OPS YOUTH CAMP HELPER - 77902373

Requisition No: 846613 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS YOUTH CAMP HELPER - 77902373

 Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 77902373 

Salary:  $620.00/Week 

Posting Closing Date: 06/27/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OED/Florida Youth Conservation Center Network

OPS Summer Camp Instructor

Salary: Flat Rate/$620/Week

Not eligible for benefits

12100 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road

West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

OED/Florida Youth Conservation Center Network

OPS Summer Camp Instructor- 77902373

Palm Beach

*** Everglades Youth Conservation Center***

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

Requirements:

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

Successful completion of all position specific training and certifications before the first week of June, i.e. Lifeguard, Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED, FWC Hunter’s Safety Instructor, Level 1 Canoeing Skills Course, Level 2 Kayaking Skills Course, Fishing, or USA Archery Level 1 Instructor. Position training and certifications will be provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Instructors assigned to transporting campers are required to have a valid driver’s license with no moving violations within the past two years. Instructors assigned to rental vehicles are required to be at least 21 years of age per State Term Contract No. 78111808-20-1 requirements.

Requires work on evenings and weekends.  

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. 

Experience:

• A High School Diploma and at least two months of professional experience facilitating educational programs for youth with a focus on one or more of the following: hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, 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

Overview:

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the Summer Camp Instructor team at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center (EYCC) in West Palm Beach. EYCC is a residential summer camp and sees as many as 800 participants throughout the summer. The incumbents will work with the summer camp team to deliver experiential programs designed to engage youth with Florida’s ecosystems through outdoor recreation. The incumbents will be assigned to instruct a specific EYCC program for the summer camp season based on their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Incumbent will supervise as many as 12 participants at a time with an assisting Group Leader or Instructor.

As a part of FYCCN, the incumbent communicates with stakeholders, constituents, and partners and performs functions of this position with a strong understanding of FYCCN’s mission, future goals, and practices. Conveys FYCCN’s vision through effective programming, training, and outreach at the EYCC.   

Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources. Programs requiring experienced Instructors at EYCC include shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, and counselor in training programs.

This advertisement is being used to fill multiple positions

Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate one of EYCC’s thirteen programs as assigned. Note, each program has a specific focus in one or more of the following areas: shooting sports, hunter’s safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, counselor in training.

• Lead hands on educational programming.
• Help maintain camp educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; perform inventory as assigned.
• Transport up to ten campers and one assisting staff member in a twelve-passenger van to offsite program destinations Tuesday – Thursday. Note: this is only required of some instructor positions.

Ensure education programs are in compliance with and operate according to American Camp Association (ACA) standards.  

• Supervise daily summer camp activities as assigned (set up, clean up, leading programming, supporting fellow staff, etc.)
• Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.   
• Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.   

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

• Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to EYCC through program interactions.  
• Participate in meetings, mobile phone communications, etc. as needed with EYCC staff to foster collaborative working relationships.   
• Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems.  

Perform administrative duties as required. 

• Assure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.  
• Attend staff meetings and attend professional development as assigned.  
• Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner. 

 Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.   

• Assist with all aspects of food service as needed (dishwashing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.)  
• Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.)  
• Assist with weekly camper check in and check out.
• 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 Medical Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to deliver presentations to a small group of people, lead hands on activities, and instruct skills-based activities, i.e., shooting sports, paddle sports, fishing, wetland ecology, and marine ecology.  
• Must be comfortable handling firearms and working in environments with loud noises.

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

• Must be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related software.   

• Must have the ability to present fishing, shooting sports, paddle sports, or wildlife viewing related training in structured learning situations and write reports.  

• Knowledge of one or more of FYCCN’s Four Pillars: shooting sports, ethical angling, safe boating (paddle sports), and wildlife exploration; training theory and instructional design and program management. 
• Skilled in one or more of the activities offered in EYCC’s programs, i.e., shooting sports, hunter safety, archery, bowhunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping skills, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, wetland exploration, marine exploration, or counselor in training programs.

• General knowledge of regional ecosystems and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.  

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

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

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

• Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels.   

• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to swim without the assistance of a personal flotation device in deep water (over 7 ft) in ocean or freshwater conditions (waves, changing currents, unpredictable underwater terrain, and low visibility). Note: this requirement does not apply to Instructors supervising shooting sports, camping, the Wildlife Adventurers or Marsh Seekers programs.

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

Additional Notes:

Responses to qualifying questions should reflect the experience indicated in the work history of the State of Florida Job Application (Profile) and be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment. 

Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a resume describing the applicant’s experience. 

If you are more interested in assisting with activities than instructing, we are hiring group leaders under OPS Summer Camp Counselor

Onsite housing in air-conditioned bunk house style cabins is provided for the duration of the incumbent’s employment.

Meals are provided to staff during work hours June - July except during weekly Sunday staff meetings.

Staff must be available to begin in-person training during the second full week of May. Summer camp will run for 8 weeks during the months of June and July. Each session of camp begins on Sunday and ends on the following Friday.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.