The Alabama 4-H Center rests on 264 acres of lush rolling woodlands along the banks of beautiful Lay Lake and is surrounded by some of the state’s most ecologically diverse features, including the Cahaba River, Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Wilderness and Oak Mountain State Park The center is also located only 35 miles from Birmingham, a culturally diverse city with excellent dining, music and arts.

Responsibilities include: facilitate a wide range of programs including environmental, outdoor and experiential education such as lake ecology, herpetology, canoeing, climbing wall challenge course (90%); animal care (5%); provide program maintenance and development (4%); general maintenance, grounds, housekeeping, and kitchen duties (1%).

Training/Educational opportunities: 12-day extensive staff training on all programs provided at the center; Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR (End of Spring Season/Beginning of Summer Season); Alabama Boating Certification Course (Fall and Spring seasons).

Requirements:

• Genuine interest in children and teaching; positive attitude; outgoing personality; open-minded; willingness to learn; well-developed communication skills and leadership ability.   
• An AA/BA/BS in education, environmental education, outdoor education natural science, recreation or related field;
• The ability to pass a criminal background check. 
• 1-2 seasons previous experience in field preferred.

All applicants are eligible for the following:

9-month commitment: February 14, 2008 - November 25, 2008

6-month commitment: February 14, 2008 - August 22, 2008

3-month commitment: February 14, 2008 - May 23, 2008,  May 26, 2008 - August 22, 2008, or

August 25 , 2008 - December 5, 2008

Salary:  $290/week.  Room and board provided (when dining room is in service)

Benefits: Partial Medical coverage (up to $3,000 a visit, not applicable on pre-existing, conditions). Dental plan can be purchased for $17.60/month.

Note to Self:

We think working here is an amazing opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about environmental and outdoor education.  We feel that our instructors leave well-equipped for most positions in the field.  Teaching students every day is a rewarding experience, but you must have the energy and determination to keep up with them.

Are you ready to take the next step and start building or expanding your foundation in

environmental and outdoor education? 

If you answered yes then send your resume and 3 references to our Program Coordinator.

Other Important Information

Staff House

The staff house is located on center but away from the main part of campus.  It is about a 2-minute car ride, a 5-minute bike ride, or a 10-minute walk from the staff house to the main lodge.

Each side of the duplex has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, full kitchen with washer and dryer, and living room. 

Here's what you'll find in each room:

Bedroom:  Queen size bed and dresser (1 room has two single beds)

Living Room:  A sofa, love seat, chair, coffee table, two end tables, and a tv (only what the rabbit ears can pick up)

Kitchen: Refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, stove, washer and dryer, kitchen table and chairs, and basic cooking utensils, dinnerware, and silverware

Staff are welcome to bring things from home to personalize the staff house and make it your home, recommended items...

• linens (basic linens provided, 1 set of sheets, comforter, several sets of towels and wash cloths)
• posters and pictures
• laundry detergent
• vcr or dvd player
• movies
• boom box or stereo
• computer

The staff house has a local phone line that can be used to receive calls and for dial up internet access (staff will have access to computers on center with broadband internet access).  A calling card will be required to make long distance calls. 

Cell Phones

Reception is spotting to say the best.  However it seems that no matter what service provider you have you can find a spot on center to get service.

Closest Town

Columbiana is the closest town to the center and you can find the following amenities:

• Piggly Wiggly (grocery store)
• CVS and Davis Drugstore
• Gas Stations (Chevron and BP)
• Fast Food restaurants (McDonalds, Taco Bell, KFC, Subway)
• San Peggio's (a local pizza place)
• China Yan (a local chinese restaurant)
• Bernie's on Main

Closest Walmart

Alabaster or Calera Walmart both are about 20 minutes from the center.  Also in Alabaster you'll find the Colonial Promenade which features the following stores Target, TJ Max, JC Penny, Lowes, Walmart, Belk, Ross, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Books-A-Million as well as several restaurants.