Job Description
In 1887, John Ames Mitchell, editor of Life magazine, raised $800 to send 266 children from New York City to the Life Fresh Air Farm in Branchville, Connecticut. Since that first summer, thousands of children and teens have participated in our nature-based summer camp and school year programs in New York and New Jersey.
Summary of Position
As a program specialist you are responsible for directly overseeing program operations of a day camp site. You will work closely with the Program Director to ensure program activities are within the Trail Blazers philosophy, and that your campsite is prepared to facilitate high quality programs. This includes giving direction and coaching to staff, overseeing orders and supplies, and taking lead on special events and trips.
Applicants should be creative, flexible, have a good sense of humor, enjoy spending time outside and love working with children. This is a seasonal, full time, exempt position that runs June - August. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Essential Functions
- Act as an engaged member of the leadership team at camp.
- Support group leaders in executing program activities - schedule program observations, give feedback, and provide coaching.
- Support Program Director in planning and writing program curriculum for each of the weekly environmental education themes
- Review material request forms and manage supply ordering and fulfillment for a site.
- Maintain clean storage and office spaces.
- Work closely with the Program Director and Site Director to coordinate special events and field trips.
- Train group leaders on trip protocols and itineraries, attend trips to supervise as needed.
- Act as a liaison with park staff on community projects and events within the park.
Job Specifications
- Minimum 2 years work and/or educational experience related to children, leadership, child psychology, behavior management and environmental education
- Prior experience leading/supervising program in a camp, after-school program, or other out-of-classroom environment
- Experience and knowledge of literacy, environmental education, and/or adventure-based learning
- Experience giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Co-working experience
- Ability to utilize written and natural resources to develop experiential programming
- High level verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to be flexible and adapt to on-going changes
- Ability to run, bend, and change directions while moving
- Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
- The ability to be successful in a fast-paced environment, and flex to changing needs
- The ability to move safely over uneven terrain, for up to 30 continuous minutes
- The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
- The ability to run, bend, and change directions while moving
- The ability to work outside in any weather
2023 Employment Details
Prospect Park
June 17 - September 1
$7,150 total
$7,040 base salary, $110 bonus upon completion of contract
Brooklyn Bridge Park
June 17 - September 1
$7,150 total
$7,040 base salary, $110 bonus upon completion of contract
Morningside Park
June 17 - August 4
$4,550
$4,480 base salary, $70 bonus upon completion of contract
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $7,150.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- childcare: 2 years (Required)
- program design: 1 year (Required)
- supervisory: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person