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University of Maine System Seasonal - Outdoor Educator in Lincolnville, Maine

You will provide hands-on ecology immersion for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. All school programming is customized and highlights our Earth Connections curriculum and BEETLES teaching methodology. Programs work with students across grades K-12 in day and short-term overnight programs. This position will be at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, Maine, and Blueberry Cove in Tenants Harbor. This position would be working with a team to develop and implement the program curriculum, schedules, and new projects. Full-Time, Temporary (April 14 to late-October). $500-$550 a week minimum, for about 7 months.

This is a full-time position in conjunction with a team of other educators from April to late October. Spring and Fall Appointments: Monday through Friday with some evenings (1-2 nights per week no later than 9 PM) and weekend program responsibilities. Summer Appointment: You will reside on-site with campers in shared housing throughout the season, with structured time off each week.

We are looking for staff to join us for the entire program season from April -late October, but we are open to discussing shorter one-season options or seasonal combinations.

Spring Appointment: Early April through early June 2025; educators focus on our Open Air Classroom programs with school, working primarily with 2nd-10th grade students in day and overnight programming at Tanglewood or supporting day and after school programs at Blueberry Cove.

Summer Appointment: Mid-June through mid-August 2025; educators serve in roles during summer programs, either as program coordinators, overnight camp educators or trip leaders.

Fall Appointment: Mid-September through late October 2025; programs run similarly to the Spring season.

Responsibilities:

Spring and Fall Appointments:

  • You will help develop and teach hands-on, ecology, STEM, group building, and outdoor skills-based lessons to grades K-12 for the day, overnight, and after-school programs

  • You will deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)

  • You can contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays

  • You will need to work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources

  • You will need to participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs

  • You will take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community

  • You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming

  • You will need to transport students in University vans to program sites

  • You can foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect

  • You are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean-up

  • You may have additional duties that may be assigned or reassigned based on camp needs.

Additional Summer Responsibilities:

  • You will plan and carry out camp activities such as afternoon elective programming (teaching 1 lesson per day), special events, opening and closing ceremonies, evening programs, campfires, etc.

  • You may live in a cabin with campers and, along with a co-counselor, create the necessary atmosphere for a safe and positive camp experience (staff/camper ratio = 1:4-8).

  • You may design and co-coordinate, implement and evaluate a hands-on curriculum for youth in a week-long, morning program (8-16 youth per group, 1:8 ratio max).

  • You may co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3-6 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).

  • You may plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.

Benefits:

  • Rustic and Shared Housing with kitchen facilities

  • Meals when overnight programs are in session

  • Laundry, during spring and fall appointments

  • Internet Access

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Complete Job Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yhatW4oDHHAtTRi-iLxVaiJDGxf5uv19/view?usp=sharing)

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .

Who We Are:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families in Lincolnville. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences. Tucked into a parcel of Camden Hills State Park, campers and counselors join together to form a creative community fostering a supportive and fun environment for all — and drawing people back year after year! While having fun and experiencing the joys of being a part of the natural world, we emphasize community living, respect for all, and healthy relationships. Summer at Tanglewood is filled with the wonderful energy of young people living and playing together outdoors. Our camps encourage everyone to be themselves, learn from those around them, and make good decisions. Tanglewood’s summer offerings include overnight camps for 8 to 14-year-olds, day camps for 5 to 11-year-olds, hunter safety camps in conjunction with Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, discovery trips featuring canoeing and backpacking, and multi-week leadership programs for teens 14-17. Behind our programs is a dedicated team of program leaders and support staff who are trained in working with young people in the outdoors.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • You have a High school diploma or equivalent

  • You have a valid US driver’s license and are eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the Driver Administration Policy.

Preferred:

  • You hold a certification:

  • Basic First Aid/CPR

  • Wilderness Responder Certification

  • Small Craft Water Safety Certification

  • Maine Trip Leader Permit

  • You have experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting

  • You know ecological concepts and natural history

  • With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others in a variety of weather conditions

  • You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience during programming

  • You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.

  • Degree in environmental science, education, adventure education, childcare, or a willingness to learn and self-teach new skills

  • Experience facilitating team-building initiatives, as well as course activities

  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while managing the needs of all participants

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position

2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

These materials are reviewed on a weekly basis. The final date to apply for the summer of 2025 is June 1, 2025, at 4:30 PM

For questions about the search, please contact Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg, at reed.bridgekoenigsberg@maine.edu or visit http://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.

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