Day Camp Site Director

Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) is looking for enthusiastic people who want to work in nature, with children, and on a team of other camp staff. CincyNature camps provide a safe and inclusive environment for children ages 3-15 to explore the natural world while making new friends. Camp staff drive our mission of “inspiring conservation” by creating positive experiences out in nature for campers. Campers learn and foster a love for the environment by experiencing it, enjoying it, and caring for it.

With direction from the Camp Director, this position oversees operations at one primary camp location (Rowe Visitor Center, Fernwood Shelter, or Long Branch Farm & Trails). The Camp Site Coordinator executes all activities with the highest standards for safety, customer service and in keeping with the Nature Center’s Mission, Values and Principles.

The CincyNature Summer Camp Site Coordinator position can double as an internship or co-op opportunity for many majors. CNC is happy to work with colleges and universities to meet requirements for their internships/co-ops.

Direct reports: Camp Counselors

Daily Camp Operations:

• Assist in coordination and scheduling of camp staff, programs and activities.
• Assist in administrative duties, such as making sure staff have materials they need at the start of each week (health forms, T-shirts, sign-in sheets, etc.).
• Facilitate daily drop-off and pick-up.
• Serve as a substitute for camp staff, particularly at primary site, but may also as needed at other two locations (Rowe Visitor Center, Fernwood Shelter, or Long Branch Farm & Trails).
• Communicate camp details with relevant CNC staff and provide daily and weekly updates for Camp Director.
• Assist in emergency and safety procedures as needed.

Camp Leadership:

• Assist Camp Director and collaborate with other Campsite Coordinators for overall camp planning prior to the beginning of camp season.
• Assist in planning and facilitation of camp staff training during the 40-hour training week.
• Manage conflict between/with staff, campers, and parents/guardians and communicate with Camp Director.
• Serve as a mentor to the Assistant Site Coordinators by ensuring they receive opportunities to grow their administrative and people development skills.
• Model culture/attitude of continuous improvement and learning to camp staff, volunteers, and campers.
• Observe camp counselors and give formal feedback twice each throughout the summer (once toward the beginning and once at the end of the summer) while also providing ongoing feedback throughout the summer.
• Guide teen Leaders-in Training (LITs) as needed and assist in facilitating weekly growth tracker evaluations.
• Maintain open two-way communication with Camp Director.
• Create opportunities for community-building among camp staff prior to camp and during camp. Include opportunities for LITs, when appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate communication with parents/guardians, counselors, and campers to address any needs or issues in a timely fashion.
• Provide constructive and honest feedback to the Camp Director and Camp Coordinators about camp programs and staff.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.

This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

SKILLS

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including the use of Outlook
• Willingness to learn other software as needed.
• Use of copy machines, postage machines, telephone, and other general office equipment
• Collaborative working style utilizing strong organzational and customer service skillS
• Strong written and oral communication skills and proficiency in public speaking
• Demonstrates clear, friendly, and concise communication with camp coordinators, camp counselors, teen LITs, campers, parents & guardians, and other CNC staff and volunteers (in person, over the phone, and via email)
• Provides timely, thorough communication with the Camp Director
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including positive relationships with other Camp Site Coordinators, Assistant Camp Site Coordinators, Camp Director, Camp Counselors, teen Leaders-in-Training, campers, parents & guardians, and other CNC staff and volunteers.
• Excellence in leading hike groups or interpretive programs; aptitude in teaching children, teens, and adults
• Collaborative working style, with ability to operate independently, using good judgment in determining when to ask supervisor for clarification and guidance, especially when it comes to camper safety and conflict management.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Great customer service skills

ABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center

• Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods.
• Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
• Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information
• Must pass a background check under the BCI code and FBI code 5104.013 as required by ODJFS

High school diploma and camp experience or experience leading groups of children are required. Some college courses or a degree in the sciences or education would be helpful.

• This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

• The work is performed on-site, almost exclusively outdoors in the nature preserve. Camp is held rain or shine.

• Local travel may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

• Camp preparation prior to all staff training week (typically a few hours each month starting in March).
• All staff training week; hours typically 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, Monday through Friday.
• 9 weeks of camp with one week off for the July 4^th week (unpaid). Hours typically weekdays, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, with some longer or shorter depending on the camp and other responsibilities.

• Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
• Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks.  Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
• CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
• Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training:  Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
• Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.