Outdoor Program Specialist

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, (GSCNWI) is an organization that focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We pride ourselves on collaboration, communication, and teamwork. If you are looking for an organization with a mission that impacts the hearts and minds of girls in a meaningful way, then look no further. We’re committed to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community-based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their families in the 245 communities we cover. We are the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. 

Looking to work with a mission driven organization?  Looking for a role that challenges you?  Want your work to add value? Then the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is the organization for you. The Outdoor Program Specialist role is a position that moves our mission forward and helps change lives. 

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Senior Outdoor Program Manager, the Outdoor Program Specialist will facilitate programs for girls and volunteers and will assist with various projects that will benefit the outdoor program experience. They will serve as the Assistant Camp Director for summer overnight camp and be responsible for overseeing weekend troop camping reservations during non-summer camp months.

 
From September to May, this position is full-time, non-exempt with total hours for on-site and office work not to exceed 37.5 hours per week. Candidates can generally expect to work Wednesday-Sunday, with office hours on weekdays and overnight programming on weekends. This position will require travel to each of the council owned camp properties and frequent overnights on site. 

From late May to mid-August, this position will be full-time, exempt and is expected to live on-site at overnight camp, Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, WI, and will typically work Sunday-Friday. Room and board are provided while summer camp is in session.

Compensation: $24.36/hour

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicate with troop leaders, volunteers, and chaperones regarding program confirmation, schedules, and expectations
• Develop curriculum for use in outdoor programs that is fun, safe, and promotes the Girl Scout experience
• Work directly with children ages 5-17 in facilitation of outdoor programming
• Participate fully in various projects which will promote the outdoor program experience
• Participate enthusiastically in all aspects of camp life and act as a role model 
• Assist with management and care of program spaces and supplies including equipment maintenance, manage supply inventory, make purchases as needed, and alert the outdoor program manager of any safety or maintenance concerns
• Be able to move items around in the program areas, such as firewood, canoes, archery and sports equipment. Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g. firewood, canoes, archery/sports equipment
• Possess strength and stamina to remain alert, friendly, courteous, and patient for the duration of the staff member’s time on the job
• Other duties as assigned

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Must be 21+ years old and posses a high school diploma or GED; a bachelor’s degree with concentration in an outdoor education field or equivalent experience is preferred
• Knowledge of the outdoors and 3+ years’ experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent
• 2+ years’ experience working as a lifeguard preferred
• Must be able to successfully problem-solve
• Excellent time management skills
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to all camp locations

Additional Requirements:

• Must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and obtain their Mandated Reporter training certificate. Training is provided by Girl Scouts GCNWI.
• Possess (or be willing to obtain) additional certifications in lifeguarding (including waterfront skills), lifeguard instructor, small craft, and archery are strongly preferred. Training may be provided by Girl Scouts GCNWI.
• Membership with Girl Scouts of the USA, or willingness to become a member with the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Perks and Benefits:  

• 403(b) retirement plan 
• Time off - vacation, sick, personal, and holiday paid time off is available for employees to take care of themselves and show our appreciation. 
• A casual work environment - with a casual dress code and the option to work hybrid, if applicable. 

Work Environment:
Candidates should be willing to work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.