Sea Stars Camp Counselor - Northport, NY

This seasonal position will assist with a marine science summer camp for children ages 6-14. The camp counselor will participate as a marine educator and supervisor for campers and will help the Camp Director to supervise a designated group of 8-10 campers and aid in the implementation of daily activities, including: leading children through activities indoors and outdoors during expeditions to Fuchs Pond Preserve, be responsible for teaching 1-2 lessons and crafts each week, seining and water activities at Asharoken Beach or other local beach, arts and crafts, and games. The counselor will prepare and breakdown daily crafts activities. Camp Counselor will lead smaller groups through the above activities and will delegate necessary tasks to CIT’s. Counselors will be responsible for preparation before programs and clean-up after programs including cleaning and care of the facility and/or marine and freshwater tanks.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation or attendance in/from a recognized high school or equivalent.
• Experience with working with children.
• Ability to learn and lead educational experiences and activities.
• Ability to understand and carry out educational program tasks and objectives.
• Ability to work with children.
• Ability to supervise a small group of children.
• Ability to supervise CIT participants.
• Ability to understand and implement written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors performing various types of educational and physical activities.
• Ability to learn marine science and natural science subject matter.
• Ability to work with and touch live animals (marine organisms, fish, reptiles, etc.).
• Ability to handle health and safety issues and/or emergency situations.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of job, such as light hiking expeditions to Fuchs Pond Preserve, Asharoken Beach and beach seining.
• Ability to communicate with camp participants’ parents.
• Flexible scheduling of work week as required by ongoing operations.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, if required.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Desire to work with children.
• Basic marine biology, environmental or education background/aquarium and/or animal care experience.
• Current CPR/AED and/or First Aid certification or higher, or equivalent.
• Lifeguard Certifications.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary: $16-19 per hour

Schedule: NONEXEMPT – TEMP: June 29, 2026 – August 14, 2026

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 or via email at [email protected]

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

Job Title:

Association Camp Temporary

Level:

TMP

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contact Name:

Ashley Downs

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.