Summer Camp Counselors

The position will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of 8 weeks of Great Basin Institute at Galena Summer Exploration Camp; this Environmental Science camp uses STEAM-based curriculum. This is an AmeriCorps position with the Great Basin Institute located within the Galena Creek Recreation Area, Reno, NV.

The Galena Creek Recreation Area includes Washoe County and US Forest Service lands, and is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. High desert, forest, river, wetland, mountain, and rangeland are all ecosystems you will find within our 450-acre regional park. The Great Basin Institute (GBI) serves as the interpretive association operating the Galena Creek Visitor Center (GCVC) on a day-to-day basis. The Visitor Center is a resource for people throughout the Reno/Tahoe community, as well as a stop for tourists coming from around the world. Our goal is to provide local youth with opportunities to experience the outdoors in a safe, fun, and engaging setting, and to provide academic, STEAM education.

Seeking Five (5) Summer Camp Counselors. Camp Counselors will:

• Assist Naturalists with the implementation of Summer Exploration Camp. All camp staff are required to spend two or more nights each week of overnight camp at WeChMe lodge. All curriculums are STEAM with themed activities which center around the unique natural setting of the Galena Creek Recreation Area. Camp themes relate to the natural and cultural history of the area including topics like animals, plants, ecosystems, and more;
• Counselors will assist Naturalists to facilitate camp programming, facility upkeep, after program clean up, organization of camp materials, supervise campers and enforce Camp and Visitor Center rules/regulations, lead engaging activities, guide hikes, and oversee exploration and play;
• Counselors will work to facilitate memorable outdoor programming that safely engages youth (between the ages of 8 and 13) in the natural world. Prepare to teach 5-10 lessons per week;
• Camp counselors will be asked to assist with general community outreach at the Visitor Center including hosting the front desk, facilitating community programming, and assisting with special events, setup and breakdown;
• Assist Naturalists with the preparation of curriculum and gathering supplies for the delivery of programming and lessons delivered during the eight weeks of Summer Exploration Camp and other community programs;
• Lead games, crafts, and other fun activities, support guided hikes, supervise exploration and free play;
• Ensure the safety of all campers and visitors that come to the Galena Creek Recreation Area by enforcing and following all GBI and Washoe County Park policies and procedures, and general program/park rules;
• Recognize and assist in responding effectively during emergency situations;
• Communicate effectively and maintain strong relationships with program participants, campers, teachers, parents, guardians, partners, supervisors, and co-workers;
• Applicants must help maintain clear logistical operations, and promote a kind and considerate work environment;
• May be asked to support the transportation of campers to and from field trip locations (drivers training will be provided); A Valid Drivers License is required.
• Assist with daily upkeep and minor maintenance of the Visitor Center and other Washoe County and US Forest Service facilities;
• Provide impeccable customer service to all program participants and visitors, effectively responding to questions and concerns and passing along communications in a timely manner to appropriate staff

LOCATION

Galena Creek Visitor Center

Reno, NV

WORK SCHEDULE

13 week position starting on May 18, 2026 and extending through August 7th, 2026.

Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living allowance dependent on their length of service. The living allowance is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The allowance is paid to members in biweekly installments throughout their term of service. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award also dependent on the length of service that can be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

• Living Allowance: approximately $500 every two weeks before taxes;
• Education Award: $1,956.35 upon completion of hours and contract date;
• Shared, on-site housing available to hired individuals for the duration of your term, at NO CHARGE
• Free training includes, but is not limited to: First Aid/CPR certification, Mandated Reporter Training, Living With Fire Curriculum training, and Mental Health First Aid
• Insurance: Limited Health, Dental and Vision insurance will be completely paid for at not cost to you by the Great Basin Institute.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility: AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for (SNAP). The Nevada jobshiringnearme.org Corps (your supervisor) will provide you documentation in proving that you qualify for SNAP.

Supervisors: Members at this location will be supervised by  

• Gabe Zurn, GCVS Program Manager (gzurn@gbinstitute.org)
• Ashley Morales, GCVS Education Coordinator (ashmorales@gbinstitute.org)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: US citizenship or legal resident alien status; Must be at least 18 years of age; Eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award and pass state and federal criminal background checks;
• Partial completion of a higher education degree in environmental science, natural resources, K-12 education, community outreach, recreation, or other related field;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in customer service;
• Solid foundational knowledge of environmental science topics (plants, animals, geology, ecosystems, etc.) and interest in learning about Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Ecosystems;
• Experience working with K-12 students;
• Campfire skills (song leading, guitar, storytelling) desirable;
• Enthusiasm and commitment to youth outdoor education;
• Applicants fluent in both Spanish and English are highly encouraged to apply;
• Able to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Comfortable working a varied schedule where some days are longer than 8-hours and some are shorter;
• Able to hike up to 3 miles in a single day;
• Looking for applicants who are flexible, adaptable, and optimistic!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact dkaskie@gbinstitute.org

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.