Summer Camp Instructor/Counselor

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC). The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the Summer Camp Instructor/ Counselor team at the Ocala Adventure Camp (OAC) in the Ocala National Forest. OAC is a residential summer camp and sees as many as 700 participants throughout the summer. The incumbents will work with the summer camp team to deliver experiential programs designed to engage youth with Florida’s ecosystems through outdoor recreation. The incumbents will be assigned to instruct a specific OAC program for the summer camp season based on their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Incumbent will supervise as many as 16 participants at a time with an assisting counselor or Instructor.

The incumbents will supervise campers during daily activities as assigned and sleep in the cabins with campers at night. Incumbents will also be responsible for cabin safety inspections, leading night activities and shower rotations.

Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources. Programs requiring counselors and instructors at OAC to teach and assist at many activities, including shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting education, freshwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and counselor in training programs.

***This advertisement is being used to fill multiple positions.

Pay: $600/Week Flat Rate 

Working Hours: Sunday – Friday, over 40 hours per week

Housing/Meals: Lodging will be provided throughout the incumbents’ employment. Select meals are provided during employment; when the camp is in session, 3 meals will be provided daily excluding Friday dinner, all meals Saturday, and Sunday breakfast and lunch. 

Experience Requirement:

• A High School Diploma and basic understand of conservation with prior knowledge of at least one topic, shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting education, freshwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking.
• A High School Diploma and at least two months of experience in wildlife conservation field work, conservation, or natural science, and two months of experience working with youth.

Description of Duties:

Facilitate one of OACC’s seven programs as assigned. Note, each program has a specific focus in one or more of the following areas: shooting sports, hunter’s safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, counselor in training.

• Lead hands on educational programming. Or assist instructors with program facilitation as assigned
• Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned.

Ensure education programs are in compliance with and operate according to American Camp Association (ACA) standards.  

• Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.)
• Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.
• Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.

Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions. 

• Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to OAC through program interactions.
• Participate in meetings, mobile phone communications, etc. as needed with OAC staff to foster collaborative working relationships.
• Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems.

Perform administrative duties as required. 

• Assure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.

Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.   

• Assist with all aspects of food service as needed (dishwashing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.)
• Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.)
• Assist with weekly camper check in and check out.
• Provide supervision coverage as needed.
• Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp’s Medical Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Must be comfortable handling firearms and working in environments with loud noises.
• Must be able to deliver presentations to a small group of people, lead hands on activities, and instruct skills-based activities, i.e., shooting sports, paddle sports, fishing and local ecology
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must have the ability to present fishing, shooting sports, paddle sports, or wildlife viewing related training in structured learning situations and write reports.
• General knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.
• Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others.
• Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in deep water (over 7 ft) in freshwater conditions (waves, changing currents, unpredictable underwater terrain, and low visibility).
• Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Position Requirements:  

• Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the second week of June, i.e. Lifeguard, Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED, FWC Hunter’s Safety Instructor, Level 1 Canoeing Skills Course, Level 2 Kayaking Skills Course, Fishing. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• Instructors/ Counselors assigned to transporting campers are required to have a valid driver’s license with no moving violations within the past two years. Instructors/ Counselors asked to operate the vehicles are required to be at least 21 years of age per State Term Contract No. 78111808-20-1 requirements.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
• Requires work on evenings and weekends.

Notes:  

• Responses to qualifying questions should reflect the experience indicated in the work history of the State of Florida Job Application (Profile) and be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
• Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a resume describing the applicant’s experience.
• Onsite housing in air-conditioned bunk house style cabins is provided for the duration of the incumbent’s employment.
• Meals are provided to staff during work hours June - July except during weekly Sunday staff meetings.
• Staff must be available to begin in-person training during the first week of June. Summer camp will run for 6 weeks during the months of June and July, with time off during the July 4th week. Each session of camp begins on Sunday and ends on the following Friday.

Hiring Instructors and Counselors for these programs:

• Wildlife Adventures (ages 8-10): focused on wildlife viewing and discovery in scenic Florida upland ecosystems. Staff will lead hikes and educational programs about wildlife and ecology.
• Pathfinders (ages 9-14): this program follows the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Hunter Safety Certification program. Instructors for this program are required to either be Hunter Safety Instructor certified or become certified prior to camp.
• Trail Blazers (ages 10-11): staff leading the trail blazers program will instruct campers on camping skills such as knot tying, shelter building, orienteering and more.
• Rangers (ages 13-14): This is our advanced shooting sports program. Not only will staff be leading campers in firearm safety but also heling them hone their marksmanship with shotguns, .22 rifles, and crossbows.
• Outfitters (ages 12-14): Outfitters is our bowhunting safety course. While leading campers in earning a certification from the National Bowhunters Education Foundation's course, staff will also be helping campers improve their archery skills and marksmanship.
• Real Florida (ages 14-15): Staff with this program will lead campers in developing their wilderness survival skills such as knot tying, fire building, and outdoor cooking, along with leading a canoe trip each week down the Ocklawaha River.
• Lifeguard: expected to fulfill the 5 primary responsibilities of a lifeguard as outlined by the American Red Cross. Expected to fulfill the 5 secondary responsibilities of a lifeguard as outlined by the American Red Cross. Staff will be required to possess a current and valid lifeguard certification or obtain one before the start of camp.
• Paddle Sports instructor: instruct campers and staff on various paddling related skills along with ensuring the safety guidelines are being met and followed.