Position: Summer Camp Instructor - (part-time/hourly, non-exempt, seasonal)
Site: Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve
Schedule: Varied Schedule, based on program offerings by site. There are several required trainings that occur prior to the start of camp season that this position will need to attend.
Start Date: May 31st, 2025
End Date: August 29, 2025
Mission
Connecting people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy.
Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education programming at four sites and throughout the region, in New Castle & Sussex Counties: (New Castle) Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; (Sussex) Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. We also manage over 2,000 acres of land including four nature preserves.
DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world.
Position Summary
Summer Camp Instructors deliver curriculum-based hands-on environmental, agricultural, and/or cultural education activities incorporating our core values of Respect, Stewardship, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Integrity. Student ages range from 3 to 15. Activities take place at Ashland Nature Center and Coverdale Farms Preserve camps. Themes are chosen based on instructor interest and expertise and may include subjects such as: cooking, arts & crafts, games, nature exploration, farm chores, paddle sports, and more. Most activities occur rain or shine, except in extreme/unsafe weather conditions, and are conducted both inside and outdoors. Time commitment for this position varies based on need and applicant’s availability.
Summer Camp Instructors report to: Education/Program Coordinator or Manager
Responsibilities
- Teach curriculum-based environmental, natural history, cultural history, science, and/or farm-based agriculture/ecology lessons through a variety of methods. Curriculum includes focus on DelNature core values and working in collaboration with Education Coordinators & fellow summer camp staff.
- Continue to develop program delivery skills and knowledge of program topics and curriculum.
- Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures and health and safety protocols are implemented and always enforced.
- Assist with program preparation & clean-up, care & handling of program equipment/materials, care & transportation of live animals in collaboration with fellow site-based Education Coordinators & Teacher Naturalists.
- Attend and participate in required training sessions and voluntary enrichment sessions.
- Maintain regular communication with site-based Education Coordinators & Leadership Staff to ensure best practices, program schedules, trainings, etc.
- Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of program audiences.
Qualifications and Experience
- An interest in working with groups of children or adults. Experience in delivering programs and prior teaching experience helpful but not required.
- Basic natural sciences knowledge, and/or a willingness to learn more about agriculture, outdoor recreation skills (birding, hiking, camping, gardening) or experience, required based on areas of program delivery assigned.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site.
- Punctuality, dependability, effective communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to consistently interact in a positive and professional manner.
- Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty pounds and be able to carry, move and set up necessary supplies and equipment.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Ability to work in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.
Salary and Compensation (part-time/hourly, non-exempt, or seasonal)
Starting hourly rate - $15- $17/hr based on experience. This is a seasonal position ending in August. Summer Camp Instructors are paid hourly for the seasonal position divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld. Camp staff are required to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break daily.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.
Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change.
