Residential Program Staff - IDEA Camp Rio (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools believes each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools, serving over 80,000 college-bound students across Texas, Florida, and Ohio.

About the role

The Camp RIO Residential Program Staff develops and delivers TEKS-based lessons in a fun, engaging way while exemplifying leadership, stewardship, service, community, teamwork, and adventure. This position facilitates environmental and outdoor recreation activities, teambuilding programs, and serves 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 on-property housing is provided from mid-August through the end of May, with pay distributed monthly during that timeline. Full benefits and paid time off are included.

Must attend staff training August 11th–22nd (weekends off) and commit to the full school year (through the end of May).

Responsibilities

• Implement designated curriculum for every student group.
• Prepare for, 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 for 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; 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 commitment to college for all students.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in attitude and behavior.
• Participate in development and implementation of program activities within the mission and outcomes.
• Be open to observation and critical feedback.
• Be on time to all scheduled trainings and work days.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; some college preferred.
• Ability to interact with all age levels (1st grade through high school, plus adult groups).
• 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 with 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, physical games, and activities.
• Ability to be outside in all weather conditions and on your feet for prolonged periods (up to 10 hours per day).

Skills

• Instill respect for the environment, self, and others.
• Reinforce IDEA’s mission of College for All Students.
• Excitement about working for a school system that is changing the status quo of education in Texas.
• Driven by outcomes and results; holds self accountable.
• Propensity for action, willing to learn and improve through mistakes.
• Thrives in entrepreneurial, high-growth environments; comfortable with ambiguity and change.
• Seeks and responds well to feedback.
• Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: 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 and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

Pay

$1,500 per month, distributed monthly from mid-August through the end of May.

Schedule

Full-time, residential position from mid-August through the end of May. Housing on camp grounds and occasional meals provided.