Join our 2024 summer team!
Environmental Education's Nature Day Camp offers eight weeks of summer camps at five locations throughout Portland. Camps have a nature theme and offer an opportunity for educators to explore and learn with small groups of children ages 5-12. Campers spend each day outdoors noticing the world, asking questions, playing in nature, and learning through games and activities. Learn more about Nature Day Camp.
We are looking for people who are...
- Patient, flexible, responsible, and enthusiastic.
- Curious about nature and excited to be outdoors in all types of weather.
- Comfortable ensuring campers, staff, and parents follow COVID-19 guidance from State and County public health authorities regarding physical distancing and face coverings.
- Willing to learn, grow, and be challenged to try new things.
- Comfortable and confident when talking to children and adults.
- Eager to be part of an active and respectful team.
- Comfortable mediating conflicts and challenging behaviors.
- Willing to give feedback to others and get feedback about their skills as an educator.
Camp Locations for 2024 - TBD!
Each week, camp takes place at one of the locations listed below. Over the eight weeks of camp, staff could be assigned to any or all of these locations and will need to find their own transportation to get there.
- Camp locations will be listed here - TBD!
Dates of employment - Vary by position
Nature Day Camps for children take place June through August, 2024.
- All staff work Monday through Friday. Staff will not report to work on June 19, July 4, and July 5.
- Hours vary on the position.
- AM Site Leads report to work from 7:45am - 3:45pm
- PM Site Leads report to work from 10:00am - 6:00pm
- Educators, and Leads report to work from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
- All staff receive a 30-minute paid lunch.
- Everyone is responsible for getting themselves to the assigned site each week.
- All staff are required to attend training days in June. Approximate dates will be listed here when they have been determined.
- Optional camp wrap-up days are the week after camp ends.
Note for summer 2024 - Please visit the COVID-19 section on the Nature Day Camp webpage for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 requirements.
Required training days for all positions
Please make sure you can get to each of these parks on foot or by car, bike, or public transportation.
- Approximate dates for 2024: TB
- Approximate times: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Topics at staff training will include, but is not limited to, managing groups of children, safety at camp, child development, ecology of the Pacific Northwest, communication with parents, and promoting unstructured play in nature. We also spend time each day becoming friends, building rapport, team-building, and understanding our roles as mentors and teachers.
CPR/First Aid - All staff will take part in a Medic CPR and First Aid class offered by Portland Parks & Recreation.
Severe Allergic Reactions and Medication Administration - All staff 18 and over are asked to attend three additional hours of training. Times and dates are TBD, but training takes place in early June.
Planning days for Support Staff
June 3-17| Flexible weekday hours, part-time. Remote work and in-person at Lair Hill Park and Carnegie office
Training days for returning Nature Day Camp Staff (all staff from Summer 2021, 2022 and 2023)
The week of June 10-14 |Final Time and Date TBD. In-person at Lair Hill Park
Nature Educator I - 2024 Applications Coming Soon!
Wages: Coming soon!
Dates of employment: Coming soon!
To qualify: At least 16 yrs old by June 15, 2024. No experience necessary, but you SHOULD genuinely like science, nature, children, and be interested in learning about outdoor education.
Summary of duties (Please see the application for the full list of responsibilities):
- Uphold all camp safety protocols and COVID-safe guidelines
- Collaborate with other educators to lead nature-themed activities
- Build relationships with campers and families
- Create a safe space for campers to have fun and make friends
Nature Educator II - 2024 Applications Coming Soon!
Wages: Coming soon!
Dates of employment: Coming soon!
To qualify: At least 18 years old by June 15, 2024. Must have experience leading and teaching groups of children, working at Nature Day Camp (or similar program) or at an organization related to nature, science, or outdoor education.
Summary of duties (Please see the application for the full list of responsibilities):
- Create safe spaces for campers to explore and observe the natural world.
- Collaborate with Team Leads to lead organized activities and promote nature play.
- Communicate with families and work together to solve problems as needed.
- Teach and lead groups using various teaching methods.
- Use creative techniques to help campers transition between activities.
- Recognize when to ask for help from other Educators, Teams Leads, and Coordinators.
Submit your relevant education, experience, and training and fill out the application online.
Nature Day Camp Team Lead - 2024 Applications Coming Soon!
Wages: Coming soon!
Dates of employment: Coming soon!
To qualify: At least 21 years old by June 15, 2024. Must have experience leading and teaching groups of children, experience leading a small team, and experience working at Nature Day Camp, a similar camp program , or at an organization related to nature, science, or outdoor education.
Summary of duties (Please see the application for the full list of responsibilities):
- Mentor a small team of educators and their camp groups.
- Plan, organize, and lead nature-themed activities, crafts, and rotations with other staff.
- Help educators with camper check-in and check-out process each day.
- Lead and assist with daily staff meetings and evaluations.
- Communicate any issues to staff, campers, and families as needed each day.
- Coordinate staff break schedules and transition between groups effectively.
- Fill in for educators who are unable to work because of illness or injury.
- Act as role models and mentors for Junior Educator Participants.
Submit a resume highlighting your relevant education, experience and training and fill out the application online.
Nature Day Camp Junior Educator Lead - 2024 Applications Coming Soon!
Wages: Coming soon!
Dates of employment: Coming soon!
To qualify: At least 21 years old by June 15, 2024. Must have experience leading and teaching groups of teenagers, experience leading a small team, and experience working at Nature Day Camp, a similar camp program , or at an organization related to nature, science, or outdoor education.
Summary of duties (Please see the application for the full list of responsibilities):
- Oversee Junior Educator program: lead and support teens who participate as volunteers in two weeks of Nature Day Camp.
- Mentor teens while they gain job skills as educators.
- Plan and facilitate Junior Educator orientation days.
- Organize and lead nature-themed activities with other staff.
- Ensure Junior Educators are checked in and out of Camp and understand their role each day.
- Provide written and verbal feedback to support growth and skill development.
Submit a resume highlighting your relevant education, experience and training and fill out the application online.
Nature Day Camp Site Lead - 2024 Applications Coming Soon!
Wages: Coming soon!
Dates of employment: Coming soon!
To qualify: At least 21 years old on June 15, 2024. Must have strong communication and collaboration skills, experience working at Nature Day Camp or similar program or at an organization related to nature, science, or outdoor education, and experience coordinating logistics for a large program and leading a diverse team. Driver's license and acceptable five-year driving record required.
Summary of duties (Please see the application for the full list of responsibilities):
- Support and oversee camp flow: lead daily meetings, help plan activities, assist with staff lunches and breaks
- Collaborate with staff to develop and conduct crafts, rotations, activities, and staff evaluations
- Transport camp supplies and equipment to and from work locations: you will need access to a personal vehicle, you may need to take some supplies home each day. There is reimbursement for mileage.
- Work with the Nature Day Camp Coordinator to plan and organize six days of all-staff training
- Coordinate onsite paperwork: attendance, timesheets, health or accident reports, or other administrative tasks
- Problem-solving various issues at camp, recognize when to ask for help from other Coordinators, Supervisor, and fellow staff
- Communicate with families to resolve registration or behavioral challenges as needed
Submit a resume highlighting your relevant education, experience and training and fill out the application online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I need a week off during the summer?
Sure - feel free to apply. We try our best to accommodate time off requests that are reasonable, as we believe that all staff should practice a healthy work-life balance. We also recognize that this program requires staff who are largely available and committed to work the full summer. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to work around it, but we can and will still invite you to an interview.
How much should I write for an essay question?
We suggest writing about 150-250 words, which is about six to eight sentences. Feel free to write more if you would like.
Who should I list as my references?
We suggest using former supervisors or managers who know you well, but there are many others who might be a good reference and can speak to your good qualities. Here are some other ideas:
- A coordinator for an organization where you volunteered
- A youth worker, pastor, rabbi, religious leader
- A teacher who knows both your work and your personality
- A friend or neighbor whom you have done odd jobs or worked for (like lawn care or babysitting or cleaning)
- A leader of a club or group you are involved in (like a garden club or language club)
- A leader in an organization you are connected to (like a culturally specific organization or Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
Who should I contact if I have questions or need help?
Contact Rose at rose.ramirez@portlandoregon.gov or call/text at 503-729-7854.
Unpaid positions - Junior Educator (ages 13-16)
Junior Educator Program (Ages 13-16, no experience necessary but you should like science, nature, and children.)
See the Junior Educator page for all details.