Camp Program Instructor

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established public service office is seeking a Camp Program Instructor to lead environmental education activities for children aged 5 to 13. This temporary role offers a unique opportunity to inspire young minds through hands-on learning experiences in a dynamic outdoor setting. As part of a dedicated team, you will guide campers through exciting activities while promoting environmental awareness. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a passion for nature, and the ability to engage children effectively. Join us in making a positive impact in the community by fostering a love for the environment among the next generation.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vacation Time

Sick Leave

Floating Holidays

Retirement Program

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Must be a college student, recent graduate, or hold a bachelor's degree.
• Experience working with children or in educational settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide and supervise student interns during camp activities.
• Provide demonstrations of nature-based lessons and activities.
• Administer assessments to evaluate camper learning outcomes.

Skills

Communication Skills

Team Supervision

Time Management

Animal Handling

Safety Procedures

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Background in Biology or Environmental Science

Job description

About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis

There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One.

With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.

The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis: Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
• Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
• Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare.
• Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
• Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century.
• Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
• Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.

What you will do at Precinct One:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Camp Program Instructor to lead environmental education activities for young children, ages 5 to 13, at our youth summer program, Discovery Camp. The ideal candidate will be passionate about nature and the environment, with the ability to inspire and engage children in hands-on learning experiences. As a key part of our team, you will guide campers through exciting outdoor activities, nature walks, and educational lessons that promote environmental awareness and stewardship.

Curriculum and training will be provided, including first aid and CPR certification. This is a wonderful opportunity to work in a dynamic outdoor setting while helping children develop a greater appreciation for the natural world.

This is a temporary position starting June 2, 2025 and ending August 8, 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide and supervise several student interns as they interact with camp participants, providing direction and support as needed.
• Provide demonstrations of activities and assist with the execution of nature-based lessons and hands-on experiences.
• Welcome campers and introduce the camp theme, ensuring that participants understand expectations and camp rules.
• Assist in the preparation and serving of snacks and meals to campers.
• Administer pre- and post-test assessments to evaluate camper learning outcomes.
• Ensure the daily maintenance and care of program animals, including feeding, cleaning, and handling.
• Oversee and support basic janitorial duties, including maintaining cleanliness of camp areas, and assist with trail maintenance to ensure safe paths for campers.
• Contribute to the creative direction and preparation of arts and crafts activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp program.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

What you will bring to Precinct One:

Education:

• Must be a college student, recent graduate, or hold a bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Previous experience working with children or in educational settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and supervise a team of student interns and interact with camp participants.
• Ability to follow and enforce basic safety procedures, ensuring the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Comfortable handling a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, birds, turtles, amphibians, and other program animals.
• Ability to endure working outdoors during the summer months in varying weather conditions.
• Reliable transportation to and from the camp location.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to keep track of camp schedules and report activity times to interns.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education:

• Background in biology, animal science, environmental science, or elementary education (preferred).

Experience:

• Previous experience in outdoor education or leading environmental activities for children (preferred).

Language:

• Bilingual in Spanish (preferred).

Position Type, Location and Typical Hours of Work:

• Temp | Full-time
• Discovery Camp takes place in a cabin at Deussen Park, located at 12303 Sonnier St., Houston, TX 77044.
• The role involves supervising both outdoor (3 activities) and indoor (2 activities) camp programs.
• Supervise a team of 4 interns who will be leading activities with the children, providing guidance and support as needed.
• The work schedule is from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility required as hours may vary based on camp activities and needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds to transport and set up supplies for camp activities.
• Ability to move and gather various camp materials and equipment as needed.
• Physical stamina to walk outdoors for up to 30 minutes during hikes and move between multiple activity areas to check on interns and supervise campers.
• Ability to remain active throughout the day, engaging with both indoor and outdoor camp activities.

What you get in return:

You will be surrounded by coworkers who bring their best to work each day. Passionate people who want to make a difference in the communities Precinct One serves along with Harris County as a whole.

Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.

How to apply:

If this job sounds interesting, you meet the required qualifications and you can see yourself working for Precinct One, we invite you to apply.

Apply here

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.