Summer Camp Counselor

Compensation: 16.50/hr

Type: Full time, Seasonal

Summary of the position:

The Cayuga Nature Center, a public education venue of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), is seeking enthusiastic candidates for the role of Summer Camp Counselors.

Cayuga Nature Center Camp is a long-standing staple in the Ithaca and Trumansburg area for summer camp fun in the good ‘ole outdoors. We pride ourselves on serving our community with fun activities and outdoor adventures, while incorporating environmental education and knowledge to the young naturalists that attend our summer programs and camps.

This year we are looking for camp counselors for our Explorer Camp (ages 6-11), Backwoods Base camp (ages 10-13), and Super Sprouts (ages 3-5).

Summer Camp starts July 1st and runs through the last August 30th, 2024.

Counselors are responsible for supervising campers (children), ensuring their safety and general well-being while adhering to camp schedules and presenting educational programs.

Required pre-season training of 24 hours (paid) and costs covered for CPR/First aid training/AED.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children and a genuine love for nature

• At least 18 years of age

• Ability to work outdoors at least 6 hours per day (at times in extreme weather conditions)

• Ability to stand/walk/hike for extended periods of time (4-6 hours per day)

Please Note:
The Paleontological Research Institution will require all persons hired as Summer Camp Counselor to show proof of having received a department of health approved COVID vaccine. This requirement is being instituted to protect the safety and health of PRI employees, and other persons that provide services to this operation and is designed to support the public health objectives of our community, provided this hiring requirement complies with NY State and Federal guidelines and directives.

Benefits:

• Employee discount

• One year Family Membership to the Paleontological Research Institution with ASTC benefits

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ithaca, NY 14850: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Preferred)

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

  Paid opportunities to acquire these certifications after hire available

Work Location: In person

PRI seeks to recruit a diverse group of talented individuals and create an environment in which they can effectively work to advance our mission and to support our vision without discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, degree of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We are committed to ensuring all our visitors, program participants, supporters, staff, and volunteers feel valued and respected.

About the Paleontological Research Institution:

The Paleontological Research Institution pursues and integrates education and research, and interprets the history and systems of the Earth and its life, to increase knowledge, educate society, and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth.

The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) was founded in 1932 by Gilbert D. Harris, a professor of geology at Cornell University. Today, PRI houses a collection of more than 7 million fossil specimens, one of the largest in the nation, and publishes scholarly and popular books and periodicals, including the oldest paleontological periodical in the western hemisphere (Bulletins of American Paleontology, begun in 1895). It has active educational outreach programs in Earth and environmental science that serve thousands of students, teachers, and the general public throughout the United States. PRI scientific staff conduct original research in paleontology, geology, evolutionary and marine biology, and science education.

PRI operates three public educational venues, all located on the west side of Cayuga Lake, north of the city of Ithaca, New York: the Museum of the Earth, an 18,000 square foot facility which opened in 2003; the Cayuga Nature Center, which uses its 120 acre site and historic main lodge to provide exhibits and programs that connect visitors to the living natural world and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth; and Smith Woods, a 32-acre parcel of old-growth forest located just outside the Village of Trumansburg.

PRI is an independent not‑for‑profit 501(c)3 organization chartered by the State of New York in 1936. PRI is formally affiliated with, but separate from, Cornell University.