Whistler Nature Camp Interpreters
Term: Part-Time & Full-time, July & August 9 weeks (see below)
Organization: AWARE – Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment
Location: Whistler, British Columbia
About AWARE:
The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) is Whistler’s environmental charity, currently celebrating its 30th year. We work to progress community-scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time. Climate Change. Habitat Loss. Wildlife. Waste. Water. Biodiversity. Wilderness. We work independently and with others to connect people with nature and build more sustainable communities.
Every member of our small but dedicated team has the opportunity to create change from within the programs they work on – whether inspiring future generations to care about the environment, helping people grow local organic food, or supporting businesses to reduce waste. We find ways to connect with the things people care about and focus on finding shared values as a route to changing behaviours and shifting unsustainable cultural norms. AWARE is looking for outgoing, accountable and enthusiastic individuals to join our summer nature camp team as nature interpreters.
The Position:
Our team of Nature Interpreters delivers Whistler Nature Camp – a summer program intended to get youth outside exploring and learning about nature. At Nature Camp, we utilize education, appreciation and experience to encourage a love of nature – because we protect what we love.
The Nature Interpreter roles are well suited to people who have interest and experience in some or all of the following: the sciences; youth education; communication and interpretation.
Successful candidates will work with program leads to connect resident and visiting youth with Whistler’s diverse natural environments. Positions are being offered are at senior and junior levels and for 40/30/20 hours per week for a term of 9 weeks. Whistler Nature Camp runs through July & August, with a week of training in the last week of June. With youth and nature programming throughout the year, there may be an opportunity for positions to be extended for the right candidate.
Core Responsibilities:
- Facilitate and support the delivery of positive learning and recreational experiences in nature with youth ages 6-12
- Group supervision with attention to programming, health, happiness, discipline, cleanliness, safety, as well as leadership and skill development
- Lead in the instruction and development of camp activities
- Lead daily theme discussion during opening circle
- Plan and carry out experiments or activities for campers based on participants interests
- Aid in developing a vibrant camp culture by leading and participating in skits, songs and games
- Share strong interest, enthusiasm and appreciation of nature with kids and their parents/guardians
- Maintain positive, open and effective communication with parents/guardians and camp staff
- Set a good example through exhibiting positive personal habits, health, dress, speech, trail etiquette and relationships with other staff
- Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Provide support to the promotion of nature youth camp through communications initiatives, collecting participant testimonials and representing the program at community events
- Act as the main contact during any emergency situations
- Senior Interpreters will be required to work with Nature Camp Coordinator to supervise Junior Interpreters
- Other duties as assigned
About You:
- Be at least 18 years of age and have experience working with children
- Hold a strong appreciation and interest in nature and a desire to share that enthusiasm with children (ages 6-12)
- Outgoing, personable, approachable and enthusiastic
- Able to work well independently and as part of a team
- Great communication, time management and organizational skills
- Desire to further naturalist/wilderness skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature connection through sharing with and learning from other program staff
- Knowledge of Whistler’s ecosystems and species an asset
- Experience in the sciences, nature interpretation or environmental education program delivery an asset
- Studies in environmental science, biology, ecology, education or related field preferred
- Candidates must be available for the full term of their placement
- Hold an up to date criminal record check and First Aid Certification
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant interest and experience by email to ngriffiths@awarewhistler.org . We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Please reference Posting No. 19-01 in your application. Application deadline is March 20, 2019