Garden & Small Animal Program Director​/Sr. Counselor H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Position: Garden & Small Animal Program Director/Sr. Counselor - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY
Location: New York

From garden beds to animal pens—help campers grow, care, and discover at 4-H Camp Owahta! 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.
This position combines the best of both roles:
Sr. Counselor and Garden & Small Animal Program Director. The primary responsibility of the Garden & Small Animal Program Director is to maintain the health, care and safety of the camp animals and garden. Working collaboratively with the Outdoor Recreation Director, Assistant Camp Director and Master Gardener Volunteers, the Garden & Small Animal Program Director is responsible for creating, leading and engaging campers in hands-on activities with the camp animals and garden plants;

ensuring all programming is developmentally appropriate and mission-aligned. The Garden & Small Animal Program Director will provide guidance and supervision to all counselor staff during the garden and small animal program blocks to ensure the highest program quality; maintain required program documentation and records; and ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
The Sr. Counselor component of the position focuses on the safety and supervision of what is most important: the campers! Sr. Counselors assist in leading camp activities, provide additional support at the waterfront and help set the tone for a positive, inclusive space for everyone to be their true selves and “Tap In To Their Potential.”    This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.#

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:# PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING## ## All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.
** All External Applicants** (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.
** All Internal Applicants** (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: .Please contact the CCE office at  with questions.
** POSITION DETAILS:
** This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The summer salary for this position is $2,500.00 to $3,900.00 commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.
** POSITION INFORMATION:
***
* Required Qualifications:

*** Must be 18 years of age.
* Attend and participate in all of staff training;
June 29-July 3, 2026.
* Relevant education experience in gardening and animal care.
* Experience in taking care of small farm animals and maintaining a garden.
* Comfortability in doing garden work including but not limited to; weeding, compost, watering, digging.
* Comfortability around small farm animals including but limited to; chickens, goats.
* Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
* Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
* Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
* Experience as a staff member at an overnight summer camp.
* Interest in working with youth and young adults, primarily outdoors.
* Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
*…