Opportunities

Aquaponics Education Intern

The Riverbend Aquaponic Greenhouse serves as an educational laboratory, demonstrating a sustainable agricultural technique, and depicting key components of our natural environment. We use aquaponics as a teaching tool, drawing comparisons between nature and the man-made aquaponic ecosystem.

The Aquaponics Education Intern will work alongside the Aquaponics Specialist to oversee the successful operation of the system and with members of the Education team to implement school programs. The ideal candidate will have an interest in aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and working with students and possess creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. 

Please note: This is a volunteer internship.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with regular Aquaponics system maintenance, including: seeding, transplanting, harvesting and general system monitoring

• Fish feeding & monitoring

• Complete routine nutrient additions as well as monitoring plants for any nutrient deficiencies 

• Maintain cleanliness of greenhouse 

• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and assist in correcting as necessary

• Leading groups of elementary and middle school students in activities as part of their field trip.

Schedule:

• Internships are flexible. We accept applications on a rolling basis..

• Shifts are typically 2-3 days per week, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. depending on system and education department needs. 

• 8-13 hours per week

Skills and Requirements:

• Passionate about environmental education with a strong interest in sustainable food production 

• Strong work ethic - willingness to do "whatever it takes"

• Ability to work unsupervised and troubleshoot basic repairs when working alone

• Capable interpersonal skills, including working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and age levels

To apply: Fill out this application and email it with a resume and cover letter to:  Peter Sturtevant psturtevant@riverbendeec.org

Summer Camp Assistant Manager (seasonal)

Environmental Education

Dates: May 20th – September 4th; Monday – Friday, approx. 9:00am – 6:00pm (hours variable, some evenings and overnights required).

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation in nature.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

The Assistant Camp Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with camp leadership to support the management and facilitation of Riverbend’s Summer Camp program to meet the mission, vision and strategic goals of Riverbend Environmental Education Center.  This includes mentoring of camp staff and volunteers, communication with parents, performing administrative tasks, leading camp groups, ensuring camper safety, and troubleshooting logistics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists with implementation of Summer Camp, including mentoring of staff and volunteers and communication with camp parents.
• Lead extended care including scheduling and implementation of content.
• Track camper information in Active database to make weekly group rosters and check-in sheets.
• Maintain supply inventory and educational kits for camp.
• Collaborate with Camp Manager to communicate regularly and effectively with camp parents.
• Teach onsite and offsite education programs as needed. 
• Perform animal husbandry and habitat maintenance as needed to support the animal ambassador, aquaponics and field trip programs.
• Other duties as needed to ensure the success and sustainability of Riverbend Environmental Education Center.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test, criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Minimum 1 year of experience in teaching, professional educational program development and management.
• 2 years of professional camp experience preferred.
• 2 years leadership or management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience teaching using informal education strategies like inquiry based, place based, project based and experiential learning.
• Experience working with audiences from various age groups, backgrounds and cultures.
• Exceptional communication skills and relationship building skills.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Google platforms and other educational technology.
• Solutions oriented problem solver.  Strong decision making skills and ability to work independently.
• Passionate about Riverbend’s mission.
• Committed to creating the best possible experience for campers, camp parents, and Riverbend staff.

Physical and Medical Standards:

• Work will be split between an office environment in a renovated barn and outdoors in natural areas on Riverbend’s property and other nature preserves.
• Manage and teach programs outdoors in all conditions.
• Regularly will need to walk trails with lots of hills and uneven ground.
• Regularly will need to work with live animals including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
• No allergies to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to perform the job.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50 lbs. for a distance of 25 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate device) which may interfere with the ability to perform work.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle with either a standard or automatic transmission.
• Ability to maintain focus under pressure and make adjustments to accommodate program and camp family needs.

To apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to: Peter Sturtevant, Camp Manager and Coordinator of Education Programs 

psturtevant@riverbendeec.org

Summer Camp Field Trip and Campout Coordinator (seasonal)

Environmental Education

Dates: June 1st – September 4th; Monday – Friday, 45 hours/week (hours variable, some evenings and overnights required).

The following week will require overnights including tent camping:

July 20-24: Navigators Summer Expedition

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation in nature.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

The Field Trip and Campout Coordinator collaborates with camp leadership to support the management and facilitation of Riverbend’s Summer Camp program to meet the mission, vision and strategic goals of Riverbend Environmental Education Center. This includes mentoring of camp staff and volunteers, communication with parents, performing administrative tasks, leading camp groups, ensuring camper safety, and troubleshooting logistics.

This position is specifically responsible for managing weekly field trips and overnight campouts on Thursdays for campers ages 7 and up, except the week of the Navigators Summer Expedition.

This position will be responsible for managing and implementing the Navigators Summer Expedition, a week of traveling, camping, and offsite experiences for a group of approximately ten campers ages 10-13 at various locations in central Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists with implementation of Summer Camp, including mentoring of staff and volunteers and communication with camp parents.
• Communicate with vendors, bus companies and parents about logistics, troubleshooting and the general camp experience, particularly for weekly field trips.
• Manage weekly Thursday evening cookout/campout, including supervising staff, maintaining supply inventory, and implementing programming.
• For Navigators Summer Expedition, manage and implement lesson plans with a group of approximately 10 campers from whom they have primary responsibility.
• Collaborate with Camp Manager to communicate regularly and effectively with families of Navigator campers before and during Summer Expedition.
• Planning for Summer Expedition including confirming locations, setting itineraries, and shopping for supplies.
• Pre-plan meals and gather supplies for offsite trips, ensuring that campers’ nutritional needs and preferences are met while staying within budget.
• Perform animal husbandry and habitat maintenance as needed to support the animal ambassador, aquaponics and field trip programs.
• Other duties as needed to ensure the success and sustainability of Riverbend Environmental Education Center.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test, criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Minimum 1 year of experience in teaching, professional educational program development and management.
• 2-4 yrs experience educating and managing groups of children in a professional setting. 
• 2 years of residential or travel camp experience preferred.
• Experience working with audiences from various age groups, backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and several overnights.
• Exceptional communication skills and relationship building skills.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Google platforms and other educational technology.
• Solutions oriented problem solver.  Strong decision making skills and ability to work independently.
• Passionate about Riverbend’s mission.
• Committed to creating the best possible experience for campers, camp parents, and Riverbend staff.
• First Aid and CPR trained (Wilderness First Aid preferred)

Physical and Medical Standards: 

• Manage and teach programs outdoors in all conditions.
• Regularly will need to walk trails with lots of hills and uneven ground.
• Regularly will need to work with live animals including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
• No allergies to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to perform the job.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50 lbs. for a distance of 25 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate device) which may interfere with the ability to perform work.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle with either a standard or automatic transmission.
• Ability to maintain focus under pressure and make adjustments to accommodate program and camp family needs.

To apply: Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to: Peter Sturtevant, Camp Manager and Coordinator of Education Programs

psturtevant@riverbendeec.org

Lead Camp Counselor

Environmental Education

Dates: June 1st – September 4th; Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm (some evenings and overnights required)

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Camp Counselors will be required to interpret existing curriculum and amend it to be age appropriate lesson plans each day. Educators are encouraged to collaborate in this process and incorporate their own lesson ideas.
• Lead Camp Counselors supervise a group of approximately 12-14 campers for whom they have primary responsibility with the assistance of an Assistant Counselor. Duties include group management, ensuring camper safety, implementing lesson plans, chaperoning field trips, and staffing cook-outs and overnights with older groups.
• Lead and Assistant Counselors are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
• General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

Qualification:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test, criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Understanding of basic principles of environmental education
• Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
• 1-2 yrs experience educating and managing groups of children in a professional setting.
• Strong oral communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.
• First Aid and CPR trained (will offer training option if not current)

Physical and Medical Standards

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply: Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to: Peter Sturtevant, Camp Manager and Coordinator of Education Programs

psturtevant@riverbendeec.org

Lead Camp Counselor – Early Childhood

Environmental Education

Dates: June 1st – September 4th; Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm (some evenings and overnights required)

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Camp Counselors – Early Childhood will be responsible for the supervision of Riverbend’s youngest campers, ages 3 – 4. Riverbend offers a half day program (ages 3-4) as well as a full day 4 year old program. All Riverbend campers are required to be potty-trained.
• Lead Counselors will be required to interpret existing curriculum and adapt nature-based STEM lessons to ages 3-4 in an outdoor setting. Educators are encouraged to collaborate in this process and incorporate their own lesson ideas.
• Lead Counselors implement lesson plans with a group of approximately 10 -12 campers for whom they have primary responsibility, which includes behavior and group management and ensuring camper safety.
• Lead and Assistant Counselors are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
• General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test, criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Early Childhood Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Understanding of basic principles of environmental education
• Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
• 1-2 yrs experience educating and managing groups of children, ages 3-6, in a professional setting.
• Strong oral communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.
• First Aid and CPR trained (will offer training option if not current)

Physical and Medical Standards:

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply: Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to: Peter Sturtevant, Camp Manager and Coordinator of Education Programs

psturtevant@riverbendeec.org