Current Open Positions:
Camp Counselor/Environmental Educator
Plant Ecology Researcher
Water Quality Research Internship
Camp Counselor/ Environmental Educator
Position type: Seasonal, Full-time
Closing Date: May 8th, 2023 or when position fills
Position A: 18 years old and up
Hours: 40 hours per week June 5-30 typically between 8am-4pm M-F, ~25 hours the week of May 30 for set-up/training, and potential hours July 3 week for clean up
Compensation: $10-12 per hour, based on experience
Position B: 16 years old and up
Hours: 30 hours per week June 5-30 typically between 9am-3pm M-F, ~25 hours the week of May 30 for set-up/training, and potential hours July 3 week for clean up
Compensation: $10 per hour
The Camp Counselor job duties include the following:
- Leads, motivates, and ensures the safety of campers as they participate in age-appropriate activities
- Attends camp training to become competent in camp tasks and activities and assists with set-up and clean-up of summer camp
- Leads or assists with before and after care as needed
- Works with Camp Director to train & coordinate summer camp volunteers and other counselors
- Acts as a leader and manages time for teamwork on set-up, leading, and clean-up of activities
- Works with other camp staff members to plan and coordinate camp activities
- Follows all emergency procedures and enforces camp rules, reporting incidents to camp director
- Cleans, maintains, and ensures proper use of camp/education facilities and equipment
- Works all four full weeks of camp
- Leads and assists with all necessary tasks associated with Swamp Explorers Summer Camp
DESIRABLE JOB PREREQUISITES:
Education/Training/Experience:
- Experience working with children
- Environmental education and/or camp counseling experience
- Position A: A degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Education, or other related field or high school graduate pursuing a degree in one of these fields
- Position B: Working towards a high school degree or a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Education, or other related field
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Ability to work well in a team setting and set personal high performance and quality standards that enable the team to be successful
- Takes initiative and has a high level of responsibility and accountability
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, the public, and all other customers, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities
- Upbeat and engaging with strong public speaking skills
- Ability to work with and manage students of all ages
- Punctual with good time management skills
- An appreciation for and understanding of natural habitats and systems
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Physical ability to participate in activities, run, climb, lift, or support the weight of children
- Ability to pass a background check
- First aid and CPR/AED certified by camp start date
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by camp start date preferred
Send Cover Letter, Resume, and 3 References to: Camilla.Sherman@phinizycenter.org
For questions, you may also call Camilla at 706-396-1413
Plant Ecology Researcher
POSITION TYPE: Seasonal; Non-exempt hourly
HOURS: Part-time (20 – 30 hrs/wk) in the Summer (May-July) 2023, with the opportunity to continue the position with variable part-time hours for an additional year
REPORTS TO: Research Director
COMPENSATION: $13-$15 per hour (based on experience level)
APPLICATION DUE: April 10, 2023
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The Plant Ecology Researcher serves as the point person for Phinizy Center’s Spider Shoals Lily research project. Spider Shoals Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is a bedrock shoals endemic macrophyte. The Researcher will quantify lily habitat in the Savannah River, implement science-backed restoration, work alongside community volunteers, and present on research results as part of grant-funded research.
The ideal candidate would work on this project Summer 2023 – Fall 2024.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Summer responsibilities including planning fieldwork, field sampling, plant propagation, and restoration under the guidance and supervision of Phinizy Center staff
- Ability to work with volunteers and communicate research with the community through informal and formal presentations
- Data management and analysis of Shoals Lily dataset to develop management plans
- Maintains general order and cleanliness in lab; adheres to best laboratory management practices and compliance
- Performs other duties as instructed
DESIRABLE JOB PREREQUISITES
Education and Experience:
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related field OR currently working on degree
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Proficiency swimming, wading, and operating a kayak through shoals and rapids is essential. Safely operates vehicles including a truck, truck with trailer, and boat when needed.
- Work under physically demanding conditions in inclement weather and difficult terrain
- Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs, and climbing ladders
- An appreciation for and understanding of natural habitats and systems and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Positive, flexible, team-oriented attitude, with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Interest in grant-writing and science communication
- Strong work ethic, professionalism, and integrity
- Proficiency in OneDrive and MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
License(s) or Special Requirements:
- Ability and interest to continue the project (1-2 days a week) during the Fall and Spring months and following Summer (up to 3 days a week) preferred.
- Possess a valid state driver’s license
- Ability to pass a background check
- Lifeguard experience and CPR training recommended
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands, Hazards, and Working Conditions: The researcher will have to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, to succeed in this position.
While performing the duties of this position, the researcher is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle and reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The researcher must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 lbs.
While performing the duties of this position, the researcher is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Fieldwork will take place outside, and the researcher will be exposed to the outdoor elements such as heat, rain, and insects. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, driving a truck, loading & carrying field equipment, and wading (with waders) will be required. Lab work may occasionally include performing tasks involving toxic or cause chemicals, and proper lab safety is expected.
To apply, send Cover Letter, Resume, and Reference Contact Info to:
Dr. Callie Oldfield, Phinizy Center Research Director, callie@phinizycenter.org by April 10, 2023
Water Quality Research Internship
POSITION TYPE: Volunteer
HOURS: 8-16 hrs/wk between 9-5 Monday-Friday, May-August 2023. Must be available one full day/wk
REPORTS TO: Research Director
APPLICATION DUE: April 17, 2023; applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Water Quality Research Internship will provide an intern with field and lab experience relating to water quality monitoring, analysis, and data management at a nonprofit. This is an unpaid position, with the purpose of providing an intern with experience and practice, which will expand the skills and knowledge they have acquired from previous education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attain experience with field sampling methods and laboratory procedures
- Learn techniques for macroinvertebrate collection and identification
- Implement laboratory procedures and learn analytical techniques
- Gain competence in laboratory safety and best management practices
- Assist with urban watershed water quality monitoring
- Hands-on experience with long term Savannah River continuous monitoring
- Learn to communicate verbally and in writing with other team members in a scientific manner
- Learn data management and record keeping techniques
- Obtain experience with water quality analysis
Responsibilities of Phinizy Center and mentor:
Provide intern with the necessary orientation, administration, safety, and operational guidelines essential to the internship
- Provide intern with on-site supervision, mentorship, and instruction
- Record attendance and maintain records of work completed
- Offer evaluation of internship and work completed as needed
- Provide intern with appropriate laboratory and field safety precautions including PPE, lab safety training, etc
DESIREABLE INTERN PREREQUISITES
Education, Training, and Experience:
- Junior or Senior undergraduate or graduate in Biology, Ecology, or recent graduate
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Demonstrate strong work ethic and the ability to foster teamwork
- Task-oriented, an appreciation for native habitats, and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Knowledge of standard office practices and basic computer skills, and ability to apply such knowledge of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations
- Be punctual and demonstrate good time management skills
License(s) or Special Requirements:
- Must be able to work a minimum of 8-16 hours a week Monday-Friday for 9-12 weeks. Must be available one full 8 hr day/wk
- Must have transportation to and from the place of work (Phinizy Center for Water Sciences)
- Must have a current valid driver’s license or valid form of ID
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands, Hazards, and Working Conditions: The intern will have to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, to succeed in this position.
While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle and reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The intern must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 lbs.
While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Fieldwork will take place outside, and the intern will be exposed to the outdoor elements such as heat, rain, and insects. Hiking, carrying field equipment and wading (with waders) will be required. Lab work may occasionally include performing tasks involving toxic or cause chemicals, and proper lab safety is expected.
To apply, send Cover Letter, Resume, and Reference Contact Info to:
Dr. Callie Oldfield, Phinizy Center Research Director, callie@phinizycenter.org by April 17, 2023