NIGHT Counselor

Night counselor  

Position Overview

The counselor   plays a critical role in shaping the NorthBay student experience by building strong, supportive communities during afternoon and evening programming. This position is responsible for guiding a consistent group of students through a meaningful, engaging, and well-structured outdoor school experience that fosters belonging, connection, and personal action.

counselors partner closely with daytime educators to ensure continuity of experience and support students socially, emotionally, and physically throughout their time at NorthBay.

Schedule & Compensation

• Hours: 32 hours per week

• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Pay: Commensurate with experience 

Overnight Requirement (as needed):

• Occasional overnight cabin supervision on a rotating basis

• Additional $125 flat rate per overnight shift

• Departure the following morning at approximately 8:30 AM

Core Responsibilities

Student Experience & Community Building

• Work with a consistent group of students and remain with them throughout the full shift

• Lead lessons and activities for the student group inclusive of night hikes and lighting beach bonfires

• Learn all student names and build a positive, inclusive group culture

• Foster a sense of belonging through relationship-building and restorative practices

• Support student well-being in partnership with wellness staff and school chaperones

• Assist with evening routines including showers, phone calls home, and bedtime transitions

• Facilitate learning and personal growth experiences 

Program Facilitation

• Deliver NorthBay curriculum, including outdoor mini-lessons (up to 60 minutes), such as wetlands, vultures, and biodiversity surveys

• Facilitate team-building activities using challenge courses and games

• Assist in high adventure experiences (e.g., ropes course, zipline, giant swing)

  • Help students properly fit and use safety equipment

  • Lead post-activity debriefs to help students reflect and make meaning

• Lead nature based explorations such as beach hikes etc… 

Evening Programming

• Oversee and manage group participation during dinner, including line-up, clean-up, and large-group dynamics. 

• Escort and supervise students during NorthBay Live

  • Facilitate post-show discussions to connect themes to students’ lived experiences

• Lead night hikes that incorporate environmental education and reflective discussion

• Facilitate bonfire experiences, including group discussions and activities

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in a direct hand-off with daytime educators to ensure continuity of care and experience

• Collaborate regularly with fellow counselor  s and supervisors

• Work under the guidance and support of a manager to support students and continuously improve program delivery

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience working with middle school-aged students preferred

• Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills

• Ability to lead activities in an outdoor setting

• Comfortable managing groups in both structured and dynamic environments

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive community

• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus