Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor

Company: Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
Location: Ithaca
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $18.50-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience Position Description Working Title:Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor Classification:Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt) Start Date:6/15/2026 End Date:9/4/2026 Duration (months): Less than 3 Hours per week:Approx. 40 Days per week/schedule:Monday -Friday Work Location:4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY Compensation:$18.50 -$19.50 per hour, depending on experience Supervisor Name & Title:Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader Benefits Eligibility:Not Benefits Eligible Employment Type:Temporary Position Summary 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 Lead 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. Lead Wilderness instructors set the tone for their instructor groups each week and ensure everyone on the team is actively contributing and leading activities as appropriate. The key role of a Lead Wilderness Instructor is to design and implement the flow of the week centered on instructing and assisting youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Lead Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Lead Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds). Required Qualifications 18 years of age or older Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp Must have RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp Attend and assist in staff training June 22-26, 2026 Commit to working at least 5 weeks of the camp season June 29-September 4, 2026, in addition to staff training week Drivers license and/or ability to arrange transportation to various camp locations on time Minimum 2 years experience as a naturalist/wilderness instructor OR camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting Minimum 1 year experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members in problem solving, organization, and day-to-day coordination Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-16 Experience instructing youth on primitive technologies and wilderness survival/naturalist skills Able to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather 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 Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth and teens Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills 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 Other Duties as Assigned Preferred Qualifications Ability to thrive in rigorous outdoor physical education activities Passionate about learning new material and practicing skills outside of work Past experiences working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds Experience with Coyote mentoring Responsibilities Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead Create and model an emotional, social, and physically safe environment in which campers and staff can thrive Develop and implement dynamic, engaging, and thoughtful environmental immersion weekly program experiences in the context of wilderness survival, living skills, outdoor/naturalist skills and knowledge Set a positive tone and facilitate planning sessions and provide support for co-instructors Actively give, receive, and implement feedback with your instructor and summer leadership teams Plan and lead daily and weekly activities and skills alongside your instructor team Role-model passion, enthusiasm, and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature Role-model appropriate footwear, clothing, and outdoor gear for the summer camp experience Facilitate group energy and responding swiftly to group needs to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience Actively contribute to efforts of summer leadership team in planning, preparing, delivering, and evaluating each week and each day of programming Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents, staff, and campers Ability to speak to family members regarding camper behavior, conflicts, or situations Deliver 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 Work with ages between 3-16, day camp and potentially overnights too (one night) Work at least one week of the Extended Day Program, if needed Other duties as assigned How to Apply Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted until May 8, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. Contact: Fionna McSweeney, Summer Day Camp Director, primitivepursuits- opportunities@cornell.edu Additional Info Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell -cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs 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 program 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. No relocation or VISA Sponsorship 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 an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu

Keywords: Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County, Utica , Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor, Education / Teaching , Ithaca, New York