Summer Camp Educator Intern

At the Wenatchee River Institute, we believe the best place to spend a day off is outside. Our youth day camps focus on connecting youth to the natural world, making new friends, and having fun! Students will learn about the world around us, play fun games, explore the trails on the WRI campus, spot birds, make art, and more! 

The Summer Camp Educator Intern position is an opportunity to learn under the supervision and guidance of experienced environmental educators. Each week of camp, Summer Camp Educator Interns are paired with a WRI Field Educator, and they will help plan and deliver WRI Summer Camps. This position is responsible for the safety, enjoyment, and education of summer camp participants. Campers are primarily entering grades 1-6. WRI Summer Camps are structured to spend their days outdoors. This position works as a teammate to other WRI youth education staff, volunteers, and interns and reports directly to the WRI Education Director. 

This is a seasonal intern position. The Summer Camp Educator Intern will work 32-40 hours/week mid-June through mid-August or late-August. Specific start and end dates will be determined based on intern availability and school calendar. 

Duties and responsibilities 

• Act as field group instructor during camps with another staff member
• Develop and lead lessons and activities for camps
• Ensure physical and emotional health and safety of all participants
• Assist other WRI staff as needed (for example, co-lead an activity with Community Programs Educators)
• Assist and support volunteers and high school interns
• Set up and clean-up activities and facilities
• Collaborate with education staff

Qualifications 

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role. Your skills, experience, and education can come from personal interests, self-directed learning, community roles, and life experiences. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested in the position, even if you do not believe that you meet all the qualifications. We encourage diverse applicants because we believe having staff who authentically reflect the communities we serve is critical to our ability to be culturally responsive. 

The candidate must be self-motivated, outgoing, reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively with the public. All employees are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the start of employment. 

Minimum qualifications include: 

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with youth
• Have an interest in science, environmental studies, nature, or related field and an interest in sharing this subject with other people
• Commitment to stewardship, conservation, and connecting youth to nature
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and community
• Ability to be flexible and adjust quickly to changing circumstances
• Ability to get to Wenatchee River Institute
• Professionalism with adults and parents
• Current First Aid & CPR certification by the time camps begin
• Pass background check

Preferred qualifications include: 

• Knowledge of Central Washington flora & fauna
• Ability to lead programs in Spanish

To view the full position description, visit the Employment page of the WRI website.