The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education.

A Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Wilderness Instructor is to assist and instruct youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction and procurement of food and water. Wilderness instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-15 yr olds).

Employment Dates: Mid-June 2023 – September 8, 2023

*Staff do not have to commit to all 10 weeks*

Hours Per Week: 40, Monday – Friday

Compensation: $14.85-$16.25/ hr. depending on experience

*As of 4/7/23 all Wilderness Instructor Roles for 16 and 17 year olds have been filled*

Responsibilities:

• Create and implement experiential environmental immersions for diverse groups of youth in the context of wilderness survival, living skills, outdoor/naturalist skills and knowledge
• Role-model passion, enthusiasm and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature
• Facilitate group energy and responding swiftly to group needs in order to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience
• Actively contribute to efforts of leadership team in planning, preparing, delivering, and evaluating each week and each day of programming
• Representing the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents, staff and participants
• Delivering high-adventure experiences while keeping an unfailing eye on the safety of each activity and each participant and co-worker in accordance with risk management protocols
• Working with ages between 3-15, day camp and potentially overnights too

Required Qualifications:

• 16 years of age or older
• Driver’s license and/or ability to arrange transportation to various camp locations on time
• Able to Attend Staff Training Week June 219-23, 2022
• Experience as a naturalist/wilderness instructor OR camp counselor working with youth ages 6-15 in an undeveloped setting
• Willingness to work in a changing outdoor environment and tackle new problems each day
• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
• Demonstrate a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
• Developing skills in specialized areas pertaining to wilderness living, primitive or naturalist skills OR seeking to learn specialized skills pertaining to wilderness living and primitive or naturalist skills
• Demonstrate ability to inspire and relate positively with youth and teens
• Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills
• Aim to uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, families and parents and within programs, and activities

Preferred Qualifications (optional for hire):

• Demonstrate ability to thrive in rigorous outdoor physical education activities
• Experience instructing youth on primitive technologies and wilderness survival/naturalist skills
• Reflect on a range of personal experiences working independently and within a team
• Passionate about learning new material and practicing skills outside of work
• Past experiences working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
• Experience in Eight Shields and Coyote mentoring

Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2023, or until all positions are filled.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal programs and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu.

For additional questions please contact: primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu