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TRAILSIDE DISCOVERY CAMP POSITIONS
Trailside Discovery Camp is an award-winning camp program in Alaska that provides a broad range of outdoor environmental education experiences for students ages 4 to 16 from all economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. We provide summer camps at a variety of locations in Anchorage, Chugiak/Eagle River, and Palmer. We also offer special year-round programming during In-Service Days and other school breaks.
We are seeking enthusiastic, creative, and hardworking individuals to join our summer staff team! We offer programs for kids aged 4-14 and are looking for staff passionate about environmental education and outdoor recreation, from science projects and crafts to kayaking; we have a program for you! Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Staff training begins May 16-20, and Camp runs May 23 - August 12.
Housing is available for out-of-state staff! Shared housing space in a large home with other TDC staff, and transportation is available.
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As an Assistant Instructor, you will be responsible for co-teaching a group of campers during 12, five-day sessions. You will be partnered with a Lead Instructor to teach lessons, run activities, & organize games for your group of ~10-15 campers. Groups consist of similar age campers ranging from 4 to 13 years old, and have an educational theme. Topics for instruction include forest ecology, geology, creek and wetland study, tide pool exploration, glaciology, sustainable farming techniques, and coastal studies. Camp is located at various locations around Anchorage, Eagle River/Chugiak, and Palmer. Maintaining ACA standards, managing environmental risk factors, teaching engaging environmental education programs, being a positive role model, instilling a sense of wonder and love for nature, and designing curriculum while teaching with a Lead Instructor outside rain or shine are all expectations of an Assistant Environmental Education Instructor.
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside hosts a course for $60) and be 16+ years old. Hourly wages start at $12.50 per hour, DOE.
As an Environmental Education Instructor, you will be responsible for teaching a group of campers during 12, five-day sessions. You will be partnered with another Instructor to teach lessons, run activities, & organize games for your group of ~10-15 campers. Groups consist of similar age campers ranging from 4 to 13 years old, and have an educational theme. Topics for instruction include forest ecology, geology, creek and wetland study, tide pool exploration, glaciology, sustainable farming techniques, and coastal studies. Camp is located at various locations around Anchorage, Eagle River/Chugiak, and Palmer. Maintaining ACA standards, managing environmental risk factors, teaching engaging environmental education programs, being a positive role model, instilling a sense of wonder and love for nature, and designing curriculum while teaching with another Instructor outside rain or shine are all expectations of an Environmental Education Instructor.
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside can help you sign up for a training course) and be 18+ years old. Hourly wages start at $14.75 per hour, DOE.
As a High Adventure Instructor, you will be responsible for teaching a group of campers during 12, five-day sessions. You will be partnered with another Instructor to teach lessons, run high adventure activities, & organize games for your group of ~10-15 campers. Groups consist of similar age campers ranging from 8 to 13 years old, and have a theme. High adventure activities include biking, kayaking, canoeing, archery, hiking, Teaching Leave No Trace principles etc. . Applicants must have experience in some but not all of these activities, and be willing to learn. High Adventure Instructors will primarily be in HA programs but will sometimes be placed in Environmental Education programs as well. Camp is located at various locations around Anchorage, Eagle River/Chugiak, and Palmer. Maintaining ACA standards, providing a safe environment for campers to learn and participate in increased-risk high adventure activities, being a positive role model, and instilling a sense of wonder and love for nature for Trailside campers while outside rain or shine are all expectations of a High Adventure Instructor.
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside can help you sign up for a training course) and be 18+ years old. Hourly wages start at $14.75 per hour, DOE.
As a Lead Instructor, you will be responsible for leading a group of campers during 12, five-day sessions. You will be partnered with an Assistant Instructor or Instructor to teach lessons, run activities, & organize games for your group of ~10-15 campers. Groups consist of similar age campers ranging from 4 to 13 years old, and have an environmental educational or high adventure theme. The Lead Instructor role is an elevated responsibility position reserved for applicants with experience in childcare who are capable of creating lessons & curriculum, taking charge of a group, and providing leadership for other Instructors. Lead Instructors will have a focus on either Environmental Ed. or High Adventure programming based on experience and preference, however will be expected to be flexible and capable of leading a variety of groups. Environmental Education topics for instruction include forest ecology, geology, creek and wetland study, tide pool exploration, glaciology, sustainable farming techniques, and coastal studies. High adventure activities include biking, kayaking, canoeing, archery, & hiking. Camp is located at various locations around Anchorage, Eagle River/Chugiak, and Palmer. Maintaining ACA standards, managing environmental risk factors, leading engaging environmental education programs, being a positive role model, and designing curriculum while providing leadership for other Instructors in all weather conditions are the expectations of a Lead Instructor.
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside can help you sign up for a training course) and be 18+ years old. Hourly wages start at $15.00 per hour, DOE.
As a Trips Instructor, you will have the job responsibilities of either a Lead Instructor or High Adventure Instructor in addition to going on 1-3 multi night backcountry trips throughout the summer. Trailside runs canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, fishing, & camping overnight trips with groups of ~10-13 campers and 2 instructors. Trips Instructors will lead groups of campers on 1-4 night camping trips and be responsible for group safety, navigation, camp cooking, and teaching campers an appreciation and enjoyment of Alaska’s beautiful natural places. Experience with camping in the backcountry is necessary for this role. It requires creative problem solving, the ability to remain calm in difficult situations, and a positive attitude capable of creating fun & rewarding experiences for Trailside campers even in rainy miserable conditions. There are a variety of trips ranging from 1 night intro to camping with 8-9 year olds, to 4 night sea-kayaking with 12-14 year olds. Applicants will be considered for Trips based on their prior professional & personal experience, activity expertise (boating, backpacking, etc.), and certifications (First Aid, Watercraft Safety, WFA, WFR, etc.).
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside can help you sign up for a training course) and be 18+ years old. Hourly wages start at $15.00 per hour, DOE.
As a Specialist Instructor, you will be in an elevated responsibility position with a focus on creating quality curriculum, leading lessons for groups, and teaching staff members how to run interesting and informative lessons & activities for their groups. Specialist Instructors will rotate between groups throughout the week to teach a high quality age appropriate lesson or activity that fits with the weekly theme. These lessons will be consistent across all of the Trailside locations to ensure quality programming. When not rotating between groups, Specialist Instructors can be assigned to lead groups in a similar role as a Lead Instructor. Camp is located at various locations around Anchorage, Eagle River/Chugiak, and Palmer. Maintaining ACA standards, managing environmental risk factors, leading engaging environmental education lessons, being a positive role model, and designing curriculum while providing expertise for other Instructors are the expectations of a Specialist Instructor.
Job starts on May and ends on August 15 There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification (Trailside can help you sign up for a training course) and be 18+ years old. Hourly wages start at $16.33 per hour, DOE.
Program Manager – This person will report to a Site Director. They will be responsible for overseeing all Instructors in the delivery of environmental education programs. They will work closely with the Deputy Director and both Lead and Assistant Instructors. Major duties will include (but are not limited to): supporting Instructors with program design and development, assisting with program logistics as necessary, driving programs to off-site facilities, leading staff training, being the primary contact for any participant behavioral issues, addressing parental concerns, advising Lead Instructors and Specialists on leadership development.
There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022.
In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification ( Trailside hosts a course for $60) and be 21 years old. Hourly wages start at $16.33 per hour, DOE.
Site Managers report to the Deputy Director. They will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of their site. They will work closely with the Deputy Director and Program Managers as well as Lead Instructors, to ensure quality programming consistent with TDC missions and values. Major duties will include (but are not limited to): overseeing staffing for the location, managing logistical plans for the programming at the location, acquiring all the program bins and necessary supplies for the location, Overseeing Parent Communication; Week at G’s, questions. as well as, supporting Instructors with program design and development, assisting with program logistics as necessary, driving programs to off-site facilities, and leading staff training.
Managers start mid-April. There will be virtual training sessions some evenings beginning May 2nd, 2022. In-Person Staff training begins May 16th, 2022, and camp begins May 23rd, 2022. It runs Monday through Friday (8 hour shifts) and ends on August 12, 2022. Applicants are expected to work all 12 weeks however availability can be discussed during the interview process and time-off requests will be processed by managers. Staff must have a First Aid/CPR certification ( Trailside hosts a course for $60) and be 21 years old. Hourly wages start at $16.33 per hour, DOE.
NOW HIRING!
To Apply: Please fill out an application here >> New applicants will need to create an account. Returning Applicants may use your previous year's login information. If you have any questions or issues with the application process please contact us at [email protected]
If staff training dates occur during finals, we will have alternative options for staff training prior to camp starting.