Summer Camp Environmental Educator

Position Summary

Bird Alliance of Oregon ’s Summer Educators are passionate nature enthusiasts and relationship builders excited to help us host our second summer of Sliding Scale camp. Together, we’ll lead joyful, curious and collaborative camps outside for children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Summer Educators work together in small, diverse teams of 2-5 staff per camp who bring a wide range of professional and lived experience to our work. Through nature explorations, hikes, science experiments, music and art, quiet reflection, and big belly laughs, we encourage children to bring their whole selves to camp, find their growing edge, and deepen their connection to nature and one another.

You’re someone with experience in outdoor education or teaching in an informal setting (e.g. camps, parks, museums, community centers or comparable spaces), especially in socioeconomically and racially diverse environments. You love nature, and have some knowledge of ecology or natural history, ideally in the Pacific Northwest. With the launch of sliding scale camp, we’re excited to welcome families that mirror the full diversity of our city. As a Summer Educator, you’ll also help mentor a team of young adult Assistant Educators from Bird Alliance of Oregon ’s Green Leaders program, a partnership with Hacienda Community Development Corporation. It’s essential that all educators have a strong comfort working in multiracial teams, a dedication to creating an anti-racist learning environment, and a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through their practice. Candidates with lived experience working with youth of color, immigrants, and people from working class families are highly encouraged to apply.

Camps take place at our sanctuary in NW Portland, in parks and green spaces throughout the region, or in some cases include overnight programs at Marmot Cabin outside of Sandy or expeditions to California and Washington. Bird Alliance of Oregon  has made a strong commitment to protect summer staff time – the regular schedule is designed to ensure an eight hour work day with early release on Fridays, and we work with educators to take one week off camp each season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in consistent teams of 3-5 educators to lead 10 weeks of camp with a set age group
• With support from Lead Educators, learn and teach 3, week-long curricula (repeated three times)
• Lead culturally responsive camps that build an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children
• Be responsive to various emotional and physical needs of the campers with age-appropriate behavior management interventions
• Celebrate the work of communities of color, LGBTQIA practitioners, and other historically marginalized voices in science and conservation throughout our programs
• Facilitate circle times and creative expression throughout the camp week
• Participate in a culture of mentorship and collaboration that supports the growth of Green Leaders and as well as other educators
• Assist with logistics around camp transportation, food, and equipment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 1+ years of experience leading programs with children of diverse ages and backgrounds
• 1+ years of experience in programs in informal or outdoor settings
• 1 + years of experience dealing with unexpected situations arising from challenging youth behavior
• Demonstrated cultural competency and enthusiasm for working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of general forest ecology, Pacific Northwest natural history ideal
• Comfort delivering programs in the field and in remote settings, including overnights
• Able to work weekdays, including multiple overnight programs, and potentially an occasional Saturday
• Experience with music, art or other forms of creative expression desirable for some positions
• Second language abilities in addition to English (Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian) desirable
• Educators who have lived experience in a leadership program for young adults (either as participants or practitioners) are encouraged to apply!

Working Conditions

• Ability to hike 1.5 miles on uneven terrain
• Must possess a current driver’s license
• Must be able to transport Audubon teaching materials throughout the Greater Portland Area
• Ability to be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR
• Ability to follow COVID-19 safety procedures and guidelines
• Some positions, but not all, will require the ability to lift up to 40 pounds to waist level, lead programs in remote settings and/or overnight experiences
• Willingness to be trained and certified for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in order to drive a school bus is a plus for some but not all positions
• May require constant bending at times