Staff Positions:
Summer camp teaching staff must be at least 16 years old and certified in basic first aid and CPR: Wilderness First Aid is required of most staff members aged 18 and older.
Some flexibility is available, though full-summer or half-summer commitments are preferred.
Summer camp cook must be at least 18 years old and experienced in preparing meals for large groups, including vegetarian options. BCWS uses local produce as it becomes available, and meals are mostly made from scratch. Required certifications are Basic First Aid and CPR.
Fall and spring teacher-naturalists for school groups must be at least 18 years old and certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
To learn more, or apply for any of these positions, email bcwsdirector@burgundyfarm.org.
Spring (Dates April 15 – June 4)
Spring Staff Job Description:
The Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies is the mountain campus of the Burgundy Farm Country Day School, a progressive school where priorities are diversity and nature. Grades 1-8 will attend day and overnight programs. Outdoor classroom and everyday curricula are mutually integrated. BCWS interweaves hands-on nature, science, arts, and humanities. Program develops alongside the children, increasing challenges and skills each year. This year, all programs will be physically distanced and staff will be required to take all precautions against COVID-19 – and help children do the same.
BCWS employees teach classes, lead hikes, facilitate traditional camp activities, assist with some daily operations and facility upkeep, as well as guiding student work-teams in some kitchen tasks, and advising chaperones.
32 students are accompanied by teachers and parent chaperones who supervise free times and assist with bedtime and some kitchen duties.
A workweek is 5 days. Weeks vary, but there are half-day and full-day chunks of free time between trips. Staff participate in program design, set up and breakdown. With students on-site, workdays are ~7 a.m. ~9 p.m., with breaks. Nighttime duties may include nightwalks, sleep-outs, and meetings. Additionally, the staff tend to gather with teachers over a cup of tea to review and plan for the next day.
Staff are housed in screened sleeping cabins. Wifi is available close by in the main lodge…along with a shared kitchen and bathrooms.
Qualifications: Individuals with proven interests in education, field biology and conservation, age 18+. Experience working with children ages 6-13 is ideal, and comfort working alongside adults is helpful. Must be physically able to lead hikes and a few sleep-outs. Wilderness First Aid and CPR are required.
Lifeguard certification and/or experience with institutional kitchen operations are a plus.
Salary/Benefits: $350-400 / week assuming certifications and experience. Room, board and paid staff training included. Insurance is workmen’s compensation.
To Apply: Email bcwsdirector@burgundyfarm.org for more information or to apply.