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SalaryJob Description: AEGIS Wet’n’Wild Summer Camp Teacher
Reports to: Program Manager
Position Type: Short-term Seasonal, Independent Contractor
Start/End Date:
5/28/24 - 5/31/24 (optional training dates)
7/11/24 - 7/12/24 (required AEGIS training dates)
7/15/24 - 7/29/24 (AEGIS Wet’n’Wild camp)
Summary: Are you a high school science teacher, environmental educator, or G/T educator with experience in field science who wants to help shape the future and change the world one student at a time? Join the ONSC team for our AEGIS Wet’n’Wild Summer Camp!
Our team will be teaching 24 10th and 11th grade students for 14 days and 13 nights of a science wilderness immersion program based at the Ozark Natural Science Center campus and Madison County Wildlife Management Area, including two float trips and an overnight camping experience. Students and teachers will be able to unplug from electronic distractions and plug into the ever-changing and exciting world of field biology where evolving technology and field science merge.
The AEGIS campers are selected from all over Arkansas for these highly competitive scholarships. The students are eager to learn and absorb knowledge from our educators and field scientists. Teachers will facilitate students' deeper understanding of nature through hands-on science and Socratic discussions of reading selections. They will inspire appreciation of nature through sharing their love of science and the natural world.
Qualifications: Two outside faculty members will be hired. They will have experience with gifted high school students. Selection criteria for these additional staff will include:
● Extensive knowledge of multiple areas of science
● Familiarity with the process of science and knowledge of the concepts and practices in area of expertise (scientific/ field research)
● Experience and sufficient comfort levels with many outdoor activities (including hiking for hours in the summertime in the Ozarks with potentially very high heat and varying weather conditions, river canoeing or kayaking, and tent camping)
● Outdoor education experience
● Experience communicating effectively with 9th through 11th grade students of high potential
● General knowledge of Natural Science and the Ozarks ecoregion preferred
● Background check required
General Description: 2 teachers will collaborate with 4 ONSC TeacherNaturalists (TNs) and 6 interns to form the teaching staff, which is supervised by ONSC’s Program Manager and Program Coordinator. The education team handles all program-related operations including educational activities, interpretive hikes/field investigations on the trail, interactive classes in the field and classroom, recreation and team-building activities, Socratic discussions on Natural Science and conservation-themed readings, and dorm-duties. Teachers will support the daily science specialists who will be instructing the special topics of the day.
Teachers are required to stay onsite overnight during the entire 14 days of the camp plus 2 training days prior to camp. They will be housed in a private room in the onsite lodges with 12 campers and be chaperones every other night to those campers. Teacher Naturalists and Interns will rotate on alternate nights as chaperones (schedule to be determined). Teachers will have break times scheduled into the camp, and ONSC will try to provide at least one night off during the camp, if possible.
Main Duties:
● Motivate students, nurture new learning, address social-emotional needs, and connect with these gifted students.
● Participate in the instruction of the Wet’n’Wild program through support of students during the specialist programs. Teachers will offer assistance and support to students as they conduct field research, gather data and explore a variety of habitats in the Ozark Natural Division, including oak-hickory forests, glades and the War Eagle, King’s, and Buffalo Rivers.
● Participate in the presentation of Natural Science and conservation literature and support the instruction of Socratic Circle discussions of the writings of naturalists, scientists, and conservationists.
● Help prepare for and lead recreation and team-building activities
● Participate in AEGIS staff training and general ONSC staff information training
● Reside on-site during the 2 full weeks of the program. (Note: ONSC will try to provide at least one night off during the camp, if possible, in addition to other scheduled breaks.)
● Ensure, at all times, the safety of students and peers and other ONSC guests to the best of your ability.
● Knowledgeably use, maintain, and return all teaching and safety equipment assigned to you.
● Provide on-call availability for emergencies during the entirety of the program.
Additional Duties:
● Organize equipment and supplies in preparation for field science instruction duties, including, but not limited to: backpack supplies, hand-held radios, water bottles, etc.
● Be a professional representative of ONSC at all times
● Maintain active communication with the Program Manager/Camp Director on issues of importance relating to programming and operations.
All staff members will have a wealth of knowledge, just like you, so the learning amongst the team members is ongoing and encouraged. Don’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Apply today and be part of a wonderful opportunity to teach science to eager students while enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment.
Compensation:
● $2,500
● Staff housing provided with all utilities
● Meals provided when programming is in session
● An opportunity to share your love of the natural world with an amazing and supportive team of naturalists while sparking and feeding the love of nature in the next generation - priceless!!!!
ONSC celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We seek employees, volunteers, and interns from a wide variety of backgrounds. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, education, culture, or any other federal, state or local protected class.
How to Apply: Please apply by submitting your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Liz Hill, Program Manager: liz.hill@onsc.us or call 479-202-0691 for more information.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary
Pay: Up to $2,500.00 per month
Work Location: In person
