Outdoor Environment Educator - Residential

Do you have a love for nature and the environment? This is your opportunity to teach what you love to provide an amazing experience for children at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties Camp Seymour.

We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team of Outdoor Environmental Educators for an unforgettable school-year long experience! Located in Gig Harbor, Camp Seymour lies within Glen Clove providing direct access to Puget Sound. You will have the opportunity to explore the Kitsap Peninsula and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the nearby Olympic National Forest and our Pacific Ocean beaches! This position is residential and you will stay on-site with room and board provided for the full school year including all meals, and access to all Camp Seymour has to offer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment that reflects YMCA values.
• Treat every participant with fairness and respect, ensuring all feel valued and confident regardless of background or ability.
• Build positive relationships with participants, parents, and school staff, encouraging involvement and identifying potential volunteers.
• Arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled shifts and fulfill commitments responsibly. Communicate directly and promptly with a supervisor regarding any absence or schedule change.
• Participate fully in required staff meetings and training courses, including OEE staff development sessions.
• Maintain a safe, engaging program environment by confidently and respectfully enforcing YMCA policies.
• Prepare thoroughly for classes by shadowing experienced staff, developing thoughtful lesson plans, and reviewing them with directors prior to teaching.
• Collaborate with Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) staff to share ideas and strengthen program delivery.
• Progress from co-teaching to independently leading natural science, group-building, and outdoor skills classes for school groups.
• Support and lead educational and recreational activities as needed, including waterfront and evening programs.
• Help maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the Environmental Center and surrounding camp facilities.
• Contribute to program growth by developing curriculum, activities, materials, and displays.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Will need to plan, lead, and participate in programming outdoors.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 20 years.
• A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (preferred).
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

*This is a residential position that includes room and board.*

Starting Wage: $100.00 to $130.00 per day (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Dates: Spring 2026 and/or Fall 2026 (School year only).

Location: Camp Seymour, Gig Harbor, WA

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team! To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled