This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt, non-benefited position. $18-21 per hour, depending on the applicant's education and experience.

Position Summary

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for three seasonal positions entailing 6 to 7 weeks of camp instruction (40 hours/week) starting on or after June 29, with up to 5 days earlier in June to help plan and prepare for camp. We host 9 weeks of camp starting June 29 and concluding on August 28. The first session is 4 days (June 29-July 2); the other sessions are 5 full days. Instructors have some flexibility in selecting their weeks.

Instructors will work with the Education Program Leader to implement all aspects of the Cary Institute Summer Ecology Day Camp for children in grades 2-8. Camp activities include ecology investigations in streams, forests, ponds and fields, games, arts and crafts, and hiking on our 2000-acre property in New York's Hudson Valley. Instructors play a key role in shaping daily camp flow, managing group dynamics, and leading hands-on field experiences.

The Summer Ecology Camp Instructor position is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in environmental education or elementary-middle school education. Elementary-middle school teachers and/or early career environmental educators are especially encouraged to apply.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, friendly, and supportive space for all camp participants.
• Develop and teach ecological curriculum and facilitate scientific investigations for elementary- and middle-school age campers.
• Adhere to organizational systems to prepare and maintain camp educational, recreational, and safety materials.
• Mentor Junior Instructors and high school Eco-Leaders.
• Collaborate with educational and scientific staff on ecology-based lessons, games, art projects, and other camp activities.
• Support light documentation and reflection on camp activities and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• College coursework completed in education, ecology, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the natural world and for sharing science and instilling a sense of wonder about the environment in camp participants.
• Teaching experience with elementary- and/or middle-school children, in formal or informal settings.
• Ability to design and facilitate engaging and age-appropriate ecology lessons for students of varying age groups and backgrounds.
• Openness to diverse perspectives, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive camp atmosphere.
• A positive attitude, patience, and a nurturing, structured, and growth-oriented approach to working with campers.
• Strong group management skills, including the ability to facilitate smooth transitions, lead groups outdoors through variable terrain safely, and address behavioral challenges.
• High capacity to adapt to unexpected and challenging situations.
• Demonstrated positive experience in working collaboratively with others in a team environment.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background check.
• Certification/willingness to become certified in first aid and CPR. Certification provided and supported by Cary Institute.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language skills: proficiency (conversational) or fluency.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based, hands-on educational pedagogy.
• Knowledge of Hudson Valley natural history and ecosystems.

Working Conditions

• Willingness to work outdoors in adverse environmental conditions including, but not limited to, hot temperatures, light to moderate rain, mosquitoes and ticks.
• Ability to walk across uneven and sometimes steep terrain through forests, meadows, and creeks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and transport gear and equipment to field locations.

Housing: Optional on-site shared housing is available at a rate of $580/month. Includes private room, shared bath and kitchen.

Closing Date: March 6, 2026

To Apply:

Visit our website at https://www.caryinstitute.org/... and complete our online job application. Please 1) Submit one document that includes a resume and the names and full contact information (including e-mail address) for three professional references and 2) Copy-paste your cover letter into the “Cover Letter” field.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is an independent environmental research organization dedicated to understanding ecosystems and addressing key environmental challenges. With a focus on freshwater, forests, disease, and cities, our scientists are global experts in ecology and tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity change and human impacts on land and water. At the Cary Institute, we prioritize sharing our science to enhance ecological literacy and foster informed decision-making.