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.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $35/hour 

Hours per week: 15/week, Mondays–Fridays according to schedule below 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Seasonal 

Job Type: Hybrid 

Duration: June 23, 2025 – August 15, 2025 

Location: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you interested in supporting the social-emotional health and wellness of campers at an art and nature camp this summer? The summer camps at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA are process/maker focused and inspired by the 30-acre Sculpture Park, nature on campus, and each participant’s unique interests and imagination. 

THE HIVE, July 7-August 8, is designed for fifty-six campers ages 5-12 who are curious about the world around them and interested in exploring nature and contemporary artistic ideas through energizing and emergent collaborations culminating each week in large-scale installations in the Sculpture Park.  

SUMMER STUDIO FOR TEENS, June 30-July 3 and August 11-15, offers opportunities for small cohort of 13–16-year-olds to refine and expand artistic techniques, create meaningful connections, and develop confidence in their unique artistic voice.  

For more information about this summer’s exciting weekly themes and projects, please visit: deCordova Camps 

The Role:

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

Prior to camp, you will review camper profiles and plan and facilitate a two-hour workshop for the deCordova Camp Team. During The Hive (July 7-August 8), you will be onsite 4-5 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday and on-call Tuesday and Thursday for remote consults or specific requests to be onsite. During Summer Studio (June 30-July 3 and August 11-15), you will be onsite 2-3 hours on Mondays and Wednesdays and on-call Tuesday and Thursday for remote consults or specific requests to be onsite. Total hours per week is estimated at 17. 

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, nonexempt position working 17 hours/week and reporting directly to the deCordova Camp Director. 

Requirements

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 

• Full availability for camp staff training sessions late May/early June and all weeks of camp (June 30-August 15)  

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

• Able and willing to work across a 30-acre site both indoors and outside in all types of weather   

• 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!

Benefits

Your Benefits:

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

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

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.