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Camp Program Instructor
Position Description
About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis
There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One.
With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.
The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis:
Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office, is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:
- Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
- Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
- Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare
- Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
- Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century
- Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
- Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.
What you will do at Precinct One
We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Camp Program Instructor to lead environmental education activities for young children, ages 5 to 13, at our youth summer program, Discovery Camp. The ideal candidate will be passionate about nature and the environment, with the ability to inspire and engage children in hands-on learning experiences. As a key part of our team, you will guide campers through exciting outdoor activities, nature walks, and educational lessons that promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
Curriculum and training will be provided, including first aid and CPR certification. This is a wonderful opportunity to work in a dynamic outdoor setting while helping children develop a greater appreciation for the natural world. **This is a temporary position starting June 1, 2026 and ending August 7, 2026**
Essential Duties:
- Guide and supervise several student interns as they interact with camp participants, providing direction and support as needed
- Provide demonstrations of activities and assist with the execution of nature-based lessons and hands-on experiences
- Welcome campers and introduce the camp theme, ensuring that participants understand expectations and camp rules
- Assist in the preparation and serving of snacks and meals to campers
- Administer pre- and post-test assessments to evaluate camper learning outcomes
- Oversee and support basic janitorial duties, including maintaining cleanliness of camp areas, and assist with trail maintenance to ensure safe paths for campers
- Contribute to the creative direction and preparation of arts and crafts activities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp program
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
- Require a bachelor's degree with a preference for a certified teacher
- Previous experience working with children or in educational settings is a plus
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and supervise a team of student interns and interact with camp participants
- Ability to follow and enforce basic safety procedures, ensuring the well-being of all campers and staff
- Comfortable handling a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, birds, turtles, amphibians, and other program animals
- Ability to endure working outdoors during the summer months in varying weather conditions
- Reliable transportation to and from the camp location
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to keep track of camp schedules and report activity times to interns
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required
- A background in biology, animal science, environmental science, or elementary education is preferred
- Experience in outdoor education or leading environmental activities for children is a plus
- Strong interest in nature conservation and sustainability
General Information
Location:
- Discovery Camp takes place in a cabin at Deussen Park, located at 12303 Sonnier St., Houston, TX 77044
Work Environment:
- The role involves supervising both outdoor (3 activities) and indoor (2 activities) camp programs
- Supervise a team of 4 interns who will be leading activities with the children, providing guidance and support as needed
- The work schedule is from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility required as hours may vary based on camp activities and needs
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds to transport and set up supplies for camp activities
- Ability to move and gather various camp materials and equipment as needed
- Physical stamina to walk outdoors for up to 30 minutes during hikes and move between multiple activity areas to check on interns and supervise campers
- Ability to remain active throughout the day, engaging with both indoor and outdoor camp activities
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
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