Environment Trips and Leadership Program Instructor
Job Description
The UMaine 4-H Centers at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused summer camps for youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor. Programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world.
As a trip and leadership program instructor, you will serve as a mentor and coach as teens learn different leadership styles through wilderness adventures over multiple-week sessions. Programs will focus on leadership styles, communication skills, group building, and environmental education and ethics. To be effective, instructors must have a genuine interest in building their capacity as a positive role model through teaching applicable hard skills needed to find success in the back-country while applying best leadership practices.
Responsibilities:
Attend and actively participate in a two-week-long paid staff training where practical skills are practiced, reviewed, and tested upon to ensure comfortability when leading and teaching campers
Co-lead one to three-week outdoor leadership programs for teenagers (co-ed, max. 10/session).
Each program session includes a 5-13 day backpacking and/or canoeing trip.
NOTE: includes some weekend work during the program session.
Plan lessons and schedules and implement a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills including listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, and canoeing skills, backpacking, map and compass, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot tying.
Prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, food/equipment deliveries, emergency support, etc.
Supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times; facilitate resolution of group conflicts and strive to encourage problem-solving and decision-making; live in and supervise cabin of up to 6 program participants.
Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship for the environment.
Actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes.
Drive 12 passenger vans (sometimes with canoe trailer) to program sites with participants and other staff.
Evaluate program regularly with Program Leader and Director.
Strictly and responsibly follow all Covid-related protocols during working and non-working hours.
Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
Minimum of 2 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent
Experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips
Ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain with 35+lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming
Wilderness First Aid & CPR and lifeguard certification (or ability to obtain prior to start of training)
Preferred:
Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
Wilderness First Responder, Small Craft Water Safety Certification
Ability to obtain a trip leader permit
Dates and Compensation:
June 12-August 20, 2022 (10 weeks)
$400/week ($4,000 pre-tax salary estimate) with increases dependent on experience and certifications
Benefits include: housing, meals, and internet access
Please note:
That while we are moving forward with camp planning, covid-related program changes are possible and may require us to cancel positions at any time.
The University of Maine System is considered a federal contractor and therefore required to comply with the directives of civil authorities regarding COVID vaccinations. As of January 4, 2022, new hires are required to be fully vaccinated or have submitted a request for a religious or medical exemption on or prior to their start date. Further information can be found here.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
How to Apply
Apply online at umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/apply. For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu513 total views, 1 today