Summer Camp Instructor

Requisition No: 868051

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Summer Camp Instructor - 77902373

Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77902373

Salary: Flat Rate/$620 per week

Posting Closing Date: 07/08/2026

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Conservation Engagement and Education/Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network

Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor

Salary: Flat Rate/$620 per week

12100 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd

West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Conservation Engagement and Education

Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network

Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor - OPS Seasonal 77902373

Everglades Youth Conservation Center

Overview:

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the Summer Camp Instructor team at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center (EYCC) in West Palm Beach. The incumbents will work with the summer camp team to deliver experiential programs designed to engage youth with Florida's ecosystems through outdoor recreation. EYCC is a residential summer camp and sees as many as 800 participants throughout the summer. The incumbents will be assigned to instruct a specific EYCC program for the summer camp season based on their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Incumbent will supervise as many as 12 participants at a time with an assisting Counselor.

As a part of FYCCN, the incumbent communicates with stakeholders, constituents, and partners and performs functions of this position with a strong understanding of FYCCN's mission, future goals, and practices. Conveys FYCCN's vision through effective programming, training, and outreach at the EYCC.

Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources. Programs requiring experienced Instructors at EYCC include shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, and counselor in training programs.

Experience:

• A High School Diploma and at least two months of professional experience instructing or assisting with educational programs for youth focusing on one or more of the following: hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife, wetland exploration, marine exploration, or counselor in training programs, is preferred; OR
• A High School Diploma and at least two months of experience in wildlife conservation field work, conservation, or natural science, and two months of experience working with youth in any setting

Description of Duties

Instruct one of EYCC's thirteen programs as assigned. Note, each program has a specific focus in one or more of the following areas: shooting sports, hunter's safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, or counselor in training.

• Lead hands on educational programming.
• Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned.
• Transport up to ten campers and one assisting staff member in a twelve-passenger van to offsite program destinations Tuesday - Thursday. Note: this is only required of the Marine Masters Instructor position.

Ensure education programs are following American Camp Association (ACA) standards.

• Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.)
• Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.
• Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.

Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions.

• Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to EYCC through program interactions.
• Participate in meetings, mobile phone communications, etc. as needed with EYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships.
• Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems.

Perform administrative duties as required.

• Assure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
• Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned.
• Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner.

Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.

• Assist with all aspects of food service as needed (dishwashing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.)
• Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.)
• Assist with weekly camper check in and check out.
• Provide supervision coverage as needed.
• Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp's Medical Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in one or more of the activities offered in EYCC's programs, i.e., shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, or counselor in training programs.
• Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Poses strong swimming skills: ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in deep water (over 7 ft) in ocean or freshwater conditions (waves, changing currents, unpredictable underwater terrain, and low visibility).
• Must be comfortable handling firearms (training will be provided) and working in environments with loud noises.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others.
• Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• General knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.
• Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN's Four Pillars: shooting sports, ethical angling, safe boating (paddle sports), and wildlife exploration; training theory and instructional design and program management preferred.
• Knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.
• Must be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related software.
• Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.

Position Requirements:

• Applicants must be 19 years of age before May 11th 2026. Applicants for the Marine Masters Instructor position must be 21 years of age by May 11th 2026.
• Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, e.g., Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED, or Lifeguard, Hunter Safety Instructor certification, USA Archery Level 1 or Level 2 Instructor Certification, Canoeing Skills Course, Kayaking Skills Course, Fishing Skills Course, Waterfront Safety, Behavior Management, Supervision, and Emergency Procedures. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• Instructors for the Marine Master's program are required to have a valid driver's license with no moving violations within the past two years. Instructors assigned to rental vehicles are required to be at least 21 years of age per State Term Contract No. 78111808-20-1 requirements.
• Some Instructor positions require completion of online training which are most compatible with a computer. The camp has Wi-Fi available which the employee may use to access the internet on a personally owned device. This position is not eligible for an agency issued computer or mobile device.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
• Requires work on evenings and weekends.

Notes:

• Staff must be available to begin in-person training on May 11th, 2026 and for all eight weeks of summer camp starting on May 31st and ending July 31st. Staff are off June 28th - July 4th. Applicants must notify the Camp Director of any dates they are not available during the interview.
• EYCC will not provide housing prior to the incumbent's start date. Onsite housing in air-conditioned bunk house style cabins is provided for the duration of the incumbent's employment.
• EYCC does not provide transportation to and from the facility. Applicants should consider that public transportation is not easily accessible due to where the camp is located.
• Meals are provided for staff during work hours May 31st - July 31st with the following exceptions: Friday dinners, Saturday (all meals), and Sunday breakfast and lunch.
• Responses to qualifying questions should reflect the experience indicated in the work history of the State of Florida Job Application (Profile) and be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
• Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida's official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a resume describing the applicant's experience.

Additional Requirements:

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Comptroller's rules and FWC's invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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