About the Department
Position Duties
This is a temporary position responsible for engaging youth in educational and recreational activities during the SFA Gardens Pineywoods Summer Camp program. This summer camp program connects children to their natural environment, engages them in outdoor activities, fosters an appreciation of nature, and encourages positive face-to-face social interactions during the week-long sessions. This position works in the outdoors with children aged 4 to 11 years old under close supervision within outlined requirements. College students 18 years old or older are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma is required. Completion of college level biology, forestry, agriculture, and/or environmental sciences is preferred.
Experience planning and organizing one or more educational events involving children is required. Experience as a youth camp director or camp counselor is preferred. Experience teaching or leading outdoor educational or recreational activities is preferred.
Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, lift objects up to 50 pounds, and work outdoors.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS- Provide information needed for criminal background check and complete all required training in a timely manner.
- Prepare and carry out assigned daily schedule of camp activities.
- Greet campers and obtain parent/guardian signatures on daily sign-in/sign-out sheets.
- Co-lead a small group of campers with another counselor.
- Distribute name tags to campers in the morning and collect them at the end of each day.
- Review safety with campers daily.
- Know where group’s campers are at all times.
- Help keep campers attentive during group instruction times.
- Remind campers to be respectful of plants, animals and other campers.
- Identify and meet camper needs, such as reminding them to drink plenty of water.
- Assist campers in use of bathroom facilities.
- Provide first aid as needed.
- Report any accidents or incidents using correct forms and provide the forms to the camp director.
- Keep campers’ belongings organized during time at camp.
- Ensure that campers only leave camp with an adult designated by their parent or guardian.
- Help keep all activity areas and equipment clean and well organized.
- Help solve problems as they arise.
- Assist in data collection and reflection.
- Complete required paperwork for camp documentation on time
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.- Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
- Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
- Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
- Skill in material resources management through obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
- Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
- Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions
- Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
- Ability to maintain and care for hand and power tools.
Minimum Qualifications
The selected candidate(s) must be able to work full-time, Monday - Friday from date of hire through July 8, 2026.
Finalists will required to provide three letters of recommendation upon request.
Other Qualifications
Safety Statement
Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.
This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.