Program Coordinator: Trips Logistics Educator

Job Overview:

Backpackers take a selfieProgram Coordinator + Trips Logistics Educator and Unit Leader, you will work closely with the Director to carry out a successful summer program for both counselors and campers. Each week will vary in duties and intensity depending on which programs are in camp and where support is needed.  Finding a balance between more stressful periods and those with more relaxed schedules will be essential. Time management and the ability to work independently at times is necessary.

  • Position Title: Program Coordinator- Unit Leader and Trips Logistics
  • Department: Cooperative Extension 
  • Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center
  • Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke
  • Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (June 4  to August 15 or August 29) 
  • Salary Range: $500 a week minimum for 13 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Your Work Schedule: 

You’ll work a full summer schedule from June 4 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. This position is based at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, Maine.

Responsibilities:

  • You’ll Attend and assist in the facilitation of a comprehensive trip leader training for the Trips/Leadership Program staff of Tanglewood in skills such as low-impact camping, canoeing, backpacking, map and compass, outdoor cooking, ecology, communication, logistics & planning, and basic first aid.  Attend full staff training and assist with facilitation. 
  • You’ll work with staff to maintain organization and coordination of gear, logistics, menus, itineraries, etc. This includes
    • ensuring that equipment is maintained, organized and inventoried regularly throughout the season; repair and /or order new equipment as needed,  
    • ensuring that the trips food supply is organized, inventoried, and orders are placed regularly, and 
    • ensure the trip’s packout space is clean and sanitary.
  • You’ll drive camp vehicles for gear/food drops and camper shuttling. Provide on-call/emergency assistance for out-of-camp trips, this may include some weekend work. Be able to analyze each trip to respond to emergency situations and troubleshoot with leaders’ safe alternatives in the event of emergencies or evacuations.
  • You’ll live in the cabin unit and guide staff to create the necessary atmosphere for a positive camp experience.  You may help facilitate group conflicts, among staff or campers, and strive to develop a cooperative setting, which encourages problem-solving and decision-making. Know and model camp policies. 
  • You’ll lead weekly unit meetings on Sunday evenings to establish camp rules and expectations for health, safety, and behavior.
  • You may substitute into cabins and on trips for weeks when extra leaders are needed.
  • 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 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.
  • ACCT Certification

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. The Summer community holds 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. 

To Apply:

To apply for the Program Coordinator- Unit Leader and Trips Logistics Educator position, please submit the following to: jessica.decke@maine.edu or use 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.
  • 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.