Seasonal Camp Behavior Specialist

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $35/hour 

Hours per week: 12-15 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays  

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Job Type: Hybrid 

Duration: June 9–August 15, 2025 

Location: Weir River Farm and World’s End, Hingham, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you interested in supporting the social-emotional health and wellness of campers at our outdoor camps in Hingham, MA this summer? Would you like to work with camp staff to help make every amazing camp week a success for all campers? 

Surrounded by acres of woodland habitat, Weir River Farm is home to chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and more! Our 40 campers ages 5-14 are outdoors all week, including daily visits to the barnyard handling and caring for our animals. Campers learn gardening skills by weeding and harvesting in the Children’s Garden. Hiking adventures lead to discoveries in forest and field habitats. Each day’s lessons, games, crafts, and activities are designed to instill the importance of nature and agriculture in our daily lives.   

World’s End’s 30 campers aged 5-10 spend each day exploring the rocky shores, beaches, salt marsh, rolling hills, and woodlands of this unique 400-acre peninsula habitat in Hingham, MA. They discover the plants, animals, sea life, and minerals that call this place home – and learn about the delicate balance that supports all living things. Creative projects, active games, friendship building, and fun are also part of every camp day. 

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps. 

The Role:

As a Seasonal Camp Behavior Specialist (CBS), you have a deep understanding of behavioral modification and child development and will value experiential, place-based education. You will be excited to share your knowledge to help prepare staff, camp spaces, caregivers, and campers for a successful camp experience. 

During training weeks (June 9-20), the CBS meets with Camp Directors, reviews camper profiles, and develops a 2-hour on-site workshop for the WRF and WE camp teams. During camp (June 23–August 15), they will work onsite at WRF and WE for up to 5 hours per day on Mondays and Tuesdays to observe campers in their daily activities. Wednesdays through Fridays, they will be available remotely for review of camper records, parent communications, remote consultation, and onsite work if needed. Total hours per week is estimated at 12-15.  

Specifically, you’ll:

• Assist in setting up indoor and outdoor activity and quiet spaces that allows all campers to flourish at camp 

• Lead a staff training as it relates to understanding and supporting campers with a range of needs   

• Review camper records and documents (IEPs, Behavior Plans, etc.) prior to attendance 

• Communicate with caregivers as necessary before or during camp to set up campers for success 

• Take lead in coordinating and implementing strategy plans for campers who would benefit from accommodations and modifications  

• Support Instructors and Junior Instructors (ages 15-18) with camper accommodations and modifications  

• Ensure proper completion and documentation of administrative duties as they relate to camper accommodations and modifications 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 12-15 hours/week reporting directly to the South Shore School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.  

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A master's degree or equivalent experience in social work, education, child development, or other relevant course of study. 

• Proven expertise in the areas of trauma-informed practices, neurodiversity, behavior modification, and special education.  

• Creative, passionate, open-minded, and knowledgeable in a broad range of behavioral, social, and developmental needs of campers and their caregivers.  

• Effective documenter of camper behavior and ability to share observations and ideas to caregivers and camp staff. 

• Adept at reading IEPs and other camper documents and providing insight and direction to best support campers. 

• Experience working with children with diverse needs, abilities, and interests. 

• Effective communicator and collaborator with strong interpersonal skills: helpful, calm, friendly demeanor. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be at least 21 years old 

• Availability for camp staff training (June 9–20) and all weeks of camp (June 23-August 15)  

• Must have or be willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification (provided, if necessary)     

• Able to lift 40 pounds 

• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Leave Accrual 

• Trustees Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties statewide, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores, cafes and on stays at our inns.  

• Museum Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.   

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.