Penn State is hiring a Part-Time Summer Camp Assistant Naturalist - Shaver's Creek Environmental Center

At Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, we are seeking a Part-Time Summer Camp Assistant Naturalist. In this supportive role, you will gain hands-on experience alongside camp naturalists, assisting with nature-focused summer camp programs. You will help manage groups, lead activities, and directly contribute to a positive camp environment.

What You'll Do

• Assist with group management, lead games and activities, sing songs, read stories, and address camper needs.
• Ensure the safety of all campers and staff.
• Communicate frequently and effectively with team members, campers, and leaders.
• Uphold all Penn State and Shaver’s Creek policies and procedures.
• Participate actively as a collaborative team member.
• Lead and co-lead games, activities, songs, riddles, and explorative exercises throughout the week.
• Set personal goals, work actively towards them, and check in on progress.
• Demonstrate appreciation for team members and campers.
• Maintain high levels of energy, engagement, and patience.
• Provide medical treatment when necessary and maintain accurate health records.
• Assemble camper journals for printing.
• Serve in the 'LIT Assistant' role for up to one week, supporting the first-year Leader-in-Training program and logistics.
• If busing is available, ride the bus to and from Shaver’s Creek each day, leading programs and engaging with campers during the ride.

What We're Looking For

• Commitment to the entire June 1 - August 1, 2026 timeframe, or a minimum of the two full weeks of training plus three weeks of program.
• Completion of all required online Penn State training modules (reporting child abuse, Cleary Act, COINS, and others).
• Willingness to read through provided 'pre-training' materials, including natural history information and the staff manual.
• Creation of a personal wellness plan for the summer.
• Timely completion and return of all required forms by deadlines.
• Successful acquisition of a PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Team & Environment

You will serve in a supportive role for the group leader (camp naturalists), contributing to the team's success in delivering nature education.

Benefits & Compensation

• Develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Form lasting connections with peers.
• Participate in professional development sessions on various topics.
• Possible eligibility for internship credit.
• Spend your summer working outside in nature.
• Learn techniques for being present and immersed in the moment.
• Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR, and Epi-Pen administration.
• Gain confidence through personal and professional growth.
• Compensation: $10.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position located at the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.