Summer Camp Associate

The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society (SFBWS) is a not-for-profit Friends group that seeks to nurture in the public a sense of understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuges, their natural and cultural history, and to conserve, preserve, and restore bay lands as essential wildlife habitat.

SFBWS is looking for an enthusiastic Summer Camp Associate at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). This position will be from May to August and is responsible for planning and organizing the 2024 Marsh-In Summer Camp and additional Summer Programs as directed. The Associate will work under the Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator and in close partnership with the Refuge’s Visitor Services staff and volunteers. 

Marsh-In Summer Camp is a free camp for local students entering grades 1-6 with activities focused on local wildlife species and habitats at the Refuge. The camp will operate with a hybrid model that includes virtual sessions and on-Refuge camp days. The 3 in-person days will be hosted at Refuge Headquarters in Fremont, which provides an opportunity to reach campers from across the Bay Area. Marsh-In Summer Camp participants are chosen via a lottery, and we expect to accept approximately 50-60 students. Summer camp would not be possible without our team of young volunteers from the Habitat Heroes Program. Habitat Heroes assist with camp by leading camper groups in activities and discussions.

The Summer Camp Associate will also assist with and lead at least 2 additional programs, which may include weekend programs for families or environmental education programs for community groups and the public. Family programs will take the form of Story Walks, an educational story laid out on signs around the Refuge habitats to encourage families to explore and learn more about the Refuge.

Responsibilities

Planning and organizing the Marsh-In Summer Camp Program. This will include the following:

• Develop or adapt camp or summer program activities for a well-rounded camp experience, 25%
• Develop and plan schedules, spreadsheets, and informational letters, 20%
• Organize and distribute camp materials for activities and training resources, 15%
• Communicate with parents and guardians of campers, staff, and volunteers, 10%
• Train Habitat Heroes and staff on roles during camp week, 10%
• Lead and assist other environmental education and weekend programs, 10%
• Write a final report & presentation for granters that includes visuals, data, and accomplishments, 5%

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or current college student in education, environmental science, biology, or related field, OR equivalent experience
• Experience in and enthusiasm for leading and developing educational programs and/or summer camp programs for youth
• Willingness to learn and ability to adapt to dynamic conditions
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Basic computer experience including Microsoft Office and Google Docs
• Valid driver’s license
• Spanish-language applicants are highly encouraged to apply!

Time Commitment

The position will begin in early May. The Associate is expected to work part time up to 20 hours per week in May and August and 30+ hours per week in June and July. The schedule will be mainly Monday – Friday, but the flexibility to work some weekends will be required. This position will require a combination of virtual work and in-person at the Environmental Education Center in San Jose and the Refuge Headquarters in Fremont.

Compensation

$17.55 per hour as a temporary employee for San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, the nonprofit Friends Group to the Refuge Complex. A higher hourly rate or additional hours may become available if we are able to secure additional grant funding. Shared government housing may be available.