Seasonal Outdoor Educator (March 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. This position is responsible for teaching educational programming and recreational activities, interacting with 4-H educators, volunteers and other group leaders, and caring for programmatic and recreational equipment and the nature center animals. All 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:
Performs the typical duties as required by each position according to what is needed
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
Provides assistance for units as requested, such as wiping down tables, filing, coping, sorting, and delivering mail
Department:About Extension
Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW–Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.
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 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, officially accredited through the American Camp Association (ACA), 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:Posted Salary Range
Well-qualified candidates can anticipate earning between $17.45 - $19.70 per hour. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.
Additional Compensation Details
Base pay of $17.45 per hour with the following incentives upon verification for a maximum pay rate of $19.70 per hour.
Pay Incentives for Seasonal Outdoor Educators
Incentive Types:
Returning Staff for second season - $0.50/hr
Returning Staff for third season - $0.50/hr
Returning Staff for fourth season (last increase) - $0.50/hr
Certification (Lifeguard Certification, active before start date through August 2027) - $0.75/hour
Other Camp Experience (minimum 2 months experience) - $0.25/hour
Restrictions: Camps other than Upham Woods cannot be combined with Upham Woods Returning Staff Incentive
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 faci