Ecology & Conservation Instructor

The Ecology & Conservation Instructor at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia will mentor Scouts aged 11-17 in ecology and conservation merit badges. Responsibilities include instructing, coordinating materials, participating in camp activities, and maintaining a safe environment. Candidates should have a background in environmental science and be comfortable presenting to groups. This role requires physical activity and adherence to the principles of Scouting.
Why James C. Justice National Scout Camp?

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a 10,600-acre outdoor adventure and education facility near the New River Gorge National Park, in southern West Virginia. As a Scouting America National High Adventure Base, the Summit offers formative and transformational experiences to young people between the ages of ten and twenty. Justice National Scout Camp hosts Scouts (youth between ten and seventeen) and offers instruction in more than eighty merit badge programs, across areas like aquatics, climbing, S.T.E.M., arts and media, citizenship and life skills, Scoutcraft, and more. Our participants also engage in high-adventure activities, like mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and skateboarding. As a quintessential Scouting experience, Justice National Scout Camp also offers daily flag ceremonies, campfire programs, and a variety of fun camp-wide activities. We are looking for incredible staff members to guide, inspire, and empower the next generation of leaders!

Direct Report

Ecology and Conservation Director

Employee Profile and Desired Traits

High-level emotional intelligence

Skilled in team dynamics, conflict prevention/resolution, and identifying customer needs

Cheerful attitude and servant leadership disposition

People-oriented and focused on customer service

Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with ability to learn and develop hard and soft skills

Ability to interact with men and women of all ages and maturity levels of staff/customers

Duties & Responsibilities

Instruct, mentor, and engage Scouts (ages 11-17) in ecology, conservation/nature merit badges

Present to and interact with groups of five to twenty Scouts (youth) to transfer knowledge and empower application of skills and concepts

Coordinate and collect program and instructional materials and resources

Turn in accurate advancement paperwork to supervisor in a timely manner

Participate in camp-wide programs and activities (campfires, evening programs)

Exemplify the principles of the Scout Oath and Law and model Scout Spirit

Assist with the setup, maintenance, and takedown of program and camping areas

Maintain a clean, organized, inspected, neat, and safe working area

Other duties or projects as assigned by full-time and seasonal S.B.R. leadership

Abide by policies and procedures outlined in the S.B.R. Staff Handbook

Qualifications & Training

Eighteen years of age or older

Previous environmental science, ecology/conservation, biology, and/or Scouting exp preferred

Comfortable speaking and presenting in front of groups of youth and adults

Leave No Trace Trainer or ability to complete course on arrival

Ability to use Microsoft Teams daily for work-related communication and coordination

Be or become a registered member of Scouting America

Performance Results

Meet or exceed expectations listed on the mid-season and end-of-season performance reviews

Create positive, memorable moments for Scouts (youth) and adult leaders during their visit

Make meaningful connections and build intentional relationships with Scouts and adult leaders

Contribute positively to the Justice National Scout Camp and the Summit through excellent job performance and through input of ideas for improvement

Physical Requirements

Multiple hours of standing, walking, or hiking each day and ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Can pass the physical exam and approved for SBR height and weight requirements HERE

Uniform

Summit staff uniform

Housing

10'x12' platform tent; Staff Camp

Expected Weekly Hours

55+