Summer Camp Counselor

Summer Camp Counselor

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the Summer Camp Counselor team at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center (EYCC) in West Palm Beach. The incumbents will work with the summer camp team to deliver experiential programs designed to engage youth with Florida's ecosystems through outdoor recreation. EYCC is a residential summer camp and sees as many as 800 participants throughout the summer. The incumbents will supervise campers during daily activities as assigned and sleep in the cabins with campers at night. Incumbents will also be responsible for cabin safety inspections, leading night activities, shower rotations, and check out procedures. Incumbents may be assigned a different program each week and will supervise as many as 14 campers at a time with an assisting Counselor or Instructor. As a part of FYCCN, the incumbent communicates with stakeholders, constituents, and partners and performs functions of this position with a strong understanding of FYCCN's mission, future goals, and practices. Conveys FYCCN's vision through effective programming, training, and outreach at the EYCC. Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources.

Programs that Counselors may be assigned to assist with include activities such as shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, swimming, and counselor in training programs.

Provide support as assigned in the facilitation of summer camp activities. Assist Instructors with program facilitation as assigned (shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, counselor in training, etc.) Facilitate night activities as assigned (campfire, board games, water balloon toss, etc.) Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned. Ensure education programs are following American Camp Association (ACA) standards. Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.) Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct. Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc. Perform safety inspections of equipment and assigned cabins. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions. Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to EYCC through program interactions. Participate in meetings, mobile phone communications, etc. as needed with EYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships. Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems. Perform administrative duties as required. Assure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained. Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned. Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner. Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required. Assist with all aspects of food service as needed (dishwashing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.) Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.) Assist with shower rotations. Assist with weekly camper check in and check out. Provide supervision coverage as needed. Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp's Medical Director.

Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Poses strong swimming skills: ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in deep water (over 7 ft) in ocean or freshwater conditions (waves, changing currents, unpredictable underwater terrain, and low visibility). Must be comfortable handling firearms (training will be provided) and working in environments with loud noises. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others. Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN's Four Pillars: shooting sports, ethical angling, safe boating (paddle sports), and wildlife exploration; training theory and instructional design and program management preferred. Knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred. Must be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related software. Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies. Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.

Applicants must be 19 years of age before May 22nd, 2026. Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, e.g., Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED certification, Human Resource Orientation, Canoeing and Kayaking Skills Course, Fishing Skills Course, Archery Skills Course, Range Safety Skills Course, Waterfront Safety, Behavior Management, Supervision, and Emergency Procedures. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. Includes work on evenings and weekends. Staff must be available to begin in-person training on May 11th, 2026 and for all eight weeks of summer camp starting on May 31st and ending July 31st. Staff are off June 28th – July 4th. Applicants must notify the Camp Director of any dates they are not available during the interview. EYCC will not provide housing prior to the incumbent's start date. Onsite housing in air-conditioned bunk house style cabins is provided for the duration of the incumbent's employment. EYCC does not provide transportation to and from the facility. Applicants should consider that public transportation is not easily accessible due to where the camp is located. Meals are provided for staff during work hours May 31st – July 31st with the following exceptions: Friday dinners, Saturday (all meals), and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Responses to qualifying questions should reflect the experience indicated in the work history of the State of Florida Job Application (Profile) and be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment. Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida's official employment site ( and must include a resume describing the applicant's experience.