We’re Hiring!
With an exceptional core of seasoned year-round staff, low instructor to student ratios and a supportive environment, a job with Primitive Pursuits offers many opportunities to grow and master valuable skills.
All summer staff are eligible for discounts on summer camp for immediate family members!
We are always interested in those with a passion for what we do! If you don’t see the position or internship you are looking for, reach out to us at primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu.
2026 Open Positions:
Program Coordinator
Download full position description and apply!
Position Description:
The Primitive Pursuits Program Coordinator serves as a member of the 4-H Youth Development Primitive Pursuits Program to assist with planning, development, implementation and evaluation of assigned of the afterschool, homeschool and school enrichment programs.
The educator will be responsible for promoting program objectives and plans in all areas of 4-H Youth Development, to develop and deliver programs to meet established priorities of the Primitive Pursuits programs.
This position will be the liaison to the community–creating, scheduling and implementing programs utilizing the Primitive Pursuits curriculums. Candidate should have a background in nature/environmental education and outdoor survival skills
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree with experience relevant to the role of the position. Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years transferrable relevant, evidence-based research experience may substitute.
- Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position (including frequent travel in Tompkins County).
- Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
- Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
- Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment with or without accommodation.
- Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in English.
- Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
- Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with schools, community and funding partners.
- Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
- Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
- Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
- Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.
- Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
- Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in Education, Human/Youth Development, Outdoor Education, Nature Based Learning or related area.
- Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
- Direct experience working with youth.
- Experience writing/researching grant opportunities.
- Knowledge of the geography, demographics, and unique needs of the county.
- Experience in coordinating and working in an afterschool setting
Program Responsibilities:
Program Development – 20%
- Apply subject matter knowledge to assist with developing educational strategies to meet identified program objectives and goals as well meet changing local and/or regional issues.
- Assist with development of relevant youth educational programs, including nature-based learning to meet identified needs and diverse interests of participants.
- Assist with developing educational programs, materials and activities to meet identified needs and to carry out program priorities and goals including establishing home school programs, teen programs and summer programs.
- Assist Supervisor in research, identification and selection of existing resources and activities necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
- Collaborate with supervisor on developing programs that join the school and community initiatives.
- Assist supervisor in creation of program materials to address identified needs.
- Assist supervisor in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local priorities.
- Assist supervisor in structuring programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants.
Program Delivery – 55%
- Deliver high quality educational programs that address local, regional and statewide Youth Development programming priorities with emphasis on outdoor education, nature-based learning, summer camp and other programming initiatives as assigned.
- Apply subject matter knowledge to assist Supervisor and Educators in the creation of lesson plans necessary to deliver educational programs in an afterschool and other program settings.
- Assist teachers, other educators, and/or guest speakers with delivery of educational programs and activities, as needed.
- Assist Supervisor and 4-H Issue Leader in collaborating with community agencies to establish outdoor education, nature-based learning and summer camp plans.
- Assist Supervisors and 4-H Issue Leader in collaborating with municipalities, community-based organizations, worksites and/or schools to increase outdoor education, nature-based learning and summer camp experiences.
- Communicate and cooperate with community leader and school personnel to foster intentional instruction and to address the needs and interests of participating youth via established program parameters.
- Serve as a subject matter resource
- Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
- Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
- Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to newsletters, utilizing emails, phone messages, and website postings.
Program Evaluation – 5%
- Assist in the creation of program evaluation framework.
- Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data for effectiveness of programs.
- Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
- Assist in recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
- Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Direction – 5%
- Assist with establishing Association educational strategies to meet the needs of identified Youth Development and Primitive Pursuits objectives.
- Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives
- Assist with preparing funding proposals in order to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.
- Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
- Provide supervisor with program-related information to assist the budget development process.
Management – 5%
- Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
- Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise from programs, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
- Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the Association and is research based.
- Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of work.
- Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
- Provide supervision to temporary camp staff (wilderness instructors) as needed.
- Provide oversight and guidance to volunteers as needed.
- Make recommendations to Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
Coordination/Operation – 5%
- Assist in coordinating program implementation, planning and activities efforts.
- Maintain and prepare teaching materials necessary for programmatic efforts applying existing subject matter knowledge as necessary.
- Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content.
- Coordinate program enrollment process including maintaining the database, applications, forms, contact information, health records, etc.
- Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and other organizations.
- Provide required financial information to the supervisor to meet grant and budget requirements.
- Participate in regular conference calls and attend Association and Primitive Pursuits meetings and trainings as requested and/or required for ongoing communication of the progress and evaluation of grant outcome measures and expectations.
- Maintain effective working relationships with Cornell faculty, and administration, appropriate county departments, elected officials, local community leaders and organizations, keeping these individuals and groups informed of Extension’s goals, efforts and impacts.
- Provide data and information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary.
- Prepare and submit expense reports, mileage reports, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of participant information and data collected.
- This position may require the transport of program self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
- In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
- Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
- Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
- Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to local fairs, community activities, etc.
- Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety (Applies to all duties and functions):
- Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
- Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
- Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
EEO/EPO and Policy (Applies to all duties and functions):
- Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
- Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
- Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
- Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
- Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures and Cornell Skills for Success.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
- At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive and receptive manner.
Benefits:
This is a part time, 30 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Pay rate $20/hr commensurate with experience.
Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal time
- Paid Holidays
- NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
- NYS Retirement
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
- Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
- Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
- Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
- Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
- Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
- Vision Access Program
- Employee Assistance Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply:
Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations other than Tompkins) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/
All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu.
Job Title:
Association Subject Educator II
Level:
003
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Sherrhonda Daniels
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
Extended Day Camp Instructor
Download Full Position Description
Apply Here!
Position Description:
The Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will oversee and supervise campers enrolled in the Extended Day Program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers who remain onsite after the Day Camp program ends. They will work within a small team to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.
Working Title: Extended Day Wilderness Instructor
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/22/2026
End Date: 9/4/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3 months
Hours per week: 40 hours: 6/22-26; 20 hours: 6/29-9/4
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday / 2pm-6pm
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $18/hour
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor
Download full position description
Apply Here!
Position Description:
A Lead Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. Lead Wilderness instructors set the tone for their instructor groups each week and ensure everyone on the team is actively contributing and leading activities as appropriate. The key role of a Lead Wilderness Instructor is to design and implement the flow of the week centered on instructing and assisting youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Lead Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Lead Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).
Working Title: Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2026
End Date: 9/4/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3
Hours per week: Approx. 40
Days per week/schedule: Monday-Friday
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $18.50-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
Download full position description
Apply Here!
Position Description:
A Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits: bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Wilderness Instructor is to assist and instruct youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).
Working Title: Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/22/2026
End Date: 9/4/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3
Hours per week: Approx. 40
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Primitive Pursuits of Ithaca, NY is a renowned outdoor youth development program in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development. We offer nature-based skills and experiences that foster youth development and connections with nature. Our summer programs utilize time-honored mentoring techniques and an outdoor immersion curriculum. By learning and teaching wilderness living skills in small groups, locally, we create unique experiences of wilderness adventure and community building in a format that is inclusive for families of all income levels.
A presentation about summer and working with us
A short video about working at Primitive Pursuits
JOIN US FOR…FRICTION FIRE. EPIC GAMES. LAUGHTER. STORIES AND SONGS. COMMUNITY BUILDING. GRATITUDE. PRIMITIVE SKILL BUILDING. ALL-OUTDOOR FUN.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. At Primitive Pursuits, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for the benefit of our employees, our programs, and the communities we serve.
If you have any questions send us an email at primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu
Who should apply?
We are looking for people who value time spent in nature in all weather, are inspired by connecting with youth of all ages in the outdoors, enjoy working in a collaborative enviornment, and strongly believe this work is contributing to the future sustainability of our community and the world.
What is a typical day like?
While every day is framed by our core routines, each day is a unique adventure guided by the skills of our staff, the interests of our particpants, and the myseries provided each day by the natural world. Instructor teams will collaborate to create a flow for the week and a plan for each day that inspires a deep nature connection within participants and highlights the seasonal gifts of the natural world. For example, our Primitive Café summer camp is all about campfire cooking creations. The week may begin with familiarizing ourselves with how to identify local edible plants and the tenants of sustainable harvesting, then move into a grand search for the ripest seasonal goodies (early-summer black raspberries, anyone?), and end with a cooking competition featuring guests judges!
Our days begin with an opening circle, including a song and land acknowledgement, to presence and unify the group’s energy before diving into the day. Will you be following tracks left at camp by a visitor in the night? Building a fire to cook a feast? Practicing your camouflage skills? Harvesting natural crafting materials? Hiking out for lunch at the big creek? The forest is full of possibilities! Each day ends with a closing circle, which serves as an opporunity to reflect on the day, express gratitude, and build excitement for the next adventure.
Throughout the day, staff have opportunities to connect and collaborate with other staff members. Your group might join another for an epic game, invite others to their performance or fair, or travel around bringing gifts and songs to other groups. At the end of a day of summer camp, a favorite staff activity is to cool off with a swim in the nearby gorges while sharing stories of the day.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who are interested in applying for the Assistant Summer Camp Director should apply by March 1, 2025. Applicants who are interested in Logistics Coordinator, Lead Wilderness Instructor, Wilderness Instructor, or Internship positions are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2025.
Interviews will continue until all positions are filled which is usually in May. The earlier you apply, the better!
What happens after I submit my application?
Ideally, within a week of receiving your application, you will receive an email from us letting you know whether you have qualified for an interview. Interviews will happen in person, if possible. If not possible, video calls will be the second choice.
How can I strengthen my application?
• Work or volunteer for an outdoor education organization with direct experience with youth
• Attend a primitive skills gathering or workshop
• Participate in adult development opportunities related to naturalist skills and nature mentoring such as the Primitive Pursuits Adult Program offerings, Alderleaf Wilderness School, programs through Wilderness Awareness School, and others with similar outcomes.
• Become familiar with nature mentoring, such as by reading The Coyote’s Guide by Jon Young
Staff Expectations
• Spend entire days immersed in the fields, forests and waterways of undeveloped nature in the Finger Lakes Region, in all weather conditions
• Be punctual and present for required trainings, planning sessions and assigned hours
• Explore your own personal connection with nature so you can share stories, experiences, learning and inquiries with others
• Engage and connect with children in nature in meaningful and inspiring ways
• Work collaboratively on teams to create meaningful and memorable experiences
• Promote inclusive and welcoming environments that value diversity of staff and participants
• Value and practice self-awareness, professionalism and positive communication skills
• Have a good sense of humor, be creative and flexible, and have a deep love for learning
• Believe that connecting kids to the natural world in meaningful ways plays a big part in improving the health of our planet for future generations
• Role-model engaged, compassionate, inspired, curious learners
• Ask questions!
What training is offered?
We provide required week-long training for our new and returning day camp staff.
Over the course of the week new day camp staff will:
- Be introduced to our methods, philosophy, and culture of nature connection
- Be exposed to a range of games, activities, and camp spaces
- Learn and develop their naturalist and primitive skills
- Understand our risk management policy, why it is important, and how it guides our overall program
- Get to connect and learn with other summer staff
- Immerse into the Primitive Pursuits culture
- Practice and learn effective forms of feedback
- And More!
In addition to everything listed above, lead day camp staff will:
- Dive deeply into what Coyote Mentoring and the Eight Sheilds Teaching Model are and how we incorporate them into our programs
- Learn how to plan a fun, meaningful, and impactful arc (plan) for the week
- Understand the various roles of an instructor team and how to provide support for each person
- Learn how to be an effective mentor and support for their instructor team
For our overnight camp staff we provide a more in-depth training over the course of a week and a half. Staff will learn the topics above in additon to:
- Daily and weekly camp schedule
- Learn how to create rapport and safe spaces within camper groups
- Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with campers
- Learn self-care methods and strategies that can be applied in a variety of settings
- And More!
We also offer opportunities outside of camp hours for further skill training and community building throughout the summer!
What are past staff members saying?
“I loved getting to work with many different people and both learn from and mentor so many. It was great to work with people who have a different leadership style and energy than I do.” – Lyla W.
“Putting myself ‘out there’ in a new position, new place, with new people brought up a lot of personal feelings of vulnerability and the people at Primitive Pursuits showed me that I am appreciated for the ‘me’ whom I am. I noticed that there is a pattern of this among people who have been touched by the Primitive Pursuits community. I feel truly blessed to have been graced by this human and more-than-human world. Thank you.” – Jackson T.
“There are so many skills I have taken away from this summer, but the one main thing I will be taking with me is the amazing training week with all the skills I have leaned like mentoring, communication, and risk management.” – Nathan F.
Time Commitment
- All staff are required to attend staff training the week of June 29th
- Summer camp runs from June 29th-Sep. 4. We would like all day camp wilderness instructors to work a minimum of 5 weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks during the camp season in addition to staff training. Interns are required to work a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 9 weeks in addition to staff training week.
- Admin and Photojournalist Interns will create a schedule based on the camp’s needs and expectations
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu.