We are looking for team members that are:

• Patient, flexible, responsible, and enthusiastic.
• Curious about nature and excited to be outdoors in all types of weather.
• Comfortable ensuring campers, staff, and parents follow COVID-19 guidance from State and County public health authorities regarding physical distancing and face coverings.
• Willing to learn, grow, and be challenged to try new things.
• Comfortable and confident when talking to children and adults.
• Eager to be part of an active and respectful team.
• Comfortable mediating conflicts and challenging behaviors.
• Willing to give feedback to others and get feedback about their skills as an educator.
• Recognize when to ask for help from other educators, teams leads, and coordinators.

About the Program
Environmental Education’s Nature Day Camp offers nine weeks of summer camps at six locations throughout Portland. Camps have a nature theme and offer an opportunity for educators to explore and learn with small groups of children ages 5-12. Campers spend each day outdoors noticing the world, asking questions, playing in nature, and learning through games and activities.

Camp Locations
Each week, camp takes place at two of the locations listed below.  Over the nine weeks of camp, staff could be assigned to any or all of these locations and will need to find their own transportation to get there.

• Mt Tabor Park (SE Portland)
• Hoyt Arboretum (SW Portland)
• Sellwood Park/Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge (SE Portland)
• Pier Park (N Portland)
• Powell Butte Nature Park (Outer SE Portland)
• Whitaker Ponds Natural Area (NE Portland)

Note for 2021: Applicants should be aware that working with children and other employees during a pandemic has added risks. We ask that before applying, each person consider their own comfort level with these risks, including the actions they are or are not willing to take to help protect fellow employees, campers, and families who might be in a high-risk category. 

Summary of Nature Day Camp Team Lead duties:

• Put into action all camp protocols and COVID-safe guidelines
• Plan and lead nature-themed activities
• Build relationships with campers and families
• Lead and support an effective team of educators
• Create a safe space for campers to have fun and make friends

Nature Day Camp Team Lead detailed responsibilities:

• Ensure campers and staff follow COVID-19 guidance from all public health authorities including, but not limited to, physical distancing, face coverings, cleaning of spaces and equipment, and disinfecting high touch surfaces
• Offer daily support and mentorship to a small team of educators and two or three stable groups of campers.
• Plan, organize, and lead activities as needed.
• Support staff and families through the camper drop-off and pick-up process each day.
• Lead team meetings each morning and debrief with staff each afternoon.
• Communicate any issues to staff, campers, and families as needed throughout each day.
• Collaborate with other team leads and coordinators to solve problems, develop activities, and evaluate staff.
• Coordinate staff break schedules and transition between groups effectively.
• Fill in for staff who are unable to work because of illness or injury.
• Work to reduce risks during the camp day and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of camp supplies each week.
• Actively participate in camp activities and have fun!

WORKING TIMES: Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm (Every other week is a 4-day week. Staff will not report on June 18, July 2, July 5, July 16, July 30, and August 13)

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT: June 07, 2021 through August 24, 2021
.

• June 7-9 – Camp planning days
• June 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 – Required Training Days
• June 21 through August 20 – Camp Weeks (Staff will not report on June 18, July 2, July 5, July 16, July 30, and August 13.)
• August 23 and 24 (1/2 days, optional) – Summer evaluation, cleaning, and supply organization

The following minimum qualifications are required for the position:

1. At least 1,200 hours of experience working at Nature Day Camp or comparable camp (about three summers working full time) or equivalent hours at an organization related to nature, science, or outdoor education
2. At least 18 years old by June 1, 2021
3. Experience mentoring, supporting, or leading a team
4. Experience working with diverse populations
5. Experience leading activities and managing a group of children
6. Ability to demonstrate strong communication skills

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

• Resume: Describe your past paid and volunteer work experiences, education and/or trainings that clearly reflect each item in the “To Qualify” section above.
• References: Please list three professional references who are not related to you. (Examples might include supervisors, teachers, youth directors, coaches, etc.)
• Supplemental Questions: Please answer all required questions.

If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, as identified below, please describe in your work history any transferable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the “To Qualify” section above.

Your application will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position.

Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment. Do not attach materials not requested.

Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Veterans’ Preference: If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans’ Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans’ Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

ADA Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Did you know? The City of Portland offers How to Apply Classes that are free and review best practices for applying to the City.  Follow the link for the most recent list of scheduled dates: www.bit.ly/howtoapplyclass

Contact Information
Halima Abdirizak, Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Halima.Abdirizak@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-6959