication & Family Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for camper families during drop-off and pick-up, providing clear daily updates and building positive relationships.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with the Programs Manager regarding any incidents, concerns, or supply needs.

Logistics and Operations:

• Manage a staggered lunch schedule for junior staff, taking a working lunch to ensure continuous camper supervision and coverage.
• Assist with the set-up, breakdown, and maintenance of program materials and activity spaces.
• Follow and enforce all camp policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on varying terrain. Essential functions include the ability to traverse program sites, remain stationary for extended periods, bend and stoop, and maneuver while transporting items weighing up to 40 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person and via radio and have sufficient visual and auditory awareness to respond with a sense of urgency and ensure the safety of children and other participants in a variety of outdoor environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience working with children in a camp, educational, or recreational setting.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including neurodiverse children or children with different physical abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, or supervise a team (e.g., junior staff, interns, or volunteers).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, parents/guardians, and team members.
• Knowledge of childhood development and proven skills in positive behavior management, conflict resolution, and creating inclusive group environments.
• Enthusiasm for environmental education, outdoor recreation, and fostering a love of nature in children.
• Ability to work outdoors with sustained physical activity in all weather conditions.
• Current CPR & First Aid certification (or ability to obtain prior to start date).
• Ability to swim and confidently assist in supervising water-based activities.
• Commitment to Audubon’s mission and values, and a personal/professional commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework in education, environmental science, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
• Specific knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
• Training in risk management, Wilderness First Aid, or Lifeguarding.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills in languages commonly spoken in the local Seattle community (e.g., Spanish, Somali).
• Formal training in trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, or culturally responsive education.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.