Camp Educator

Position Title:  Camps Lead Educator

Division: Science Engagement & Outreach

Department:  Camps

Reports to: Education and Camp Programs Supervisor

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $21.75/hr

Position Summary

The Camp Educator provides instruction and leadership in camp sessions. They ensure safe, interactive, week-long STEM camps for school age children to spark lifelong curiosity, significantly enhance the participant’s experience and expand Pacific Science Center’s role as a driving force for informal science education.

Sug: The Camp Educator leads camp sessions and provides instruction to Camp Assistant and Camp Aide. They ensure safe, interactive, week-long STEM camps for school age children to spark lifelong curiosity, significantly enhance the participant’s experience and expand Pacific Science Center’s role as a driving force for informal science education.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Leading the facilitation of interactive STEM camps of various themes
• Modeling safe, effective and equitable science facilitation methods
• Organizing, overseeing, and adjusting curriculum delivery as appropriate for the camp group
• Engaging youth in prek-8th grade using developed curriculum and making modifications as necessary
• Assess risk and ensure camper safety including responding to first aid situations
• Assisting in administration tasks for assigned campers
• Exhibiting effective and appropriate classroom and behavior management
• Setting up, maintaining, and cleaning classroom area and camp supplies
• Supervising campers during lunch and breaks, providing recreational activities as needed
• Comply with all camp procedures including all health and safety policies and supporting Assistant Educators, Camp Aides, campers, and any others in the camp space with doing the same 
• Maintaining supply and attendance records including confidential health information
• Welcoming and assisting campers and guardians necessary information
• Provide excellent customer service to campers and guardians
• Providing feedback and program evaluation to Camp for Curious Minds leadership
• Communicating guest feedback and concern to Camps for Curious Minds leadership
• Write daily camp letters to communicate program activities to families and caregivers
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of (or the ability to learn):

• Basic science content
• Customer service best practices
• Behavior management best practices
• Hands-on science facilitation practices

Skills:

• Working with children in a youth development, camps, or education setting
• Classroom management skills including teaching/facilitating, modeling appropriate behaviors, program set up
• and clean up, and using appropriate behavior management
• Work effectively and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Flexibility and adaptable in rapidly changing environments
• Excellent customer service skills; being approachable and having a welcoming demeanor
• Situational awareness and creative problem solving
• Multitask and prioritize with sound judgement, including ability to organize multiple projects.

Ability to:

• Lead a small team with limited supervision
• Supervise campers unaccompanied for periods of time
• Ensure campers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds are welcomed and served in a manner that makes their experience positive, memorable and consistent with the Pacific Science Center’s mission, vision, and values
• Approach each interaction individually and without expectation or judgment of content knowledge, level of interest, or background in science
• Remain calm in fast-paced environments
• Take initiative and act independently, as well as within a team
• Quickly learn and apply new content, policies, and procedures
• Maintain safety and security procedures at all times

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated teaching experience and classroom management skills, solid problem solving and decision-making skills
• High School Diploma (or equivalent experience)
• At least 18 years of age at the start of camp 
• Attending and completing training sessions before start of summer camps
• Experience working with youth from grades Pre-K – 8th
• First Aid/AED/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
• WA State Food Handlers permit or willingness to obtain
• Available to work a minimum of 6 full weeks of the summer season (June 23-August 29)

Preferred

• Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree (or currently in pursuit) or equivalent experience
• Informal education experience
• Past summer camp experience
• Passion for science education and early child development
• Available to work all 10 weeks of the summer season (June 23-August 29)

Working Conditions

• This is a temporary, full-time summer position that begins before the start of camps
• Due to a variety of camps and location, hours can vary daily, typically totaling 40 hours per week during the camp season
• Some camps are full day while others are half day, this position remains full-time
• A uniform t-shirt is provided and required to be worn while on the job

This position description generally describes the principle functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required.  It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Compensation

Pay is based on several factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience.

Starting Base Salary Range: $21.75

In addition to base salary, Pacific Science Center offers the following benefits to temporary employees: 

• 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Employee PacSci Membership

Pacific Science Center stands with those who are courageously fighting against hate, racism, and injustice. We recognize that not being racist is not sufficient. We must be actively anti-racist, and we commit to doing so.  We prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in everything we do. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to the dialogue and changes that need to happen.

Pacific Science Center complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at HRDepartment@pacsci.org.