Posted on March 24, 2025
Qualifications Updated to Help Grow Workforce
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced several positions are available for DEC’s upcoming Summer Camps Program. Working at a DEC environmental education camp is a fun opportunity to gain practical outdoor, naturalist, teaching, leadership, and many other transferrable skills while living in a beautiful setting.
DEC hires approximately 60 seasonal employees each summer to provide week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11-17. Now in its 78th year, DEC operates four residential camps for children: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County; Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg, Warren County; and Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County.
Available positions:
- Counselors;
- Cooks; and
- Camp Aides 1 and 2.
Depending on the position, qualified candidates may earn between $6,300 to $10,300 for the season. Employment at camp begins in June and ends mid-August, and all positions include room and board. To increase workforce opportunities and reach more eligible candidates, DEC recently changed some qualifications and is now accepting applications from candidates that do not have prior DEC summer camper experience.
Learn more about camp and employment, including available position details and required qualifications, on DEC’s website. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to campemploy@dec.ny.gov.