Program Coordinator: Outdoor Educator and Unit Leader

Job Overview:

A group crouches in to listen to a speakerAs Program Coordinator, you will work closely with the Director and the Summer Camp Coordinator to ensure a successful summer program for counselors and campers. Each week will vary in duties and intensity depending on which programs are in camp and where support is needed.  As a staff support team member, you are vital for mentoring best practices for maintaining program quality, participant safety and wellness, and staff wellness. Time management and the ability to work independently at times are necessary. 

  • Position Title: Program Coordinator- Outdoor Educator and Unit Leader
  • Department: Cooperative Extension 
  • Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center
  • Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke
  • Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (June 8  to August 15 or August 29) 
  • Salary Range: $5400-$6600 for 12 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Work Environment / Dynamics: 

This position will be based at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, Maine. You’ll work a full summer schedule from June 8 to August 15 or August 29 (depending on if you stay to lead the UMO Bridge week programs). You will reside on-site with campers throughout the season, with structured time off each week.

Responsibilities:

  • You’ll assist with setting up and cleaning up camp program areas  
  • You’ll attend staff training and assist with facilitation. Help to educate staff regarding daily community chores, siesta responsibilities, and cabin communication; participate/lead where needed.
  • You’ll serve as a support person for staff and a liaison between staff and camp administration. In this role, you’ll work to facilitate the resolution of group conflicts among staff or campers and strive to develop a cooperative setting that encourages problem-solving and decision-making.  
  • You’ll plan and co-lead week-long morning focus for summer camp participants, planning lessons, itineraries, and schedules
  • You’ll assist with leading/coordinating afternoon activity blocks including electives, recreation time, and day camp support
  • You’ll provide night coverage as scheduled, assist with regular night-time camp-wide “rounds” and after-midnight curfew checks, and substitute into cabins when support is needed  
  • You’ll check in weekly with each staff member in your living unit  and meet with camp administration regularly to discuss areas of camp needing support
  • You’ll monitor the conditions of the living unit to ensure health, safety, and harmony for campers and staff   
  • You’ll aid and/or support in other areas of the camp as needed  
  • You’ll be able and prepared to drive the camp van when needed  
  • You’ll participate in community chores, meal service, and miscellaneous maintenance duties as required  
  • Depending on training, some staff will also be lifeguards/waterfront coordinators, challenge course instructors, or other leadership roles as warranted and agreed upon. 

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Required: 

  • You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • You need a minimum of 3 years related experience working with youth and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent

AND/OR

  • You need to hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe like: 
    • Lifeguard certification
    • Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification

Preferred: 

  • You are 21 years of age or older
  • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like: 
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
  • You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
  • You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming
  • You hold a First Aid and Basic Life Support certification or are eager to obtain one before the start date to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
  • You have the ability to lead groups in various outdoor environments, comfortably carrying a small backpack filled with teaching supplies and a first aid kit to support your activities.

Benefits:

  • Rustic and Shared Housing
  • Meals 
  • Internet Access

Who We Are:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families in Lincolnville. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences. Tucked into a parcel of Camden Hills State Park, campers and counselors join together to form a creative community fostering a supportive and fun environment for all — and drawing people back year after year! While having fun and experiencing the joys of being a part of the natural world, we emphasize community living, respect for all, and healthy relationships. Summer at Tanglewood is filled with the wonderful energy of young people living and playing together outdoors. Our camps encourage everyone to be themselves, learn from those around them, and make good decisions. Tanglewood’s summer offerings include overnight camps for 8 to 14-year-olds, day camps for 5 to 11-year-olds, hunter safety camps in conjunction with Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, discovery trips featuring canoeing and backpacking, and multi-week leadership programs for teens 14-17. Behind our programs is a dedicated team of program leaders and support staff who are trained in working with young people in the outdoors.

To Apply:

To apply for the Program Coordinator- Unit and Focus Leader position, please submit the following to jessica.decke@maine.edu or apply with our online application

  • A resume
  • A cover letter describing why you’d be a great fit for the learning center
  • If your application moves forward you will be required to submit a name, email, and phone number for three references. Additionally, we will direct you to the HR Oracle Site to complete the application process.
  • Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the final review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
  • These materials are reviewed on a weekly basis. The final date to apply for the summer of 2025 is June 1, 2025, at 4:30 PM
  • For questions about the search, please contact Jessica Decke, jessica.decke@maine.edu or extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu
  • The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

 Non-Discrimination Statement

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.  The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

 Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.