Employment at Education Camps

Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking male and female staff for four residential Environmental Education Camps. Three of our programs cater to campers who are 12 to 14 years old: Camp Colby near Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, Camp DeBruce in the Catskill Mountains and Camp Rushford in Allegany County western New York. Camp Pack Forest in Warren County in the Adirondack Mountains offers a program for older students, ages 15 to 17.

The four geographically diverse environmental education camps teach New York State's youth the importance of conservation. Each of the camps consist of hard working, determined staff whose primary goal is to teach valuable lessons about the environment while providing a platform for each camper to personalize their love for the outdoors.

There are a total of 32 counselor openings for the 2008 season, as well as additional openings outlined below. Room and board are provided to all staff members. Employment at camp begins on or about June 14, 2008 and ends on or about August 24, 2008.

Position	Qualifications	Salary per week
Camp Director	Bachelors Degree or 25 years old	$654
Assistant Camp Director	Bachelors Degree or 25 years old	$654
Health Director	EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN, PA or MD certified.	$654 to $518 ++
Camp Counselor	Two years of college	$520
Camp Cook	Experience/training, 18 years old	$518
Food Service Worker II	18 years old	$464
Food Service Worker I	18 years old	$396

++ Salary based on experience and education.

Camp Director

Camp Director has overall on-site responsibility for camp operations. In addition, the Camp Director is frequently called upon when camp is not in operation for facilities, staff and programmatic advice. They are assigned a wide variety of tasks and duties that must be performed to insure the efficient operation of the camp program. Specific duties include:

develops and supervises a comprehensive training program for staff and volunteers;
supervises all camp staff which includes Assistant Director, Health Director, counselors, cooks, food service workers and volunteers;
reviews and evaluates lesson plans and teaching techniques; suggests changes, additions and methods of educational effectiveness; and
promotes and maintains positive public relations with sponsors, campers, parents and local community.

Assistant Director

The Assistant Director is the second in command and is responsible for the planning and implementation of education, work programs, facilities development and maintenance and will serve as director in the absence of the Camp Director. The Assistant Director is also responsible for the development of daily camp schedules, work schedules and staff assignments. Specific duties include:

develops and submits weekly reports on camp operations, facility conditions, special events and the overall program;
develops fire, search and rescue plans and implements drills and reviews;
arranges for the ordering and delivery of food and other supplies and services; maintains records on expenditures for such; and
makes daily inspections of camp facilities and through the regional field operations supervisor, arranges for any necessary repairs.

Health Director

The Health Director is held accountable for the health and well being of both staff and campers on a 24-hour basis. The Health Director assures that Health Department requirements are reviewed and complied with; facilities are prepared; lessons, work plans and special programs are developed and staff training is carried out. During the camp season, the Health Director oversees the camp program which services 50-60 new campers each week for a total of more than 400 campers for the summer. Specific duties include:

MUST be a NYS certified EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN, PA or MD;
maintains camp infirmary, monitors environmental and individual's health (staff and campers) and prepares accident and illness reports; and
on call 24/7 while camp is in session to accompany sick or injured campers to the hospital or an ER.

Conservation Education Camp Counselor

Each Camp Counselor is considered a residential instructor. They are responsible for the general welfare of the campers. Counselors will supervise eight to ten campers and instruct them in environmental subjects, outdoor skills, NYS sportsman education program and recreation. They are responsible for the condition of the camp grounds and the supplies and materials used in the camp programs. Counselors also assist the Camp Supervisors in the development of daily, weekly and seasonal schedules. Specific duties include:

supervises the campers on a 24-hour basis; are responsible for the well being and health of the campers;
when the supervisors are not present, a camp counselor will be appointed to assume the authority of director in the administration of the camp;
instructs the campers in the core environmental science curricula; and
responsible for the planning of recreational activities.

Conservation Education Camp Cook

The camp cook is responsible for the planning, cooking and serving (60-70 people) of all camp meals. In addition, the cook maintains all kitchen and dining hall supplies, materials and equipment. They must be neat, reliable, punctual, flexible and responsible. The cook must be able to prepare menus and order food. They also must have knowledge of nutritional dietary needs of campers and be familiar with New York State Department of Health (DOH) Regulations pertaining to storage, preparation and serving food. Specific duties include:

prepares menus and meals in consultation with camp supervisors;
is responsible for the proper storage and record keeping of all food items; and
prepares weekly orders in conjunction with control office staff.

Food Service Worker II

The Food Service Worker II serves as the assistant cook and aids the cook in the planning, cooking and serving of all the camp meals. The assistant cook is responsible for maintaining all kitchen and dining hall supplies, materials and equipment under the direction of the cook. The assistant cook aids the cook in supervising the Food Service Worker I and volunteers. They are responsible for all of the planning, cooking and serving in the event that the cook is not present. Specific duties include:

assists in preparation of menus and meals;
should be familiar with and comply with (DOH) regulations for the storage, preparation and serving of food and with sanitary regulations concerning kitchen and dining hall;
assists in ordering, delivery and storage of food including inspection of deliveries; and
assists the cook in the proper storage and record keeping of all food items.

Food Service Worker I

This position is responsible for the cleanup of the dishes, pots, pans and dining hall after each meal. A part of this job is the supervision of volunteers during the cleaning process. They might be called upon to help shuttle supplies and materials for trips, run errands and take part in other tasks necessary for the operation of camp. After cleanup duties are completed, this staff person participates in all other areas of camp including recreation, instruction time, free time supervision, hikes, field trips, evening activities and bunk/cabin supervision. Specific duties include:

cleanup of dishes, pots, pans, kitchen and dining hall after each meal;
assist in education and recreation activities including outdoor skills courses, hunter safety and swimming;
supervise volunteers in the cleanup of dishes, pots, pans, kitchen and dining hall; and
participate in evening activities including overnight camp outs, night walks, campfires and special programs.

Please read the job descriptions for the available positions. Since we do have many applications for these positions, it is best to apply early. Interviews of qualified candidates will begin in December and continue until all positions are filled. Applicants possessing Lifeguarding, EMT and similar certifications are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in one of these positions, please submit a resume and cover letter to:

DEC Camps Employment
625 Broadway; 2^nd Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4500

or e-mail edcamps@gw.dec.state.ny.us

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer