Residential Program Staff - IDEA Camp Rio (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

The Camp RIO Residential Program Staff develops and delivers TEKS-based lessons in a fun and engaging way, embodying leadership, stewardship, service, community, teamwork, and adventure. This role involves facilitating environmental and outdoor recreation activities, teambuilding programs, and serving as a host and liaison to participant groups. Staff teach classes, lead large group and evening activities, host meals, maintain program areas, and care for program animals to provide high-quality experiences aligned with Camp RIO and EAST Foundation core values.

Optional housing is provided on-property from mid-August through the end of May, with pay distributed monthly during this timeline. Full benefits and paid time off are included.

Responsibilities

• Implement designated curriculum for every student group.
• Prepare, teach, and/or facilitate environmental and outdoor recreation programs based on established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Maintain, inventory, and repair class materials and equipment.
• Identify and respond to participant behavioral issues appropriately.
• Assist in revising curriculum by pursuing new teaching techniques and activities.
• Prepare and facilitate teambuilding programs based on established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Serve as a host and liaison to program participant groups.
• Participate in staff training and meetings.
• Assist in setup and cleanup for program activities.
• Participate in marketing programs, activities, and community events as needed.
• Ensure the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Perform inspections on teambuilding structures and equipment and communicate repair needs.
• Integrate land stewardship concepts into existing curriculum models.
• Collaborate with EAST Foundation staff to enhance programming at Behind the Gates.
• Embody IDEA’s core values and mission of college readiness for all students.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in attitude and behavior.
• Be open to observation and critical feedback.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must attend staff training from August 11th–22nd (weekends off).
• Must commit to the full school year (through the end of May).
• High School Diploma or equivalent; some college preferred.
• Ability to interact with all age levels (1st grade through high school, including adults).
• Preferred experience working with school-age students.
• Preferred experience in outdoor working environments and studies in Education, Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, or Physical Education.
• Ability to work well in a team and complete individual tasks as necessary.
• Able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR and possibly Lifeguarding.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lead and participate in camp programs and activities including hiking, climbing, belaying, team-building initiatives, building campfires, and physical games.
• Ability to be outside in all weather conditions and on your feet for prolonged periods (up to 10 hours a day).

Qualifications

IDEA Public Schools seeks individuals who:

• Believe and are committed to the mission that all students are capable of getting to and through college.
• Are driven by outcomes and results, and want to be held accountable for them.
• Have a propensity for action, are willing to make mistakes, and learn and improve quickly.
• Thrive in entrepreneurial, high-growth environments and are comfortable with ambiguity and change.
• Seek and respond well to feedback, shared often and freely across all levels of the organization.
• Work through silos and forge strong cross-departmental relationships to achieve outcomes.
• Embody IDEA’s core values.

Benefits

• Compensation: $1,500 per month, with housing on camp grounds and occasional meals provided.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan: Covers the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizes costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year (subject to manager discretion and budget availability).
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, and professional development.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. The organization fosters a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all team members.