Lakeside Classroom Field Teacher – Bryant Ponds, ME

Organization: Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center

Job Title: Lakeside Teacher

Location: Bryant Pond, ME

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Field Teachers are salaried employees and are paid on a monthly basis. Salary range is $200-$325 per week based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include housing, food, laundry, Internet access, and discounts on outdoor equipment.

Position Dates: Either 2 month (August/September – October/November) or 6 month (August/September – February)

Posted On: June 28th, 2012

Description

Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center is seeking qualified, high-energy individuals to work in our Lakeside Classroom. This position requires either a two, or six-month commitment. A six-month Field Teacher would work during the summer at Bryant Pond as a counselor in the summer camp program. In the spring and fall, a six-month Field Teacher would work in the Lakeside Classroom residential school program. This program focuses on teaching environmental education and teambuilding to students, grades four through college. The two-month Field Teacher position starts in late August or early September and continues until the school-programming season is completed near the end of October or early November.

The primary responsibility of Field Teachers is providing students with high quality programming in ecology, teambuilding, challenge course, and outdoor skills within a residential setting.

Field Teachers at Bryant Pond 4-H Center’s Lakeside Classroom typically work a five-day week starting at 7:30am on Monday through 4:30pm on Friday. On nights when participants are staying over, Field Teachers will take turns monitoring the bunkhouses until 10:00pm when school personnel return for the evening. All other field teachers are on-call after 9:30pm in the case of an emergency. Most weeks will consist of two-to-three overnight programs. Field Teachers may be asked to work occasional weekends on a rotating basis. This job demands a great deal of energy and commitment; field teachers often plan and prepare lessons outside of the regular workday.

Room and board are provided to Lakeside Classroom Field Teachers. Housing arrangements include: wall tents, rustic cabins, and rooms in the main office building. Shower facilities, bathrooms, and laundry service are available for any of the three locations. Being prepared for sleeping in cool weather is advised.

Program staff at Bryant Pond 4-H Center work and live in a very close community and are expected to contribute to the community through sharing in chores, and maintaining a commitment to a positive and collegial work environment. Those living on campus are expected to keep up with the chores associated with shared living spaces including the bathrooms, and kitchen. While programs are in session, all food will be prepared and provided by our kitchen staff. While off duty, staff members are welcome to use the kitchen facilities to prepare personal food or eat leftovers out of the staff refrigerator.

Although the main responsibility of a Field Teacher is to work directly with participants teaching lessons, work in other areas may be required. Staff may be asked to help with facility upkeep and maintenance, office work, building projects, and lesson planning. Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center is dedicated to providing support and high quality training to its Field Teachers. Staff training is a full week, and consists of in-depth teambuilding and challenge course facilitation skills, concepts of ecology, outdoor skills such as canoeing/hiking safety/shooting sports, fire and shelter lessons, policy and procedures, and more.

Responsibilities

• Care for the health, safety and well being of all campers/students
• Teach and lead groups of 10-15 students independently once comfortable with lessons and schedule
• Help in all aspects of the program including; teaching, program design/scheduling, maintenance, cleaning and kitchen duties
• Responsible for cabin duties on some overnight programs
• Full-time work, Monday morning through Friday afternoon with rotating night time and weekend responsibilities.

Qualifications (preferred)

Degree in environmental science, education, adventure education, or related field
• Age 21 or older
• First Aid and CPR training, WFR is preferred
• Commitment to working long days with participants in a hands-on and high energy setting
• Experience educating and managing children, grades 4-9 in an outdoor setting as well as the confidence to lead adult groups
• Experience facilitating teambuilding initiatives, as well as low and high challenge course activities
• Understanding of basic ecological concepts
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while keeping participants safe
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt your energy to the needs of the program and participants
• Commitment to working collectively as a part of a hard-working, supportive and positive team
• Experience with camp or outdoor program routines and schedules
• Ability to hike 5-10 miles with a 40lb pack, teach canoeing skills, and comfortably lift 50+ lbs
• Interest in outdoor skills including: Archery, Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing, Hunting, Backpack/Canoe Expedition, Initiative Games/Challenges, or Primitive Survival Skills

How to Apply