Upham Woods Seasonal Outdoor Educator (May Start)

The Upham Woods Seasonal Outdoor Educators are the primary programmatic personnel for Upham Woods in the summer season. In that regard, this position is responsible for teaching programming and recreational activities for user groups, interacting with 4-H Youth educators and adult volunteers, other group leaders, and care for programmatic, outpost and recreational equipment, which includes the science center animals. All of the above is to be done with a focus on customer service and effective educational methods in a safe environment.

Responsibilities:

Education
- Teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programming to school and community groups and facilitate public/community outreach both on and off-site to groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants. A list of common programs is available here: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/uphamwoods/home-page/programs/
- Collaborate with team members to identify and manage risk in the outdoors.

Community Engagement
- Serve as liaison (main point of contact) for visiting groups including on call status*
- Facilitate meal service with dining hall staff
- Reporting and record keeping of participant demographics, goals, and outcomes to comply with federal requirements and billing.

Conservation
- Support conservation projects by preparing necessary tools, safety equipment, and project materials for use on conservation project days.
- Under supervision of the Facility and Operations Manager, hike and perform trail work related tasks such as trail repair, new trail construction, and trail reroutes.
- Complete facility maintenance projects including painting and minor cleaning, as needed.

Housing
- Lodging is available while working at Upham Woods in our staff duplex. Bedroom assignments can be an individual or shared, shared bathroom, and shared common areas (kitchen, living room, laundry facilities).

*On call status refers to liaison duties extending overnight, where a provided cell phone is left on in case of emergency contact from the visiting group.

- This position has the possibility to start May 19, 2025, or May 27, 2025.

Qualifications:

Required:
- Ability to work in a team setting with enthusiasm and creativity, and the ability to work independently.
- The desire to teach user groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants.
- Familiarity with outdoor adventure pursuits and their associated equipment, such as camping, canoeing, archery, etc.
- A general understanding of the field of environmental education, natural resources, education and youth development.
- Ability to work flexible hours any day of the week including some evening hours
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry 35 pounds.
- Ability to hike several miles on uneven terrain including trails and stairs in a wide variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.

Preferred:
- Coursework toward or a bachelor's degree in education, natural science, biology, environmental education or a related field
- Lifeguarding certification or ability to obtain before start of employment with certification active through August 2025. Required to lead Canoeing, Outpost, Swimming, and Blackhawk Island Hikes.
- Professional certifications in any of the activities which we commonly offer, such as licensed teacher, archery, low element challenge course, canoeing, etc. 
- Ability to take responsibility for one of the specialization areas. Specialization areas include, but are not limited to: program animals, challenge course, technology, marketing and social media, and facility improvement.

Salary:

Minimum $16.50 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
Base pay of $16.50 per hour for new outdoor educators; those returning to Upham Woods or coming from another ACA accredited camp may receive a higher pay. A pay rate bump is also given for those who will be starting with a valid (through entire season) first aid or lifeguard certification per the numbers below. This position will also be eligible for standby pay of $2.25/hour when on call and a pay differential of $0.80/hour for all hours worked from 6pm-6am or hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. Anticipated work of 30-40 hours per week when required by programming. Minimum hours per week is expected to be 20 hours; primarily on weeks with legal holidays.

-$0.50/hr increase for 2nd year at Upham Woods
-Additional $0.50/hr increase for 3rd year return
-Additional $0.50/hr increase for 4th year (final increase)
-Additional $0.25/hr for first aid certification prior to start date (must be active throughout entire camp season, cannot be combined with lifeguard certification)
-Additional $0.75/hr for lifeguard certification prior to start date (must be active throughout entire camp season)
-Additional $0.25/hr for previous work experience at another camp (minimum 2 months)