Assistant Camp Director

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Fern & Feather Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a vital bridge between camp staff and the camp director
• Assist with development and teaching of pre-camp and in-service trainings
• Participate in daily meeting/planning sessions with other staff
• Protect the physical and emotional welfare of the campers and make independent safety decisions when needed
• Lead, motivate, and evaluate staff in a positive environment
• Assist with the direction of the day-to-day activities of the camp program and with the supervision of the day camp staff
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for children
• Maintain a safe physical environment of camp by assisting with and delegating housekeeping tasks
• Regularly monitor work of camp staff
• Assist in regular communications with camper families, which could include but would not be limited to: photo taking/upload, blog posts, daily letters, drop off and pick up, phone calls home
• Use First Aid/CPR skills as necessary according to camp’s standing medical orders
• Participate in all camp activities such as opening and closing circle, all camp games, and camp clean up
• Address conflicts, concerns, questions, and issues with parents and staff
• Substitute teach as necessary
• Abide by and enforce camp policies
• Additional related duties may be requested, such as overseeing Counselor in Training programs

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.

Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Must be 21+
• At least two seasons of previous experience working as part of an administrative staff of a recreational camp for children
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
• Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• Be willing to be outdoors for six hours a day in most weather conditions
• Physically access sanctuary terrain easily by foot
• Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
• Lifeguard certification

Desired Qualifications

• Have experience working in nature-based learning environments
• Have a strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
• Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon

• Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
• Training in Natural History & Classroom Management

Compensation and Benefits
This position’s starting rate of pay is $21.02/hour; actual pay will reflect level of experience, qualifications relative to position requirements, and location of the position. This is not a benefits eligible position. Potential shared housing is available.

Work Schedule
This position begins on April 1, 2024 and ends on August 16, 2024. From April 1 through June 7, 30 hours per week Monday-Friday with possible evening and weekend hours. From June 10 through August 23, 40 hours per week Monday-Friday with Thursday evening hours.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.