Employment Opportunities

Nature Summer Camp Counselor 2026: Job Description

Hitchcock Center for the Environment is now hiring summer camp counselors to lead the youngest generation of environmental activists this summer. After seven days of comprehensive training, summer camp counselors will build and teach a curriculum about climate change, science and engineering, art, nature, and a sense of belonging. They will be supported by two co-directors, a host of year-round educators, and the Hitchcock Administrative Staff. The Hitchcock Center is looking for educators with a growth mindset, a passion for the outdoors, and an ability to keep themselves and their campers safe. Summer camp for staff is 40 hours a week, from June 17 through August 14, 2026, including a 56-hour paid training from June 17 - June 26 – No work on June 19th (Juneteenth).

Must haves

• Experience working with and supervising a group of children in a classroom, camp, or equivalent setting
• Pass criminal and sex offender background check
• Be at least 18 years old or have completed high school
• Documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Ability to work independently and with a co-counselor
• Passion and curiosity about the natural world 
• Ability to walk up to two miles per day on uneven trail systems while leading a group of campers and carrying a backpack and/or materials
• Able to communicate, demonstrate a growth mindset, and accept and give feedback 
• Ability to respond calmly in a crisis and keep yourself and the people around you safe

Nice to haves

• Completed or working towards a bachelor’s degree in education, biology, environmental education, or related fields preferred.
• Working knowledge of New England natural history. 
• If over 21, a clean driving record and a willingness to drive campers to field trip destinations. 
• Experience developing and teaching curriculum, particularly in the field of environmental education 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Co-lead groups of up to 15 elementary school-aged children in classroom, outdoor and field trip settings.
• Plan and teach dynamic lessons with themes of sense of place, physical science, climate change and sustainability, problem-solving and related topics.
• Promote a positive, healthy, and safe environment for all campers and co-workers. 
• Be an active participant in camp activities.
• Provide leadership and support to other Counselors, Junior Counselors and CITs.
• Create a culture of care for people and physical spaces.
• Have regular conversations with caregivers about campers.
• Be fully versed and knowledgeable in all camp policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation: $18.00/hour 

The Hitchcock Center is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff and our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and environmental education. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background. 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three reference contacts to Jeff Mazur at jeff@hitchcockcenter.org

Schedule:

June 17 through August 14, 2026
8-hour shift
Monday to Friday
8 am to 4 pm