Description

About Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Girl Scouts of Western Washington is consistently and unapologetically committed to providing safe spaces for all girls* to belong. We build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Founded in 1912, our organization has been committed to meeting the needs of our youth members for over a century. We uplift all Girl Scouts in a supportive environment where they can discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their very first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. They are the future leaders paving the way toward a brighter tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.girlscoutsww.org.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws. 

*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girl inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.

About the Position 

The Science & Nature Specialist-Forest position plans and executes quality, age-appropriate science and nature programming for all campers. This role will focus on educating campers on local forest ecosystems as well as occasionally collaborating with other GSWW departments to deliver programming in other science fields.  

Compensation for this position is $115 - $125 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps.

Camp Season 2026 will run from June 7th through August 18th, with start and end dates determined by position. For the 2026 season, this position will be located at Camp St. Albans. For the first half of the summer, they will join the site rental team and run programs for the troops and families who are renting out cabins. They will work a Wednesday-Sunday schedule and live with the rest of the site rental team on camp. The second half of the summer, they will be a part of the overnight camp team and run programs for campers ages 6-17 years old. During this time, they will work a Sunday-Friday schedule and be assigned a camper living unit to stay in, helping in various aspects of camp life with that group, and providing support to Unit Counselors when not facilitating or planning lessons.  

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Develop curriculum and facilitate science and nature programming suitable for the age, ability, and interests of youth 6-17 years old 
• Maintain the integrity of equipment and supplies in assigned area, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner within assigned budget 
• Ensure campers and staff understand and follow safety and educational procedures appropriate for science & nature activities 
• Support and participate in the implementation of all camp activities such as meals, all camp games, campfires, etc. 
• Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork  

This is a general description of the essential responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging 
• Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week and hours, including overnight and weekend responsibilities  
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality. 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards 
• Knowledge of local ecosystems including forests and lakes 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities 

Education and Experience Required 

• At least 18 years of age 
• High School graduate or equivalent 
• Experience working with youth 6-17 years old 
• Experience leading youth in programmatic activities 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with Girl Scout programs 
• Experience with day or overnight camp 
• Formal training or education in delivering youth science or nature programs 

Other Qualifications 

• Current certification of CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain 
• Current certification of Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain 
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check 

Work Environment:  

Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with 24-hour-a-day responsibilities. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with:  

• Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water)  
• Residing in non-air-conditioned living quarters, with pit toilets as potential restroom facilities  
• Living in communal living conditions with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology  
• Demonstrating emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately  
• Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day  
• Lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 35lbs  
• Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer First Aid/CPR when necessary, including overnight  
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety