Nature/Ecology Director

About the job: Under the direction of the Program Director a Nature/Ecology Director will assume a leadership role within the summer camp Nature/Ecology program. They will take responsibility for the health, safety, and general welfare of the Scouts under their supervision. Implement procedures that enhance the quality of the program and provide a safe, structured environment for the Scouts.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the Gorham Scout Ranch Nature/Ecology program.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to Program Specialists assigned to the Nature/Ecology Program.
• Communicate effectively with other Camp Staff, Scouts, Unit Leaders, Parents and the Camp Director.
• Account for all assigned Scouts at all times.
• Follow the daily schedule.
• Maintain discipline and safety.
• Be positive, demonstrate enthusiasm and show engagement with Scouts at all times.
• Keep the camp director informed of all special programs and needs.

Other Job Duties:

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
• Prepare an end of season report detailing program delivery metrics, performance evaluations for the Nature/Ecology staff, and the condition of equipment and facilities that need repair, replaced, or additional equipment needed.

Relationships:

The Nature/Ecology Director will register with the Boy Scouts of America and agree to promote the mission of the Boy Scouts of America and the Great Southwest Council. In addition, the Nature/Ecology Director has a direct relationship with the camp ranger in terms of facility and equipment needs. The Nature/Ecology Director also coordinates efforts between all the key program area directors such as Scoutcraft, Shooting Sports, Climbing, Handicraft, and others.  The camp’s emergency operations plan outlines the relationship between the camp health officer and the Nature/Ecology Director and the Nature/Ecology staff for emergency management and care.

Qualifications:

• The Nature/Ecology Director is 18 years of age or older and holds a current certificate of training as a BSA Nature/Ecology Director from a National Camping School. (Training provided to otherwise qualified candidates)
• CPR/First Aid/AED, training provided.
• Excellent people skills: ability to work with a wide variety of personalities.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to work with other camp staff and adult volunteers.
• At least 1 year of camp experience, preferred.

Equipment Used:

The Nature/Ecology Director is responsible for the safe operation of the Nature/Ecology area,  including program delivery equipment and all safety equipment and supplies.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to Scouts and staff.
• Ability to observe Scout behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist Scouts in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of Scouts.

­The position requires:

• Prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate program equipment and activities.
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate Scout and staff activities/programs.
• Willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
• Ability to operate with daily exposure to various weather conditions.