Summer Camp Educator

Who We Are:

Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. We manage over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and enjoy and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the “Home of the Gunks,” one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. We prioritize conservation of the northern Shawangunk Ridge and adjacent foothills as we carefully balance opportunities for outdoor recreation that reflect a healthy relationship between community and the land. Our commitment to collaboration, stewardship and education are interwoven throughout all the Preserve’s responses to the urgent issues of our time as we permanently protect and provide access to this cherished landscape. Please visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/ to learn more.

Our Core Values

• Teamwork:  We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
• Transparency:  We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
• Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
• Exploration:  We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
• Stewardship:  We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position:

We are seeking a team member who loves the outdoors and enjoys sharing nature with children ages 7 to 13 in a summer camp setting. Organizational and excellent interpersonal skills are a must. This non-exempt position is seasonal and reports to the Summer Camp Director. The Summer Camp Educator will be assisting with both Camp Peregrine (ages 7-10) and Mountainside Adenstures (ages 10-13). All camps run from 9 AM – 3 PM Mondays – Thursdays and 9 AM – 12 PM on Fridays.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Ensuring safety of campers at all times
• Serving as role model for Mohonk Preserve’s stewardship ethics and philosophy of environmental education
• Communicating with parents and campers as needed
• Attending and participating in camp-related trainings
• Purchasing supplies within the approved budget
• Communicating with parents and staff about changes to the schedule
• Coordinating weather and other related location changes as needed
• Developing and leading daily camp activities and hikes

What You’ll Bring:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Bachelor’s degree or working towards a degree in Education, natural sciences or related OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience teaching/working with children outdoors
• Ability to plan, and implement fun, educational hikes and activities
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including comfort communicating with parents and other staff
• Driver’s license and vehicle required
• Proficient computer skills – Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom)
• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at Mohonk Preserve.
• Bonus Skills:
  • Bilingual background (Spanish/English)

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to hike at least 5 miles with some elevation gain while carrying 20 pounds
• Frequently works outdoors
• May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment

Total Rewards Package:

  Stipend:

• Summer Camp: Assisting Educator stipend of $710/week (6 weeks July 7th through August 15th – subject to camp enrollment)
• On-site housing may be available – TBD

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. Working hours to be coordinated with supervisor.

Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Successful candidates will be equity-minded and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.