Seasonal Outdoor Educator (May Start)

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Job Category:University Staff
Employment Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:Assistant
Job Summary:
The Upham Woods Seasonal Outdoor Educators are the primary programmatic personnel for Upham Woods in the summer season. In that regard, this position is responsible for teaching programming and recreational activities for user groups, interacting with 4-H Youth educators and adult volunteers, other group leaders, and care for programmatic, outpost and recreational equipment, which includes the science center animals. All of the above is to be done with a focus on customer service and effective educational methods in a safe environment.
Responsibilities:
Education :
Teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programming to school and community groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants. A list of common programs is available here: https://uphamwoods.extension.wisc.edu/program-search/ [RS1] [MS2]
Collaborate with team members to identify and manage risk in the outdoors.
Prepare and clean-up programmatic activities along with basic upkeep of educational materials and spaces.
Customer Service :
Serve as liaison (main point of contact) for visiting groups including on call status*
Facilitate meal service with dining hall staff
Facility & Conservation Support:
Complete facility maintenance projects, move canoes/kayaks, trail work, and minor cleaning, as needed.
Housing
Lodging is available while working at Upham Woods in our staff duplex. Bedroom assignments can be an individual or shared, shared bathroom, and shared common areas (kitchen, living room, laundry facilities).
*On-call status refers to liaison duties extending overnight, where a provided cell phone is left on in case of emergency contact from the visiting group.
Temporary Position
This position may have the possibility to be extended based on need and/or funding.
In Person
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Evening/Weekend Work
This position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to meet the program needs and priorities of the communities served.
Physical Requirements
Ability to occasionally lift and carry 35 pounds.
Ability to hike several miles on uneven terrain including trails and stairs in a wide variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Provides assistance for units as requested, such as wiping down tables, filing, coping, sorting, and delivering mail
Acts in compliance with the standards of their job, represents the university in a positive manner, and completes the assigned tasks that are aligned to their role
Performs the typical duties as required by each position according to what is needed
Department:
UW Madison, Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute, Upham Woods is hiring for Several Seasonal Outdoor Educators.
About Extension
UW-Madison’s Division of Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts.
About the Institute
The Extension Natural Resources Institute (https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/) addresses today's critical environmental issues, particularly the sustainable management of food, water, and energy, by using collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches grounded in an understanding of human interactions with resources. We leverage our diverse team of researchers and outreach specialists to provide science-based information and education, embodying the Wisconsin Idea through extensive partnerships. Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that benefit our shared natural resources through a variety of programs.
About the Program
Upham Woods is a residential center within the UW-Madison, Division of Extension that provides hands-on, field-based education and recreation opportunities to youth, youth leaders, and adults through programs focused on environmental and leadership education. The Center, consists of 14 buildings including a new welcome center, full-service kitchen and dining hall, nature center, and lodging for visitors and seasonal staff. The Center sits on the Wisconsin River with over 300 acres of forested land, including a 210- acre state natural area island.
Compensation:
Well-qualified candidates can anticipate earning between $17.45 - $19.70 per hour. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.
Incentive Types:
Returning Staff for second season - $.50/hr
Returning Staff for third season - $.50/hr
Returning Staff for fourth season (last increase) - $.50/hr
Certification (Lifeguard, must be active before start date and valid through camp end) - $.75/hour
Other Camp Experience (minimum 2 months experience) - $.25/hour
Required Qualifications:
Ability to work in a team setting with enthusiasm and creativity, and the ability to work independently
The desire to teach user groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants
Familiarity with outdoor adventure pursuits and their associated equipment, such as camping, canoeing, archery, etc.
A general understanding of the field of environmental education, natural resources, education, and youth development
Ability to work flexible hours any day of the week, including evening hours
Willingness to complete a unique set of tasks on any given day.
Preferred Qualifications:
Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in education, natural science, biology, environmental education, or a related field
Ability to take responsibility for one of the specialization areas. Specialization areas include, but are not limited to: program animals, challenge course, technology, marketing and social media, and facility improvement.
Education:
H.S. Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Certifications
Lifeguarding certification or ability to obtain before start of employment, with certification active through August 2027. Required to lead Canoeing, Outpost, Swimming, and Blackhawk Island Hikes.
Professional certifications in any of the activities which we commonly offer, such as licensed teacher, 4-H Archery, Low Ropes element challenge course, canoeing, etc.
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
Resume
Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)
Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background as it relates to this position. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please click https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date