Residential Program Staff - IDEA Camp Rio - IDEA Public Schools

Role Mission: The Camp RIO Residential Program Staff both develops and delivers carefully constructed TEKS-based lessons in a fun and engaging way.  They exemplify the characteristics we desire to develop in our students which are leadership, stewardship, service, community, teamwork, and adventure. They are committed to both Outdoor Education and Adult programming. They are responsible for facilitating environmental and outdoor recreation activities and teambuilding programs. The staff member plans and prepares programs and serves as a host and liaison to participant groups. All program staff teach classes; lead large group and evening activities; host meals; help maintain program areas and care for program animals as well as provide high quality experiences for participants that focus on the Camp RIO and EAST Foundation core values.

This position provides optional housing for the individual to live on property from mid-August through the end of May. Pay will be distributed monthly during that timeline. Full benefits and paid time off included.

Considerations: Must be able to attend staff training August 7th —20th (weekends off) and commit to the full school year (Through the end of May).

What We Offer  

Compensation:    

• Compensation for this role has a set pay for $1,500 a month. Housing on camp grounds is provided as well as occasional meals.      

Other Benefits:  

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include:  

• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.  
• Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for 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 within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.  

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.  

Accountabilities:

Implement designated curriculum for every student group.

• Prepares for, teaches and/or facilitates environmental and outdoor recreation programs based on an established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Maintains, inventories, and repairs class materials and equipment.
• Identifies and responds to participant behavioral issues in an appropriate manner, as needed.
• Assists in revising curriculum by actively pursuing new teaching techniques and activities to incorporate.

Assist the Camp RIO groups and retreats manager with visiting groups

• Prepares for and facilitates teambuilding programs based on established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Serves as a host and liaison to program participant groups.
• Participates in staff training and meetings.

Ensures Site and Facilities are in proper condition for guests

• Assists in setup and cleanup for program activities.
• Participates in marketing programs and activities and community events as needed.
• Ensures the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Performs inspections on teambuilding structures and equipment and communicates the need for repairs.

Support the ongoing efforts of the EAST Foundation to promote responsible land stewardship.

• Integrate Land Stewardship concepts into existing curriculum models
• Work collaboratively with the EAST Foundation staff to enhance their current programming at Behind the Gates.

Live values of IDEA

•              Believes and is committed to our mission: that all students are capable of getting to and through college

•              Is driven by outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them

•              Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly

•              Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change

•              Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization

•              Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes

•              Embodies IDEA’s core values 

Competencies:

• Instill respect for the environment, self, and others.
• Reinforce IDEA’s mission of College for All Students.
• Participate in development and implementation of program activities within the mission and outcomes.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in both attitude and behavior.
• Openness to observation and critical feedback.
• Be on time to all scheduled trainings and work days.
• Excitement about working for a school system that is changing the status quo of education in Texas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent, some college preferred
• Experience:
  • Ability to interact with all age levels. (Camper ages will range between 1st grade through high school, and ability to work with adult groups is also required.)
  • Preferred experience working with school-age students.
  • Preferred experience in outdoor working environment and studies in Education, Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, or Physical Education.
  • Ability to work well with a team, as well as be counted on to complete individual tasks as necessary.
• Licenses or Certifications: Able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR and possibly Life Guarding.

Physical Demands

• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp programs and activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, climbing, belaying, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
• Must have the ability to be outside in all weather conditions and on your feet for prolonged periods of time (up to 10 hours in a day).

About IDEA Public Schools   

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. 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 Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.      

When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.  

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values

To Apply  

Please submit your application online through Jobvite. It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.