OMSI Camp Counselors are a passionate team of mentors and youth leaders committed to providing transformative overnight summer camp experiences. Counselors are in charge of small groups of campers in cabins at either the Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray (in Newport, Oregon) or at Hancock Field Station (near Fossil, Oregon).

In addition to supervising campers in nearly every activity and aspect of camp, this position also takes on support roles like camp assistant in the dining hall, light cleaning, bus or van monitoring, and assisting team members with activities and lessons. Work schedule depends on programming needs.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for health and safety of campers (ages 6-18), staying with and monitoring them overnight in cabins/tents, and at tables during meals;
• Act as a positive role model for students and staff at all times, and actively integrate diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all areas.
• Ensure that students are prepared for activities and keeping groups on schedule;
• Responsible for monitoring and engaging with campers during bus and van rides, recreation, free time, cabin time, and during transitions between activities;
• Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all participants.
• Lifeguard Duties (if certified):
  • Provide lifeguard supervision of camp guests during swimming/aquatic activities;
  • Provide scheduled break support for camp counselor staff, as needed.

Working Conditions

• This position is exempt, paid day rate;
• This position is special project, and is generally scheduled for 40 hours/week;
• Required on-site living, in cabins with campers:
  • Housing provided, except on weekends. Food also provided when site programming includes commercial food service;
  • Camp season typically runs early June through mid-August, which includes mandatory week of training during the first week of employment.
• Physical Demands: 10% sitting, 25% standing, 50% walking 15% lifting/carrying/pushing 5-60 lbs:
  • OMSI employees must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 or qualify for an accommodation under the ADA for medical or religious reasons;
  • Occasional weekend programs will require thirteen straight days of work without a full day off. American Camp Association time off standards will be met (two hours off daily, and 24 hours or more off each two-week block).
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
  • Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
  • Depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships)
  • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • Outdoor weather conditions
  • Outdoor water environments (for lifeguard duties)
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Work in high, precarious places
  • Open flames
• Noise Levels include:
  • Very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test)
  • Quiet (examples: library, private office)
  • Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
  • Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)

Secondary Job Responsibilities

Provide additional support to the Outdoor Education team and as assigned by the respective OSE Program Supervisor. Secondary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide logistics and facility support in rotation with peers, which includes cleaning, food service, and other tasks deemed necessary for successful site and program operation by the manager;
• Coordinate with other counselors to supervise daily recreation time and engage with students during formal and informal breaks;
• Actively integrate participation, compassion, thought and informed action to build a supportive learning community;
• Plan and perform songs and skits at campfires;
• Provide first aid care to students and staff when necessary;
• This position may be asked to drive a gear van;
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the site supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to follow instructions and contribute to a positive team dynamic;
• Ability to communicate and direct small and large groups;
• Flexibility in weekly schedules and daily programming;
• Understanding of confidentiality and protocol;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organization and problem solving skills;
• Ability to work with a team to share responsibilities throughout the day;
• Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards;
• Comfortable leading groups of campers in all weather conditions.

PREFERENCES:

• Working knowledge of small and large group games;
• Skills in positive behavior management;
• Experience speaking in front of a crowd;
• Experience in conflict resolution with participants and peers;
• Developed knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles;
• Proficient or native fluency in a second language (non-English).

Education & Work Experience

REQUIREMENTS:

• Be at least 16 years of age by June 1st;
• Experience working with youth.

PREFERENCES:

• Experience working in an outdoor setting;
• Working knowledge of outdoor leadership skills;
• Minimum one year of college experience;
• Minimum one season of working as a camp counselor for a residential camp program;
• Experience working with volunteers.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, and American Camp Association (ACA) background checks;
• Current or ability to obtain an Oregon Food Handlers Card;
• Current or ability to obtain Adult/Child First Aid and CPR/AED certifications.

PREFERENCES:

• Current lifeguard certification;
• Current wilderness first responder certification;
• Valid driver's license, with three years of driving experience; must pass pre-employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check;

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

• Multiple health plans (OMSI pays 86% of employee premiums)
• 403(b) retirement with employer match eligibility
• Up to 2 weeks of sick time per year
• Free annual OMSI Family Membership
• Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
• Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
• Employee-led rewards and recognition program
• Discounts on summer programs for employees children