Summer Camp Counselor - 77902349

Requisition No: 871286 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Summer Camp Counselor - 77902349

 Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77902349 

Salary:  $17.00/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 04/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Conservation Engagement and Education/Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network

Summer Camp Counselor

Salary: $17.00/hour

6650 Dickman Road

Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Youth Conservation Center Network

OPS Summer Camp Counselor – 77902349

Apollo Beach, Florida

** Suncoast Youth Conservation Center **

***This advertisement is being used to fill multiple positions***

Anticipated dates of employment May 4, 2026 – August 6, 2026

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative, and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com

Overview:

This is a 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, seasonal Other Personal Services (OPS) employment position based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach. These positions will serve as Summer Camp Counselors working alongside teammates to provide a safe and educational summer camp experience for youth ages 8-17.

Expectations include leading youth in activities such as paddle sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, jon boating, and canoeing), archery, fishing, crafts, exploration activities, etc. The position is responsible for leading programs, chaperoning off-site field trips, monitoring camper safety, set up/breakdown for programs, lifeguarding, and providing a positive guest experience to campers.

Most camp activities take place outdoors in the heat/elements during summer.

***This advertisement is being used to fill multiple positions.

A Full-Time OPS Education Specialist position will be posted in mid-July. All qualified seasonal applicants are encouraged to apply for the role.

Experience and Education:

• A High School Diploma and at least two months of professional experience instructing or assisting with educational programs for youth focusing on one or more of the following: archery, saltwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife, marine exploration, or counselor in training programs, is preferred; OR
• A High School Diploma and at least two months of experience in wildlife conservation field work, conservation, or natural science, and two months of experience working with youth in any setting.

Description of Duties:

Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to SYCC through program interactions. 

Communicate effectively with stakeholders, constituents, and partners through in-person, and program/event interactions.

Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems. 

Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies regarding camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.  

Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.)

Assist Instructors with program facilitation as assigned (archery, bowfishing, saltwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, marine exploration, fish dissections, paddleboarding, jon boating, etc.)

Provide support as assigned in the facilitation of summer camp activities.

Provide supervision coverage as needed.

Monitor the health and wellness of campers and provide treatment according to your level of certification as assigned by the camp’s Director.

Assist with daily camper check in and check out.

Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.  

Participate in meetings, phone communications, etc. as needed with SYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships.  

Ensure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained. 

Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned.

Ensure education programs are following American Camp Association (ACA) standards. 

Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner. 

Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned. 

Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (classroom, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.) 

Perform administrative duties as required.

Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.

Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.  

Ability to travel, enter and exit a vehicle, and/or vessel, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. 

Ability to engage professionally and sensitively with a varied audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments for self and when working with others. 

Ability to be a team-player and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies.   

Possess strong swimming skills: ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in brackish water conditions.

Knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.

Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN’s Four Pillars: shooting sports, fishing, paddle sports, and wildlife exploration.

Position Requirements: 

Applicants must be 19 years of age before May 22, 2026.

Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, e.g., Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED certification, Human Resource Orientation, Canoeing/Kayaking/paddleboard/Jon Boating Skills Course, Fishing Skills Course, L1 USA Archery Instruction, Behavior Management, Florida Boaters Safety, Lifeguarding, Leave No Trace, SafeSport, Supervision, and Emergency Procedures. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

Notes: 

Staff must be available to begin online training on May 4, 2026 and in-person training on May 11, 2026, and for all eight weeks of summer camp starting on June 1 and ending July 31st. Staff are required to attend 2-3 training days during 4th of July week. Availability throughout the duration of the summer camp season may play a part in hiring decisions and applicants must notify the Youth Conservation Center Director during the interview of any dates they are not available to work during the summer camp season. Availability throughout the duration of the summer camp season may play a part in hiring decisions. 

Additional Requirements:

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.  

Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Comptroller’s rules and FWC’s invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.  

Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. 

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.