We're Hiring: Summer Lead Counselor
Farrington Nature Linc is looking for a Summer Lead Counselor. Come join our team this summer and work with 10-12 youth staff in providing over 1,200 youth nature-based experiences this summer. Application Deadline: April 1st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please send a resume and cover letter via email to Brianne@NatureLinc.org. Include all relevant personal and professional experience.
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Organization: Farrington Nature Linc’s mission is to enhance the well- being of children from low-income communities through a connection with the natural world. Our 75 acres of woodlands, fields and ponds near Boston are dedicated to providing respite and inspiration for children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Farrington envisions a world in which every child has access to nature; every child knows that nature is a powerful source of physical and mental health and happiness; and every child learns that being a good citizen of the world includes being a steward of nature.
Since 2002, Farrington has operated Nature Linc as a summer outdoor activity site. Farrington hosts visits by groups of children from Boston, Cambridge, and other neighboring urban communities that have limited access to nature for a day of exploration, learning, and fun. Our property includes a pond, fields, woodlands, vegetable gardens, a large barn with indoor classroom and art space, an outdoor barbeque, and two miles of trails. Young people are at once immersed in the natural world and provided the opportunity to reflect on their part in it. We offer nature walks, ponding and gardening workshops, nature-based art activities, introduction to farm animals, field sports, nature games, and overnight camping. The children are encouraged to develop a connection to the natural world while participating in experiences that support stewardship of nature, observation skills, and creative expression. Visiting youth and their leaders are guided by Nature Linc Youth Counselors. Each summer Farrington hires 8-11 youth staff. Senior counselors are youth staff aged 18+ and Junior Counselors are youth staff aged 14-18.
Overview: The Lead Counselor position is 30-35 hours per week from June 20thth- August 19th, with preference given to applicants who are available for training and development hours during April, May and June, (approximate total of 90 hours before June 27th) and closing season hours until August 28th. Some flexibility with start date if you are able to offer hours in April, May and/ or June.
The Lead Counselor reports to the Program Director and is primarily responsible for developing and co-leading in-season staff trainings with the Program Director, providing support to Junior Counselors, and leading activities for visiting youth.
Programmatic Responsibilities:
Be on site for set-up and execution of the summer program, including occasional (2-3) overnight stays.
Act as site coordinator if Program Director is off site.
Support staff development
Act as a mentor and support to Senior Counselors (ages 18-25).
Cultivate Junior Counselor’s ability to deliver safe, fun, appropriate nature-based activities with a wide variety of visiting campers.
Coach Junior Counselors through observations, direct feedback, and supporting staff self-evaluations and reflection.
Plan and implement in-season staff trainings to support the continued development of Senior and Junior Counselors.
Transport Junior/ Senior Counselors to site using Farrington-funded Zipcar vehicle (or personal vehicle with reimbursement for mileage) from Alewife to Farrington.
Develop several new sports and nature games and/ or art activities to add to our repertoire to use with visiting groups.
Support pre-season site preparation, including garden work and limited trail maintenance.
Participate in daily site maintenance as necessary.
Write bi-weekly blog posts on programs for Farrington Nature Linc blog.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Support Program Director in procuring and managing program supplies.
Ensure proper maintenance, safety and cleanliness of all program-related buildings and grounds, including classrooms, trails, animal pens, etc. and report any unsafe conditions and necessary repairs.
Compile End-of-Day surveys.
Participate in appropriate organization events, such as the staff-trustee picnic, and outreach events as assigned by Program Director.
Qualifications:
Some College or Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Education or Environmental Science
Experience working with elementary school aged children
Experience working with or mentoring teenagers and young adults
Experience and/ or strong interest in working with diverse communities
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
Have or be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Certification.
Basic Computer and Technology Skills
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds several feet
Physical ability to negotiate hilly terrain, dirt roads and dirt and gravel trails.
Physical ability to respond quickly to situations requiring immediate action.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
Skills in a second language prevalent in the Boston area a plus.
Applicants must agree to a CORI check as part of the job screening, but evidence of a criminal record is not necessarily an impediment to hiring. A copy of our CORI policy is available on request.