Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is seeking educators to act as camp leads during Summer Camp 2025 (May through August). Educators will lead and assist in summer programs that take place both on the Swaner Preserve and in the EcoCenter. Educators will utilize experiential, inquiry, and place-based pedagogy to provide meaningful nature-based camp experiences to youth entering Kindergarten through 8th grades in half-day and full-day week-long camps. This role will report to the Director of Education.

Candidates must have a positive attitude, be open to learning, work well as part of a team, and enjoy working outdoors in a variety of environments and weather conditions. Candidates must be professional in interactions with youth participants, adult guardians, staff, volunteers, and the public as a representative of USU Extension and the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Candidate’s professional, academic, and lived experiences will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. Candidates should support and help create a respectful workplace culture where all are welcome. Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

• Act as lead instructor (or co-lead) during camps, managing 12 to 16 campers each weekOversee 2-5 high school counselors each week and provide meaningful feedback and mentorship
• Provide campers with high quality environmental and STEM education activities, including outdoor exploration, design challenges, art projects, nature walks, etc.
• Help foster a safe and positive environment for campers, counselors, and administrative staff. Recognizing the physical, emotional, and social needs of campers and differentiate instruction as needed.
• Assist in the development of camp curriculum and supporting educational materials, including preparing supplies for each program.
• Communicate daily camp happenings, camper behavior, etc. to campers' guardians and to Camp Director
• Work collaboratively with a team of 3 staff, 4 educators, and up to 35 high school counselors to create a positive and safe camp/work environment for the duration of camp programs

Minimum Qualifications:

• A commitment to environmental education and conservation
• Coursework or experience relevant to the fields of youth education, environmental science, conservation, wetland science, ecology, science communication, etc.
• A desire to work with youth in a informal education setting
• Ability to work in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in informal or formal education
• Ability to speak Spanish

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023