What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Extension Camping Instructor (ECI) - Division of Land Grant Engagemen position at West Virginia University?
The Extension Department Division of Land Grant Engagement is currently accpeting applications for a Temporary Extension Camping Instructor (ECI). WVU 4-H Extension Camping Instructors serve as camp staff during 4-H summer camps and events in West Virginia. The WVU Extension Service (WVUES) 4-H Youth Development Unit is looking to fill positions for their upcoming camping season. The Extension Camp Instructor (ECI) Program is designed to enhance the development of young leaders through proven experiential-based training. As a side benefit of the program, these young people form a well-trained framework of leaders who can provide assistance to county and state-level 4-H camps and other educational WVU Extension Service events and activities.
Type of Position: Salary ($100 per day New Employee) ($125 per day Returning Employee) Room and board provided while on assignment.
Time Required: May 17, 2026 to August 28, 2026, or a portion thereof. Weekends and overnight stays at Jackson's Mill 4-H camp and other venues will be required. Each ECI will be assigned a minimum of two weeklong assignments within the ECI work season. Full assignment schedules will be determined based on need and ECI availability.
Location: County 4-H Camps throughout West Virginia. Base of operations is Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, WV.
What You'll Do
Working under the direction of the supervising Extension Faculty member, the ECI will:
- Participate in ECI Training May 17-May 22, 2026. This is a mandatory in-person training held at WVU Jackson's Mill.
- Have open availability in June-July 2026.
- Maintain effective communications with the 4-H ECI Supervisor.
- Follow all guidelines and policies of the WVU Extension Service.
- Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth, both in-person and virtually.
- Prepare and submit reports and conduct evaluations as requested by the Supervisor.
- Travel to site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
- Each ECI will be evaluated by their Supervisor.
These positions will be required to:
- work cooperatively with 4-H volunteer leaders, teen leaders, campers, Extension faculty and staff, and other ECIs.
- fulfill work contract agreement.
- maintain effective communications with 4-H volunteer leaders, teen leaders, campers, Extension faculty and staff, and other ECIs.
- follow all guidelines and policies of the WVU Extension Service, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H program of counties assigned and camps/facilities utilized.
- exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth.
- prepare and submit reports as requested by department.
- arrive at assigned site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
- follow all policies and procedures as outline by WVU and the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Unit.
- be energetic, enthusiastic, quick-thinking, flexible, diplomatic and prompt.
- participate in physical activities with campers during games, sports and recreation.
- teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility and leadership in youth.
- sincerely cooperate with others to further the educational purposes of the WVU Extension Service.
Individuals serving as 4-H Extension Camping Instructors must have:
- A high school diploma or equivalent required
- Preference given to applicants enrolled in higher education.
- Must pass a criminal background check by May 17th in order to be hired
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Can provide your own transportation to work and training
- Have experience working with youth (as a volunteer or paid)
- Have experience working in a summer camp setting
- The ability to be energetic, enthusiastic, quick-thinking, adaptable, diplomatic and prompt
- The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility and leadership in youth
- A sincere commitment to cooperating with others to further the educational purposes of the of the STEM curriculum
- ECI's must be able to provide their own transportation.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Questions about the ECI Position?
Contact Jason Burnside at Jason.burnside@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-7326
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Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.