Temporary Extension Camping Instructor (ECI) - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

WVU 4-H Extension Camping Instructors serve as camp staff during 4-H summer camps and events in West Virginia. The WVU Extension Service (WVUES) 4-H Youth Development Unit is looking to fill positions for their upcoming camping season. The Extension Camp Instructor (ECI) Program is designed to enhance the development of young leaders through proven experiential-based training. As a side benefit of the program, these young people form a well-trained framework of leaders who can provide assistance to county and state-level 4-H camps and other educational WVU Extension Service events and activities.

Location: County 4-H Camps throughout West Virginia. Base of operations is Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, WV.

What you'll do:

Working under the direction of the supervising Extension Faculty member, the ECI will:

• Participate in ECI Training May 18-May 23, 2025. This is a mandatory in-person training held at WVU Jackson's Mill.
• Have open availability in June-July 2025.
• Maintain effective communications with the 4-H ECI Supervisor.
• Follow all guidelines and policies of the WVU Extension Service.
• Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth, both in-person and virtually.
• Prepare and submit reports and conduct evaluations as requested by the Supervisor.
• Travel to site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
• Each ECI will be evaluated by their Supervisor.

These positions will be required to:

• Work cooperatively with 4-H volunteer leaders, teen leaders, campers, Extension faculty and staff, and other ECIs.
• Fulfill work contract agreement.
• Maintain effective communications with 4-H volunteer leaders, teen leaders, campers, Extension faculty and staff, and
  other ECIs.
• Follow all guidelines and policies of the WVU Extension Service, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H program of counties
  assigned and camps/facilities utilized.
• Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth.
• Prepare and submit reports as requested by department.
• Arrive at assigned site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
• Follow all policies and procedures as outline by WVU and the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Unit.
• Be energetic, enthusiastic, quick-thinking, flexible, diplomatic and prompt.
• Participate in physical activities with campers during games, sports and recreation.
• Teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility and leadership in
  youth.
• Sincerely cooperate with others to further the educational purposes of the WVU Extension Service.

Pay: $100 per day New Employee, $125 per day Returning Employee. Room and board provided while on assignment.

Assignment Length: Approximately 4 months

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Time Required: May 18, 2025 to August 29, 2025, or a portion thereof. Weekends and overnight stays at Jackson's Mill 4-H camp and other venues will be required. Each ECI will be assigned a minimum of two weeklong assignments within the ECI work season. Full assignment schedules will be determined based on need and ECI availability.

• A high school diploma or equivalent required
  
• Preference given to applicants enrolled in higher education.
  
• Experience working with youth (as a volunteer or paid)
  
• Experience working in a summer camp setting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to be energetic, enthusiastic, quick-thinking, adaptable, diplomatic and prompt
  
• The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility and leadership in youth
  
• A sincere commitment to cooperating with others to further the educational purposes of the of the STEM curriculum
  
• ECI's must be able to provide their own transportation.
  
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
  
• Ability to deliver curriculum on a variety of topics;
  
• Ability to communicate in written and verbal forms and work with youth and adult participants of differing age and skill levels; provide necessary instructions to youth;
  
• Ability to observe youth behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and policies and emergency procedures and apply appropriate behavior management techniques;
  
• Visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities;
  
• Ability to assist youth in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, injury);
  
• Possess physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of youth and perform other assigned duties.

Questions about the ECI Position?

Contact Jason Burnside at Jason.burnside@mail.wvu.edu or 304-624-8650

• Must pass a criminal background check by May 19th in order to be hired
• Must be at least 18 years
• Can provide your own transportation to work and training

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.