About the position:
The Corvallis Environmental Center (CEC) is hiring multiple Seasonal Summer Camp Educators to join our Nature Programs team. Educators may assist with Farm to School programming, full day K-5 summer camps (including nature, garden, and bike camps), or preschool-aged partial day camps, depending on program needs, educator interest, and experience. This seasonal role primarily supports our summer day camps, and may include an opportunity to begin work in the spring assisting with Farm to School field trips and school-based programming.

CEC Nature Programs provide hands-on, outdoor education experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and connection to the natural world. Programs take place in parks, gardens, farms, school grounds, and natural areas throughout Corvallis. Bike camp assignments may involve riding 2-10 miles per day depending on the ability and interest of the group.

Employment Type: Full-time and Part-time Seasonal
Pay Range: $18 - 18.75/hr DOE
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Length of employment: Spring start date possible; primary employment mid-June through August 28th, 2025
Summer Schedule: Monday - Friday, hours vary depending on program placement (some spring programming may occur during school-day hours)

Program Areas
Educators may be assigned to one or more of the following:

Farm to School (Spring & Summer Support):

● Assist with delivery of garden-based and food systems education in classrooms, school gardens, and community settings
● Support field trips, tasting activities, and hands-on education for elementary-aged students

K-5 Summer Camps (Nature, Garden, & Bike Camps):

● Lead daily camp activities focused on environmental education, gardening, biking, outdoor skills, and cooperative games
● Foster a positive, inclusive camp community
● For bike camps: comfortably lead youth on rides of 2-10 miles per day

Preschool NaturePlay Camps

● Facilitate play-based, developmentally appropriate outdoor learning experiences
● Support early literacy, math, and science learning through exploration, inquiry, and nature connection
● Meet children where they are developmentally and gently guide learning through hands-on discovery

Core Responsibilities

● Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participants
● Promote an inclusive learning environment
● Prepare lesson materials and assist with setup and cleanup
● Communicate professionally with families and team members
● Participate in staff meetings and trainings
● Mentor interns and volunteers as needed
● Provide First Aid as necessary
● Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

● Demonstrates a commitment a positive, inclusive work environment
● At least 1-year combined experience leading groups of children in activities and lessons
● Interest and/or experience in facilitating connections between children and the outdoors
● Knowledge of environmental education practices, environmental sciences, natural resources, gardening, early childhood education, or related fields.
● Self-motivated, hardworking, professional, and dependable; ability to work independently, in a team, and in a support role
● Well organized and detail-oriented
● First Aid/CPR certified by camp start date
● (Optional) Comfortable leading groups by bike
● Access to reliable transportation
● Be physically able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, be able to hike and bike extended distances, stand for long periods of time, and move around quickly as needed