Youth Program Naturalist Jobs

Reports to: School Programs Manager

Classification: Non-exempt; part-time (20 hours/week)
Locations: Camp Fire Minnesota + partner sites + work from home

Who we are

With nature as our catalyst, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Yout h

spend 90% of their time indoors – and that was before COVID-19. Camp Fire Minnesota addresses this challenge by delivering

culturally relevant, nature-based programs onsite at our camp property in Excelsior and throughout the community to thousands of

youth from all backgrounds each year. We help youth “light their spark within” through summer and school break camps,

environmental education & STEM classes for schools (in-person and virtual), and community-based out-of-school time nature

programs.

We are proud to offer inclusive and welcoming programs to youth in the community, including free and reduced rate programs an d

a scholarship program. As a result of their Camp Fire experience, 93% of youth report valuing nature and stewarding the

environment.

Where we are headed

Camp Fire Minnesota envisions a future where every youth has access to nature-based experiences and learning. Recognizing the

inequity in our field (both in the past and today), Camp Fire’s 2020-2022 Strategic Plan aims to further diversify what spending time

in and protecting nature looks like – for every young person. We will leverage our Excelsior property in new ways with the addition

of our new Community & Dining Center. And guided by input from youth and schools across communities, our programs and

curriculum will further evolve to embrace the many ways people engage with and benefit from nature.

Strategic Plan

Statement of Inclusion

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and

adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender

identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to

define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive

relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire.

Position Overview

Youth Program Naturalist help catalyze growth through nature. Through our programs, youth are engaged in hands-

on, experiential learning in environmental education, STEM and team building. We offer virtual and in-person PreK-12

field trips at Camp Fire Minnesota, in-school environmental education, school-break camps (MEA, Martin Luther King

Jr. Day, etc.), and after school programs. This Youth Program Naturalist serves on a team that teaches and supports

the growth of Camp Fire Minnesota’s after-school program. Working with long-term partners at schools in

Minneapolis, they connect with diverse groups of young people who often face barriers to accessing nature education.

They facilitate hands-on, experiential learning in environmental education, outdoor living skills, and STEM, and support

students in cultivating relationships while exploring the outdoors. Most programs take place in the school community,

including nature field trips in Minneapolis, as well as school-break camps at Camp Fire Minnesota.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion

• A minimum of one year of previous experience in youth work, environmental education or related fields

required

• Experience and comfort creating an inclusive program with youth and adults of diverse backgrounds

• Knowledge in environmental education and a passion for sharing that with youth

• Possess a drive for continuous improvement

• Collaborative and willing to help where needed to ensure program and organization success

• Professional, energetic, and engaging with youth, teachers, parents, co-workers, etc.

• Solution-oriented: takes confident and quick action to understand the situation fully, seek answers and resolve

the situation promptly with limited direction

• Strong ability to communicate with others in person and remotely

• Reliable means of transportation to travel to meetings at Camp Fire Minnesota and programs in Minneapolis
• Ability to be on your feet for a long period of time and lift up to 30 lbs. Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, climb,

balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move continually during working hours.

• Able to work both indoors and outdoors year-round in all type of weather

• 21 years of age and hold a current driver’s license valid in the State of Minnesota are both a plus, but not

required (in order to drive Camp Fire Minnesota program vehicles)

• First Aid and CPR, ARC Lifeguard certifications or experience is a plus, but not required

Primary Responsibilities
Program Execution:

• Facilitate four programs per week in two partner sites for PreK-12 students. Programs include school-based

activities and leading students on community field trips a few times a month.

• Build relationships with a consistent group of students rooted in support, trust, and trauma-informed care.

• Support the preparation of all necessary program materials weekly.

• Support one of the program’s goals of reducing barriers to summer camp by promoting camp opportunities and

engaging participants in School Break Camps at Camp Fire Minnesota.

• Option to occasionally support the Environmental Education team as a field trip facilitator at Camp Fire

Minnesota on an as-needed basis.

Program Development & Quality

• Engage in weekly team meetings and program debriefs.

• Engage in training on environmental education, youth development, risk management, trauma informed care,

program facilitation, restorative practices, etc.

• Administer surveys to after-school participants and incorporate youth voice and feedback into future programs.

• Opportunities to develop environmental education curriculum, program calendars and field trip plans that

incorporate participant feedback and introduce young people to nature spaces in their community.

Hours & Required Availability
• Available during after-school hours Mondays - Thursdays throughout the year is required.

• Every Monday, staff meetings, program preparation, and training take place between the hours of 10:00 AM – 2:00

PM at Camp Fire Minnesota.

• The projected start date for this position is Tuesday, September 12th, 2023.

Pay and Benefits

$17-$20/hour based on experience, optional on-site housing at Camp Fire Minnesota’s Excelsior property.

Application Instructions
Please submit resume, cover letter and three professional references to: [email protected] and include “Youth

Program Naturalist” in the subject line of your email. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to respond to
inquiries to check on the status of your application.

Camp Fire Minnesota is strongly committed to addressing environmental justice.

We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA2S individuals,

and unemployed persons to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet

every single qualification. At Camp Fire we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and someone who is committed

to our mission and values. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.