Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is seeking educators to act as camp leads during Summer Camp 2026. 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.

During the term of this position, educators will experience many aspects of environmental education and nonprofit work, making this an excellent opportunity for a student or recent graduate who desires the opportunity to explore informal education or refine their interests in the education or non-profit fields.

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.

Educators will gain hands-on experience in implementation of informal education programs, including program planning and delivery. Educators will also develop classroom management skills and a deeper understanding of inquiry-based pedagogy, enabling themselves to effectively communicate and teach youth in a variety of settings. Additionally, educators will learn about non-profit organizations and management, the day-to-day operations of a community center, and the many facets of USU Extension work.

• Act as lead instructor (or co-lead) during camps, managing 12 to 16 campers each week.
• Oversee 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

• Coursework or experience relevant to the fields of youth education, environmental science, conservation, wetland science, ecology, science communication, etc.
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials to and from camp.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in informal or formal education is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A commitment to environmental education and conservation.
• Ability to work in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

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. Contact Information for Professional Reference to be input at the beginning of your application in the 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. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. 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 a reasonable accommodation 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. 

*updated 12/2025

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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

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:

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

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025