Title: Art Educator
Classification: Fulltime, Seasonal, Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Camp Director
Hourly pay rate: $11.00 an hour with a $200 bonus at full completion of the camp season.
Certain places have a magic that draws people to them. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of those places. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,400 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 14 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most special habitats in Michigan. Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create relationships & experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. KNC envisions a resilient community where all people have strong interconnections with the natural world.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Summary:

The Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp Program aims to provide safe experiences that allow all children to grow into active and respectful community members through exploration of the natural world. The Arts Educator develops and implements age-appropriate fine arts lessons to individual groups and prepares and administers all camp projects, as well as coordinating camp photography and assisting with the parent newsletter. Seeking individuals who are passionate about using art as a gateway to appreciate and experience nature. The Art Educator reports to and is supervised by the Camp Director.
What we ask of our Art Educator:

• Develop and implement quality age-appropriate fine arts lessons to all camp groups aged 5-17 each week. Incorporating the theme and nature into lessons.
• Maintain art supplies, equipment and classroom.
• Manage the classroom while groups are using the art room in an organized fashion.
• Maintain a clean and organized space.
• Assist with providing campers and staff with needed arts supplies and additional arts activities.
• Work with Camp Directors in the completion of camper photos and the parent newsletter.
• Supervise volunteers, when needed.
• Support with bus route supervision.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What we ask of all Camp Staff:

• Provide an example of a model counselor on a consistent basis.
• Help all to be included and feel accepted by encouraging participation of all.
• Respect the diversity of culture and beliefs of our campers and fellow staff.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors about group life and camper situations.
• Observe camper behavior, evaluate its appropriateness, and enforce and implement appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ensure and maintain the health and safety of camp participants and staff.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, which may include overnights and bus route supervision.
• Work well under pressure and stay calm; be confident and make positive decisions.
• Responsible for the care of camp's program equipment and facilities.
• Attend pre-camp training and in-service trainings during camp, including one overnight campout.
• Be versed in and demonstrate KNC’s policy and customer standards at all times.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, which may include overnights and bus route supervision.
• Monitor campers for symptoms of illness and respond appropriately throughout the duration of camp.

Qualifications:

• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• Must pass pre-employment criminal background check for licensing requirements.
• Must be able to supervise children 40 hours a week with periods of overnight duties.
• Must be able to negotiate hilly terrain, rustic trails, and walk several miles per day and possess the stamina to carry out camp programs in hot and humid Michigan climate over an extended period of time.
• Must possess visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activity.
• Must have a commitment to uphold a strong environmental ethic.
• Must possess the ability to communicate and work with groups of all ages and skill levels in order to provide necessary instruction to campers.
• Preference will be given to those who have earned or are working toward a degree in fine arts or arts education, or other related field; and have experience working with children.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be able to commit to the 10 week camp schedule.
• Will be responsible for following all safety procedures and policies.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required and applicants must be able to commit to the entire camp schedule.
• First-aid training and CPR certification preferred.

Paid staff training: June 3rd through June 8th. An overnight June 6th and Camp Open House June 8th. Archery training May 27th for some.
Camp sessions: June 10th through August 9th; some evenings/overnights may be required. Off July 1st through 5th in observance of Independence Day.

Staff are expected to plan vacations around the summer camp schedule. No vacations will be approved while camp is in session.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization that will not discriminate in its programs or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation.