Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Environmental Education Programmer. In this role, you bring summer camp experiences to life for youth ages 5 – 14. You’ll help campers experience the outdoors (maybe for the first time) and create an environment where parks are common ground for everyone. 

Day in the Life?

You’ll welcome campers, lead daily nature and outdoor skills activities, and help campers have a great time at camp. 

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• Relieve your summer camp experience.
• Develop a moderate understanding and ability to interpret Metroparks natural resources for all program areas
• Get experience working at a park. 
• Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here. 
• Grow your career by advancing to an Programming Specialist.

You’ll love this job if

• You want to spend your summer outside helping others. 
• You like making sure everyone is having fun and being included. 
• You want to be a camper’s buddy or hero. 

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by providing an engaging Connections Camp. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Year-Round Programming Staff by serving as a camp counselor for summer day camp programs and general programming for youth. 
• Effectively prepare and facilitate high quality age-appropriate nature and environmental activities including nature walks, summer camps, school and outreach programs and other engaging programs.
• Lead high quality educational programming relating to the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Metroparks and the northwest Ohio region.
• Assist in the daily operations of all phases of Summer Camp and/or educational programs including camper paperwork as required.
• Help plan and lead field trips for summer camp, school and adult program participants.
• Assist with loading/unloading/launching paddle sports equipment, archery equipment, biking and camping equipment. Facilitate paddle sports and archery programs and maintain a safe program environment following established safety procedures.
• Assist Outdoor Skills staff with paddle sport, fishing, biking, and camping programming.
• Evaluate and modify camp activities and programs based on audience needs or abilities in cooperation with other Metroparks Staff and the Manager of Environmental Education.
• Maintain a safe environment for campers and park visitors at all times.
• Be a positive role model when leading campers and volunteers.
• Assist with daily maintenance of facilities and teaching areas, equipment and supplies. Includes sweeping and mopping, restroom and litter clean up.
• Transport Junior Camp Counselors and/or drive a 15-passenger van (training provided).
• Coordinate with volunteers.
• Other Park District duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment 
• Cameras
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite
• Art and nature equipment and supplies 
• General cleaning supplies and hand tools
• Outdoor Skills Equipment: Canoes, Fishing Poles, Archery Equipment
• Metroparks Vehicles: 15-passenger van, UTVs, golf carts

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Length of employment varies based on need. Generally, May – August. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm. May require evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Home Work Location: Wildwood or Glass City
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 90 pounds with assistance. 
• Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. 

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. 
2. Reliable transportation to travel between Metroparks locations.
3. Education: High School Diploma or GED. 4 semesters of college coursework in Environmental Science, Education, Recreation and Leisure or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience, preferred.
4. Experience: 6 months experience in working with children or leading outdoor education programs required. Previous experience as a Camp Counselor, preferred.
5. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 30 days of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:
6. CPR/First Aid/AED certification
7. Certified Interpretive Guide (NAIA)

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.  

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of summer camp programs. 
• Some knowledge of operating and safety principles with outdoor skills equipment (archery, canoes, kayaks, biking, camping, etc).
• Demonstrated knowledge of local natural habitats, animals, and plants.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate in an articulate, intelligent and friendly manner when serving the public.   
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills.

Abilities

• Ability to drive a pick-up truck and/or 14-passenger van (training provided).
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including campers requiring special accommodations. 
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.