Vancouver Jobs

Hiring: Spring Break Camp Junior Counselor
Organization: Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association
Location: Vancouver, BC

Organization Overview

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) is the joint operating partner - with the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (Park Board) - of VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Our mission is to engage people of all ages and walks of life in the importance of biodiversity to our lives, and to foster a lifelong love of plants and gardens by virtue of their participation in our programs and services.  Situated in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre urban green space, an ideal location for connecting with nature. 

The VBGA welcomes eligible applicants from any location for this in-person role; candidates unfamiliar with Vancouver and surrounding areas are encouraged to explore tourist attractions, cultural events, and programs through sites such as https://www.destinationvancouver.com/ and https://www.hellobc.com/places-to-go/vancouver/. 

The VBGA is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities. 

Position Overview

Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association is seeking Junior Counselors to help deliver nature-based Spring Break Camps for children ages 5-10 at VanDusen Botanical Garden. VBGA Camps promote environmental stewardship and a love of the natural world through a fun blend of science, gardening, games, crafts and garden exploration. Visit our website to learn more about our programs at https://vandusengarden.org/learn/camps/. 

Responsibilities

• Assist Camp Leaders in delivering full-day, nature-themed day camps to children ages 5-10
• Follow VBGA’s health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all participants
• Provide campers with a safe, educational, fun, and meaningful experience
• Assist Camp Leaders in supervising and mentoring Volunteers
• Ensure that the campers are signed in and out by their parents/guardians
• Help to maintain and prepare program materials, supplies, and facilities
• Assist with activity preparation, cleanup and daily cleaning and sanitation
• Assist in performing basic First Aid procedures, group management practices, etc.
• Assist with effective documentation of incidents, accidents, behavioural concerns, etc.
• Liaise with the Youth Programs administrative team to ensure smooth operations

Qualifications and Experience

• An interest or some experience in ecology, biology, education, interpretation, First Nations or Indigenous Studies or similar
• Ability to write and speak fluently in English
• Experience working with children, preferably ages 5-10 and in groups
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions with a positive attitude
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a team
• Clear, recent Criminal Records Check/Police Information Check incl. Vulnerable Sectors (or willingness to obtain prior to start)
• Valid Standard First Aid Certification incl. CPR-C and AED (or willingness to obtain pre-start)

Preferences will be given to candidates that:

• Are part of self-identified equity-seeking groups such as newcomers to Canada, individuals with a disability, or members of visible or non-visible minorities or marginalized groups.
• Are knowledgeable and interested in plants, ecology, sustainability, and/or gardening

Eligibility

This is a funded position; to be eligible you must be:

• Between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee protection status
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Commitment/Availability

• March 10th-14th part-time, flexible, blended (online training/orientation, onsite prep time)
• March 17th-21st, 24th-28th full time, 8h/day onsite ~8:15am-4:15pm (camps in session)

Note: Possibility of extension as a casual Junior Counselor or re-hire full-time for Summer Camps based on availability and assessment by Youth Programs Manager.

Wage

$17.40 per hour + 4% in lieu of vacation

Contact

Natasha Friedmann (she/they), Youth Programs Manager - nfriedmann@vandusen.org

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Please submit your resume and cover letter by email before 11:59pm Pacific time on February 2nd 2025; note that interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and postings will remain open until the positions are filled. Thank you for your interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.