Job Description

Opportunity Type: part-time/hourly, non-exempt, seasonal

Location:

Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE

Coverdale Farm Preserve, Greenville, DE

Organization Description

Delaware Nature Society’s (DelNature) mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment.  Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for our educational programming, conservation, and advocacy. We provide the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.

We manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve. Our organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on:  Working & Natural Lands, Healthy Waters, and Protecting Habitats and Wildlife.

DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity and is committed to understanding and addressing where we fall short. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing of each other’s perspectives. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all who are qualified to apply.

Job Description

This position reports to: Education/Site Coordinator at assigned site.

Varied Schedule, based on program offerings by site. There are several required trainings that occur prior to the start of camp season that this position will need to attend.

The Summer Internship is a 12-week employment located at DelNature’s Ashland Nature Center or Coverdale Farm Preserve. Summer Interns (Interns) support the effective delivery of educational lessons and activities for children ages 4 to 15 during week-long summer camp programs. Interns participate in 1 week of training and rotate through various summer camp duties. Duties include assisting with or leading camps for ages 4 – 15, leading extended care activities, and assisting camp leadership in day-to-day operations. Interns will have the opportunity to develop and lead programs and assist in traveling adventure camps. Summer Education Interns are paid hourly (pay rate dependent on qualifications) for the 12-week term position divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld. All summer interns will need to enter hours for their training and camp work weeks using the Paycom payroll system. Paycom training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support summer camp with all aspects of camp during eleven weeks of summer camp programming.
• Assist with daily camp program preparation and clean up, and with care and maintenance of education materials, equipment, and teaching tools.
• Support and participate in instructor training events and activities.
• Co-lead early morning care and/or afternoon extended care as needed over the course of the summer.
• Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures, including health and safety protocols, are implemented, and always enforced.
• Assist with other camp duties such as sign in and sign out process.

Minimum Qualifications

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty pounds and be able to carry, move and set up necessary supplies and equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society.
• Outdoor recreation, cooking, or farm skills and experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team, indoors and outside under variable weather conditions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the organization.
• Excellent communication skills with an ease and enthusiasm for talking to individuals of all ages.
• Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills, work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• Valid Driver’s License

Essential Dates

• Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
• Start Date: May 31st, 2025
• End Date: August 29, 2025

Salary and Benefits

Starting hourly rate – $15.00. This is a seasonal position ending in August. Summer Camp Interns are paid hourly for the seasonal position divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld. Camp staff are required to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break daily.

Interns may utilize shared DelNature housing if needed and available.    

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY– Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change. 

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