Naturalist

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries

Naturalist Job Description

NLOM’s Summer Ministry Team is comprised of young leaders who are at the heart of making the day-to-day at summer camp run. Summer Ministry Team members have strengths is leadership, communication, hospitality, and teamwork.

This position is a full-time, paid summer job that runs from May 18, 2023 through July 30, 2023. All meals and on-site housing are included as a part of this employment package. Skills are transferable to multiple careers, and include public speaking, interpersonal communication, leadership and facilitation, problem solving, customer service, working with diverse groups, and more. You’ll expand your network and build a community with your fellow summer staff members along with full-time camp staff. Additionally, you’ll make a real difference. With continually changing circumstances in the world, the difference you can make to youth and families in an outdoor setting is immeasurable. Your role as a future summer staff member is essential for serving, supporting, and guiding youth and families here at camp and beyond.

General Responsibilities:

1. To provide a safe outdoor education experience for all participants.
2. To serve as a role model for campers.
3. To carry out camp’s outdoor education program.
4. To assist with camp activities and other aspects of the program as needed.
5. To fulfill all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1. Ability to monitor and teach outdoor program activities, as well as the ability to identify and respond to hazards and emergency situations.
2. Physical strength and ability to lead outdoor program activities.
3. Ability to walk long distances throughout the day and lead adventure hikes.
4. Abilities to observe and assess camper behavior.
5. Enforce safety rules and regulations, as well as emergency procedures.
6. Ability to communicate and work with groups participating in the camp program and provide necessary instructions to campers.

Qualifications:

1. Training and/or experiences with outdoor education activities and stewardship.
2. Current CPR and Standard First Aid certification.
3. Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, adaptability and self-control.
4. Desire and ability to work with children and adults in the outdoors.
5. Ability to relate to one’s peer group and work as a member of a team, accepting support and supervision.
6. Appropriate leadership and social skillls to serve as a primary caregiver to campers.
7. Christian role model, good character, integrity and willingness to serve in partnership with Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and the congregations of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
8. At least 18 years of age and graduated high school.

Responsible To:

The Summer Camp Director with the support of the Manager of Adventure Programs, Director of Programs, and the Youth Program Specialist. Day to day support and supervision provided by the assigned Site Coordinator. Oversight and training of the outdoor education program is provided by the Manager of Adventure Programs.

Specific Responsibilities Related to Outdoor Programs:

1. Gather and disburse outdoor education equipment needed for each program.
2. Conduct initial and end-of season inventories. Take responsibility for storing and keeping equipment in good condition.
3. Share responsibility for staff training sessions related to outdoor programs.
4. Serve as a program resource to staff in the areas of outdoor education, night hikes/activities, and cookouts.
5. Serve as a teacher working directly with campers in the area of outdoor programs with an emphasis on safety and the importance of understanding, appreciating, and caring for the earth (stewardship).
6. Learn and practice proper handling and care of outdoor program animals.

Specific Responsibilities Related to Gardening:

1. Oversee day to day care (water, weeding, and harvesting) of the butterfly garden.
2. Share responsibility for staff training sessions related to the garden.
3. Serve as a program resource to staff in the areas of the garden.
4. Serve as a teacher working directly with campers while providing educational programs.

Specific Responsibilities Related to Archery:

1. Serve as a teacher working directly with campers in the area of archery, with camper safety as the number one priority.
2. Oversee all archery equipment. Take responsibility for storing and keeping equipment in good condition.
3. Share responsibility for staff training sessions related to archery.
4. Serve as a program resource to staff in the area of archery.

Specific Responsibilities Related to General Camp Programs:

1. Participate fully in all aspects of the camp program, including: worship, meals, prayer time and evening programs.
2. Care for an assigned group of campers, providing a healthy, comfortable “home away from home” environment. This includes living with a group of campers.
3. Check in with assigned Site Coordinator to see where help is needed when not overseeing outdoor education activities.
4. Join in sharing responsibility for worship planning and site activities.
5. Adhere to the policies and practices established by NLOM in regards appropriate interactions with campers.
6. Respond immediately and appropriately to the camper’s needs, such as: homesickness, health concerns, lost & found and personal hygiene issues.
7. Provide opportunities for the group that allows each individual to experience success and provides a sense of belonging within the community.
8. Provide spiritual leadership for campers by being a positive, Christian role model and initiating conversations related to faith issues and faith formation.
9. Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems and concerns. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving and conflict resolution within the group.
10. Set a good example for campers and others by practicing cleanliness, punctuality, sharing clean-up duties and chores, sportsmanship and table manners.

Specific Responsibilities Related to Administration:

1. Treat all guests with respect, providing hospitality in a Christ-like manner.
2. Prepare for and actively participate in staff training and staff meetings.
3. Be an example by participating in camp activities, maintaining a good attitude and being respectful of nature and camp buildings.
4. Follow camp rules and regulations.
5. Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policies.
6. Submit all reports in a timely fashion. For example, maintenance requests or treatment forms.
7. Assist in packing all materials and supplies at end of season.
8. Complete all other responsibilities as assigned.