Most summer employment opportunities involve our summer camp programs. Some positions do not have direct interaction with campers but all staff needs to be aware of the camp programs and must be willing to work around the camp agenda.
Cayuga Nature Center offers full time positions for our five camp programs throughout the months of July and August. If you are interested in part-time employment, you can join the TEAM Challenge Ropes Course program in May through August. Please call for information about part-time availability.
To learn more about camp and the Nature Center, visit our website at www.cayuganaturecenter.org and click on the Camp 2004 link. Download our Job Application Form from the Internship/Job link and submit with your resume to Ali Higgins, Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cayuga Nature Center is a private non-profit center located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The center includes 120 acres of woodlands, meadows and stream habitats. Major program areas currently pursued include: environmental education, Summer Camp, TEAM Challenge, cultural history, Pioneer life, Butterfly Gardens ( an outdoor exhibit facility) and Tree Tops (a four story tree house). In addition, the facility is able to house up to 75 individuals for overnight programming.
This position is based at the main property of the Cayuga Nature Center. The individual serving in this position will oversee the environmental education programming provided by the nature center. These programs include all school based programming (both those taught at our sites and those taught off site). In addition, the position will also coordinate all youth and family oriented educational programming.
As part of the management team for the nature center, the individual serving as Naturalist will also assist in special events and fundraising activities as needed. The Naturalist will also be assisting in several aspects involved in the development of an overall master plan for the site.
Counselors are responsible for the leadership, supervision and safety of youths in the program. This position provides the supervision and structure for youths ages 5-9 to safely interact with and learn about the natural environment. Will be expected to lead and supervise groups of campers, plan recreational and educational activities and maintain a safe and positive learning environment. Prior experience working with children in an educational setting is preferred.
Critter Camp exists to foster learning about many different types of animals, their habitats, and care in accordance with the mission of the center. Counselors will lead and supervise groups of campers ages 9-13 in a fun and educational environment. Campers will experience hands-on activities with the live animal collection. Counselors need to be comfortable handling and working with snakes, spiders, and raptors, special training will be provided. Prior experience with exotic animals is preferred.
Ropes Camp is an exclusive week experiencing the many challenges on our ropes course. Adventure Camp is a week long training for modern outdoor camping. Campers learn how to use compasses, purify water, start a fire, build a shelter and have a safe camping experience. The group puts their skills to the test on a Thursday overnight. In both programs, counselors will lead and supervise groups of campers ages 9-13. Prior experience with ropes course, challenge programs, and/or experienced camping is required; special training will be provided.
(2 positions)
Full-time starting June 14-August 20 (overnights: July 15, July 29, August 12)
The Counselor is responsible for the leadership, supervision and safety of a group of 6-8 campers
The Counselor will be responsible for following the daily educational structure and planning recreational and educational activities for their group
The Counselor will supervise and direct the Bobcat (counselor-in-training) as needed, and assist with the mid-summer and final evaluation of their Bobcat.
The Counselor will assist with bus supervision and pre and post camp supervision as assigned
The Counselor will incorporate and adhere to the Camp Philosophy as well as other Camp Policies at all times
Training in First Aid and CPR is required (training to be arranged as needed)
Experience and ability to work well with children, ages 5 -16
Mature judgment and ability to safely supervise campers and Bobcats
Educational and/or experiential background in one or more of the following areas: Outdoor Education, Recreation, Natural History, Environmental Education, Arts/Crafts, Child Psychology, Teaching or related field of study
Responsible for making sure staff, volunteers, and youth participants adhere to safety procedures. Maintain the health and safety of all campers. Ensure that camp is a fun and safe environment by keeping records, training staff and administering safety policies set by the center and health department. Design emergency procedures and prepare counselors for proper course of action. Requirements: Current certification as a Lifeguard and in CPR/First Aid and RTE, and/or EMT, RN certification. Experience working with children is a requirement.
(1 position)
Part-time starting June 21st - August 20th
$7-8/hr 10hrs/wk T/W/T 11am-2pm plus one flexible hour per week for office duties
Maintain camp records and track payments, help in main office, answer phones, write letters, take admission fees, assist as needed in camp programs, manage gift shop, and supervise teen employees in the gift shop. Experience with computers and cash registers helpful.
Maintain husbandry and housing units for the permanent animal collection. Present animal programs to campers and for private parties. Care for the seasonal butterfly house. Train and supervise teen naturalist to give butterfly tours as requested. Experience with animals is required although special training will be provided.
(2 positions)
Full and part-time starting May 31st-August 20th, must be willing to work weekends
Work closely with the Camp Director to manage all the camp programs. In charge of scheduling guest speakers, arranging training for staff, and supervising the Bobcat program. Will fill in a counselor as needed and will act as the liaison between staff members. Will maintain the counselor award program and institute a Bobcat award program. Oversee supply use and order/purchase camp craft and snack supplies as needed. Experience with children, particularly teenagers, is required.
Work with groups of pre-schoolers and their parents in a small hands-on setting two days a week. The PeeWees program is designed to teach 3-5 year olds about the environment through stories, games, crafts, and snacks. Curriculum and training is provided although new ideas are always welcome in addition to the set program. Experience with children, particularly pre-schoolers, is required.