Head Counselor

Job Description

The head counselor will not have a designated group of campers each week, but will instead float between the groups providing assistance as needed. The head counselor will help with the day to day running of the camp, including but not limited to

• Ensuring materials are ready and available for upcoming activities

• Maintain an awareness of materials, and inform the Education Director if more need to be ordered

• Work with counselors to maintain a safe camp environment, de-escalate behaviors and generally provide support with behavior management

• Act as a “swing counselor” if someone is sick or absent, potentially including covering after care

• Generally be positive role model for and engaged member of the camp community

The head counselor will work with the Education Director to establish friendly and professional communication with camp families. This will include helping with drop off, pick up, morning meeting, and miscellaneous communication with families during the day. 

The head counselor will be an additional resource for counselors, and should be able to provide feedback about interactions with campers and behavior management. 

The head counselor must be able to work in a self directed manner. The Education Director may not always be near camp activities or on site at the farm, and in those instances it will be up to the head counselor to direct and support as needed on their own. 

Position Requirements: The head counselor must be prepared to work long active days outdoors with children. The average schedule is 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday–Friday, although hours vary depending on the season. The head counselor is part of a rotating animal and plant caretaking schedule, which may occasionally require staying past 4:00 PM. The position dates run for 11 weeks in the following manner:

Week of June 15-June 18 : orientation with Education Director, approximately 15 hours, the schedule to be decided between the head counselor and the Education Director

Week of June 22-June 26 : counselor orientation week, approximately 30 hours, generally 10am-3pm

Weeks of June 29-Aug 28 : 9 weeks of summer camp, general hours of 8:30am-3:30pm with occasional aftercare from 3:00-5:00, and Wednesday prep sessions from approximately 3:00-3:45

This contract has no guaranteed minimum hours. In certain circumstances, such as anticipated extreme weather, you may be asked to stay later than 4pm. This work will be paid at the same compensation as normal work hours, though if you work more than 40 per week, you will be eligible for overtime pay.

Desired Qualifications:

• Creative, hard-working, responsible, self-motivated, and conscientious 

• Passion for nature and sustainable agriculture 

• Experience working with children 

• Experience providing feedback and/or managing a small team of peers

• Comfortable cooking and eating a wide range of farm fresh vegetables 

• Musical and artistic skills a big plus 

• Positive attitude and cooperative work ethics 

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather (hot, cold, humid, rainy) 

• CPR and First Aid certified - if not certified, Phillies Bridge Farm Project can pay for your certification

• Reliable transportation to the farm required

Required Qualifications

• Reliable transportation to the farm

• Able to lift and carry heavy tools, supplies, animal feed, and amounts of up to 50 lbs

• Must be able to pass a background check

Benefits and Compensation:

$20/hour plus access to vegetables from the field as approved by the Education Director and Farm Manager.  If this contract is terminated for any reason, the employee will no longer have access to farm vegetables. 

Employees are entitled to sick leave as per New York State Policy. 1 hour of paid sick leave is accrued for every 30 hours worked. The head counselor is additionally allowed 8 hours of paid time off during the summer. While sickness cannot be planned for, it is expected that staff give a minimum of 1 week notice if planning to take time off for appointments or other personal reasons. Requests for time off must be approved by the Education Director who will make best efforts to accommodate all requests. Please note, only in exceptional circumstances will paid time off be granted on Friday July 3rd, Monday July 6th, or August 24th-28th. 

As per New York State definition, sick time should only be used for mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, or for the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury or health condition; or need for medical diagnosis or preventive care. Unused sick time will rollover to the following year if the employee returns, but will be forfeited if not returning next season.

Phillies Bridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage BIPOC and LGBT+ individuals to apply.