Camps Aide

Position Title: Camps Aide

Division: Exhibits, Education & Outreach

Department: Camps

Reports to: Education and Camp Programs Supervisor

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $20.76/hr

Position Summary

The Camp Aide will ensure smooth camp programing by providing support to classroom educators and camp location site leads as directed. This position upholds our mission to provide 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. The Camp Aide position will focus on two areas of operations: classroom management and supply inventory.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assisting education staff by supervising campers during staff breaks and prep time, and leading recreational activities, including songs and games
• May include supervising campers in Extended-Day program
• Comply with all camp procedures including all health and safety policies and supporting campers and others in the camp space with doing the same 
• Assisting in maintaining supply and inventory records for designated camp group and communicating needs or issues to supply staff
• Providing feedback and program evaluation to Camps for Curious Minds leadership
• Welcoming and supervising campers and guardians during drop-off/pick-up, and answering questions
• Maintaining an inviting and helpful demeanor while interacting with all guests
• Communicating guest feedback and concern to Camps for Curious Minds leadership  
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of (or the ability to learn):

• Basic science knowledge
• Customer service best practices

Skills:

• Enjoys and expresses passion toward working with children, youth development, camps, or education settings, and areas in STEM
• Can problem solve, utilizes decision making skills as a team or independently
• 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

Ability to:

• Take initiative and work independently as needed; able to work strongly and collaboratively within a team and amongst camp staff
• 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 Pacific Science Center’s mission, vision, and values
• Approach each interaction individually and without expectation or judgement of content knowledge, level of interest, or background in science
• Multi-task, prioritize tasks
• Assist in maintaining security and safety procedures

Qualifications

Required

• Comfortable working with/teaching children
• High level of enthusiastic showmanship and initiative
• Attending and completing training sessions   before start of summer camps
• Able to work in a team and accept instruction
• Flexibility and ability to work in a variety of fast-paced settings
• At least 16 years of age at the start of camp
• Desire to learn and grow
• 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)

Desired

• Informal education experience
• High school diploma (or currently in pursuit), or in pursuit of Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree
• Child supervision experience
• Project management and communication skills
• Available to work all 10 weeks of the summer season (June 23-August 29)

Working Conditions

• This is a temporary, part-time summer position that begins before the start of camps
• Due to a variety of camps and locations, hours can vary daily, typically totaling 20-30 hours each week during the camp season
• Some camps are full day while others are half day only
• Uniform T-shirts are 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: $20.76/hr

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.