Employment Information
There are currently no openings for full-time, paid positions with the Foundation. Opportunities to volunteer help on projects are described below.
Temporary, seasonal positions working with Foundation programs are posted periodically. Information about program staff positions for 2008 is available below.
The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Volunteer Information
Please watch this space for opportunities to volunteer for the Foundation. If you are interested in in being a presenter at one of the Foundation's education programs, please send E-mail to andrew.blackwood@nysf.com.
Lost and Missing Alumni Project
Introduction
The National Youth Science Camp Alumni Association and the National Youth Science Foundation are working together to improve the quality and quantity of information in the NYSC alumni database. To this end, we need help searching for lost alumni (list linked). We consider an alumnus lost when a physical mailing is returned to us by the postal service. This information permits us to communicate with alumni about upcoming events and projects and to enhance the capability of the NYSCAA members’ only web site (members.nyscaa.org). The information in the database is held in confidence with high respect and concern for privacy of the alumni.
What we will do
We will provide you with a list of lost or inactive alumni that includes the person’s name, NYSC state and year, and last known address, phone number, and E-mail address. We request that you use this information only for the purpose of this project and hold the information in confidence.
What we need you to do
Search for lost alumni and identify his/her E-mail address, phone number, mailing address, personal or work web site URL. You can volunteer to help find lost alumni from your year, your city, your school, etc. Please remember that we are working to reestablish relationships with the alumni and so when you succeed in making a contact, please take some time to see how the person is doing! In a recent test, a volunteer was able to find contact information for lost alumni in an average of ten minutes per person. Once the alumnus is located, we ask that you do one or more of the following:
- Complete the Bio Update form (www.nyscaa.org/bioupdate) on behalf of the lost alumnus with as much information as you have found. Please include your name and the method you used to find the person in the notes field.
- Forward the information directly to Ms. Laine Lybeck by E-mail (laine.lybeck@nysf.com) or by phone (304) 342-3326.
If you are Interesting in helping...
- Contact Ms. Laine Lybeck by E-mail (laine.lybeck@nysf.com) or by phone (304) 342-3326 to register for this project.
Thanks for your help!
So, you want to be a Staph member...Here's what you need to know and do.
The 2008 National Youth Science Foundation program season will be busy including sessions of the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) and the West Virginia Governor's School for Mathematics and Science (GSMS). The Youth Science Leadership Institute will likely be offered again in 2009 (funding is not yet secured). Most staff positions are considered cabin staff and will also serve as counselors. Because Foundation programs develop close knit communities, cabin staff will maintain the same hours as the delegates in order to minimize fatigue and cabin disruption and to maximize cohesiveness and community spirit between delegates and staff. Additionally, most staff positions will serve as overnight trip staff for the programs' outdoor program. As staff positions are filled, slight adjustments will likely be made in job responsibilities. All staff positions provide general support and frequently assist in other areas; the Director can assign additional duties. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. The National Youth Science Foundation strives to offer programs that meet the highest standards of fairness and sensitivity with respect to sex, age, race, national origin or physical condition.
2008 National Youth Science Camp
The Foundation will operate the 45th National Youth Science Camp at Camp Pocahontas hosting approximately 100 students representing each of the States. Important dates are given below.
2008 WV Governor's School for Mathematics and Science
The Foundation will again be operating a session of the West Virginia Governor's School for Mathematics and Science in partnership with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. Twelve staff members will serve as students mentors and will work along side twelve teachers and a team of four to six students (rising ninth graders). These small groups will each develop a radio-astronomy focused research project. Outdoor recreation activities will complement the academic program. A summary of the 2007 WV GSMS is available online.
So, here's how to apply
- Read the position descriptions below. Direct any questions to Dr. Andrew N. Blackwood by E-mail message to Andrew.Blackwood@nysf.com or by calling (304) 342-3326.
- Complete the online staph application form and click the submit button at the bottom. Your complete application will include a personal statement with at least the following elements:
- Philosophy of a Staph member
- Your qualifications
- Review of applications, particularly those
for Assistant Directors and other office staph, will begin immediately.
Applications received after January 27, 2008, might not be considered. The deadline has been extended.
| Event | Date |
| Staph applications due | Sunday, January 27, 2008 |
| Initial staph offers made | Saturday, March 1, 2008 |
| Office Staph arrive | To be determined - negotiable (approximately Sunday, June 1, 2008) |
| Staph arrive in Charleston | Sunday, June 22, 2008 |
| Camp Pocahontas lease starts | Monday, June 23, 2008 |
| NYSC Delegates arrive in Charleston | Sunday, June 29, 2008 |
| NYSC Delegates depart | Saturday, July 26, 2008 |
| Non-Office/WV GSMS Staph depart | Friday, August 1, 2008 |
| WV GSMS at NRAO Starts | Sunday, August 3, 2008 |
| WV GSMS at NRAO Ends | Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
| WV GSMS Staff depart | Monday, August 18, 2008 |
| Office Staph depart | To be determined - negotiable |
Approximate Pay Scale
While salaries are admittedly modest, there are significant fringe benefits. Meals, lodging, and laundry services are provided free of charge. Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 (more if the budget allows or as market requires as determined by the director). A successful applicant's experiences at camp are sure to be memorable and opportunities for other intrinsic rewards are directly proportional to each individual's level of creativity, energy, objectivity, knowledge, and good humor.
| Category | Estimated Salary |
| Base salary - no special skills/degrees/certifications | $280 per seven day week |
| Base salary - special skills/degree/certificate | $380 per seven day week |
| Nurse/Professional | $500 per seven day week |
| Assistant Director - Operations | $500 per seven day week |
| Assistant Director - Programming | $500 per seven day week |
| Unit Leaders/Outdoor Coordinators | $325 per seven day week |
| Yearly service increment | $10 per year on Staph |
| WV GSMS Teacher (certified teacher) | $150 per day (yearly increment does not apply) |
| WV GSMS Student Mentor | $60 per day (yearly increment does not apply) |
Good luck.
Andrew N. Blackwood, Ed.D.
Executive Director
| Office Staph | Regular Staph | Outdoor Staph |
|
Office Staph
Assistant Director - Operations: This AD - Operations keeps all financial records and has extensive responsibilities with the NYSC. The AD - Operations works closely pre- and post-camp with the Executive Director and the Foundation's Assistant Treasurer about appropriate accounting procedures, including payroll, camp expenditures, and reimbursement for individuals. Other duties include coordinating laundry services, coordinating the outdoor program with other aspects of the camp, maintaining the soft drink vending machine, starting and ending the services and utilities needed for the operation of the camp, coordinating vehicular and equipment acquisitions, and serving as the camp liaison with the insurance companies regarding premiums, audits, and claims.
Assistant Director - Programming: The AD - Programming works closely with the Executive Director in coordinating and supporting the NYSC program. The primary duty is managing the details of hosting approximately 40 guest scientists who will present lectures on their research or the role of science in society and an additional 30 scientists to work with small groups of delegates in the directed studies program. Other duties include: coordinating the travel arrangements and in-camp lodging for the guests, developing a daily schedule and working closely with the office manager to ensure that it is distributed, handling travel reimbursements for the guests in cooperation with the AD - Operations, and working closely with the public information coordinator to publicize the camp's educational series.
Assistant Director - Logistics : The AD - Logistics works closely with the director and the other assistant directors in the logistical planning for the NYSC. Additionally, this person plans and executes the special events of camp. He/she coordinates both the creative aspects and the logistics of each event. These events include the Fourth of July Celebration, Sinks of Gandy, the Laura Dill Supper Club evening, Cass, and possibly portions of the DC trip and other events.
Office Manager: This staff person coordinates a myriad of details to ensure that the program runs efficiently. Responsibilities range from making nametags to assigning guest accommodations and determining meal counts. Good communication and computer skills are very helpful for this job.
Office Assistant: This staff person assists the office manager with traditional office work. Good communication and computer skills are very helpful for this job.
Regular Staph
Head Counselor/Cultural Affairs Coordinator: This staff person provides information and assistance with concerns that may occur with delegates and/or staph during camp. This staff person should be comfortable assisting with team building (especially during pre-camp staph development), homesickness, emotional difficulties, and personality conflicts. The Head Counselor supports the unit leaders and cabin staff by offering general advice on cabin activities and helping to address specific concerns. Expanded language skills and experience as a unit leader are desired.
Operations Aide: This staff person assists the office staff by transporting guests, making mail runs, and running errands outside camp. A primary responsibility is for the inventory and operation of the camp store.
Food Services Supervisor: This staff person is responsible for hiring and supervising the kitchen staff, and coordinates the purchase and preparation of food for staff, delegates, and guests throughout the six-week camp period. He/she plans well-balanced menus that reflect the attitudes of a health-conscious community, schedules the working hours and duties of the kitchen staff, and maintains financial records within the allotted budgeted expenditures. He/she works closely with the assistant director of operations and the outdoor program coordinator regarding the meals served throughout camp. Dave Powden will serve in this role.
Camp Physician/Nurse/Paramedic: This staff person provides basic first aid instruction to the staff, administers first aid to the staff and delegates as needed, and accompanies those who need to visit a health care provider. Appropriate credentials are required. Holly Blackwood will serve as Camp Nurse for the NYSC.
Program Area Coordinators: These staff members require a demonstration of professional expertise in the appropriate academic discipline. Each program area coordinator presents an enjoyable program including one or two directed studies and several hands-on afternoon seminars to educate or enrich Camp participants. Some advance planning is required. A modest amount of financial support is available for each program area. Because the NYSC borrows much of the equipment that is used at Camp and because the NYSC is conducted in a rustic setting, program area coordinators must plan to operate with minimal equipment and make specific, early requests for any equipment that they would really like to have. Applicants who have completed appropriate college degrees (or equivalent training/experience) are strongly desired.
Physical Science Coordinator: This staff person plans and implements provocative, hands-on programming in the physical sciences, and leads an overnight trip to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).
Natural Science Coordinator: This staff person plans and implements provocative, hands-on programming in the natural sciences. The national forest setting of the Camp is particularly conducive to ecology and wildlife studies.
Music Coordinator: This staff person plans and implements an enjoyable and educational program in instrumental and vocal music. "After Dinner Entertainment" provides individual performance times and is coordinated by this person. Group performances happen several times during camp. This person also provides musical direction for some special events at camp.
Applied Arts Coordinator: This staff person plans and implements an enjoyable and educational program in the visual arts. This person also provides artistic and set design direction to some special events at camp.
Program Area Assistants (4): Because each of the program areas involves extensive educational programming for the delegates, each coordinator has an assistant who is assigned to the area. These staff members work closely with the program area coordinator to carry out the program.
Unit Leaders (4 positions): These staff members nurture the personal development of the delegates and help them get the most out of the opportunities at Camp. This is accomplished by establishing an environment in the cabin that encourages discussion, self-exploration, and formation of friendships. Unit leaders also plan and direct the nightly cabin meeting.
Unit leaders also work in another part of the camp programming. These include physical science assistant, natural science assistant, music assistant, applied arts assistant, AV technician, outdoor recreation assistant, rock climbing coordinator, rock climbing assistant, caving coordinator, caving assistant, mountain biking assistant, and office assistant. If you apply for a position as a unit leader, please indicate which of these positions (or other responsibilities) you would be able to fill. Please indicate other roles that you would consider.
Public Information Coordinator:This staff person works closely with the Executive Director and other Foundation personnel to publicize the events of the programs. He/she writes press releases for the delegates and presenters and manages the distribution of these releases to the media. In cooperation with the photography staff, the PI coordinator ensures that candid photographs are taken of all delegates and presenters. Strong management, communication, and word processing skills are necessary.
Photographer: This staff person uses digital imaging to publicize and chronicle the events of the camp. Working closely with the PI coordinator, the photo coordinator determines the photographs needed to accomplish this task. He/she produces a multimedia presentation that is shown at the end of camp banquet. The photography coordinator shoots and processes the necessary digital pictures. The photography coordinator will provide, use, and maintain his/her own digital photography equipment (obtaining private insurance is recommended). An Apple Macintosh computer with Apple Aperture 1.5 is supplied and will be used to manage the digital image resources.
Assistant Photographer/Public Information: This staff member provides support for the Public Information Coordinator and the Photographer.
Digital Media Coordinator: This staff person is responsible for producing the CD-based yearbook of the NYSC including digital pictures, video clips, and other documentation of this year's NYSC. The digital media coordinator is responsible for managing the camp's digital cameras for check-out and maintains the collection of digital images contributed by staff or delegates. Previous multimedia experience is required; experience working with Apple Aperture is preferred. A CD/DVD duplicator/label printer is now available.
Computer Facilitator: This staff person coordinates and provides reasonable support for computer use by the whole camp community. This includes use of computers by lecturers as part of their presentation, in directed studies, in other program areas as needed, in the office, and in the camp computer lab. This person will also assist with the camp's office computer network during the move to/from Charleston.
Audio/Visual Technician: This staff person works closely with the assistant director of programming to ensure that the AV needs of lecturers, directed studies presenters, and seminar presenters are met. This person will also play an important role in many of the special events. He/she needs to have a working knowledge of common AV equipment and the ability to operate and maintain the sound systems that we use at camp.
Outdoor Staph
The following positions require demonstration of outdoor expertise in the field of backpacking, rock climbing, caving, and/or mountain biking. Personnel who can uphold the highest standards of safety, who have a comprehensive knowledge of the equipment, and who have appropriate organizational and outdoor skills are needed for these positions.
Outdoor Coordinator/Assistant: These staff members plan and coordinate all overnight backpacking, rock climbing, caving, and kayaking trips. Responsibilities include supervision of food purchase, equipment maintenance and distribution, transportation, and staffing. For each overnight or day trip, the outdoor coordinator and assistant assign delegates to trips and verify that each delegate has the appropriate parental permissions. In addition, they develop and maintain current maps and descriptions of the trails (including camping areas and emergency evacuation routes) and provide the office with a complete list of the staff members and delegates who are out of camp on each trip. These individuals are also responsible for providing in-camp safety and equipment training for staff, delegates and guests.
Climbing Coordinator/Assistant:These staff members are responsible for the safe operation of the rock-climbing portion of the outdoor program and must have appropriate climbing experience and the ability to safely use and maintain all camp climbing equipment. Relevant outdoor certifications are strongly encouraged, as new climbing management practices are implemented in the Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob recreation area. The climbing staff at camp offers several day trips in addition to the three overnight trips.
Caving Coordinator/Assistant: These staff members are responsible for the safe operation of the caving portion of the outdoor program and must have appropriate caving experience and the ability to safely use and maintain all camp caving equipment. The caving staff at camp also offers several day trips in addition to the overnight trips. Please note that substantial new equipment was purchased in 2007!
Mountain Biking Leader/Assistant: These staff members are responsible for the safe operation of the mountain biking program. They must have appropriate mountain biking experience and the ability to safely use and maintain the bikes. These staff members provide the delegates with day trips and at least one overnight mountain biking experience in the vicinity of camp. Please note that 12 new mountain bicycles were purchased in 2007!