Camps Assistant Educator

Job Description

Position Title:  Camps Assistant Educator
Department:  Camps
Reports to: Education and Camp Programs Supervisor
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay: $21.80/hr
Benefits: ORCA card, PacSci membership, 403(b) retirement plan

Position Summary

The Camps Assistant Educator will work with a Camps Lead Educator in facilitating safe, interactive science camps to school age children to spark lifelong curiosity, and significantly enhance the participant’s experience and expand Pacific Science Center’s role as a driving force for science education. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Work with the Camps Lead Educator to facilitate interactive STEM camps of various themes 
Model safe, effective and equitable science facilitation methods
Assess risk and ensure camper safety including responding to first aid situations 
Exhibit effective and appropriate classroom and behavior management 
Support with setting up, maintaining, and cleaning classroom area and camp supplies 
Supervise campers during lunch and breaks, providing recreational activities as needed 
Comply with all camp procedures and other health and safety policies and support campers and others in the camp space with doing the same 
Support Camps Lead Educator in maintaining supply and attendance records including confidential health information 
Provide feedback and program evaluation to Camps for Curious Minds leadership 
Welcome and assist campers and guardians during drop-off/pick-up, answer questions, and convey necessary information 
Communicate guest feedback and concern to Camps for Curious Minds leadership 
Assist Camps Lead Educator in writing daily camp letters to communicate program activities to families and caregivers
Fill in for Camps Lead Educator in their absence to effectively lead classrooms
Complete incident reports when needed.
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

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 adaptability in rapidly changing environments
Excellent customer service skills
Multitask and prioritize with sound judgement, including ability to organize multiple projects. 



Ability to:

Supervise campers unaccompanied for periods of time
Ensure campers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds are safe, 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
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 22-August 28)

Preferred

Informal education experience
Past summer camp experience
Passion for science education and early child development
At least 18 years of age at the start of camp
Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree (or currently in pursuit) or equivalent experience
Available to work all 10 weeks of the summer season (June 22-August 28)
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
This is a temporary, full-time summer position that begins before the start of camps 
Due to a variety of camps and locations, 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 
Uniform T-shirts are provided and required to be worn while on the job

The workplace environment can vary but will typically involve the ability to travel with a group of students and staff throughout classroom, outdoor, camp, community, and museum spaces. Travel is sometimes required to accommodate various camp activities. Other physical demands of the position could include the ability to stand/walk/sit, lift 50 lbs. (lunch/material tubs - unassisted), kneel/squat/bend/reach, carry/climb (will often load, unload and carry cartloads of lesson materials and supplies), work outside in the weather including heat/cold, and exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals (liquid nitrogen, helium and hydrogen gas, dry ice, acids and bases, irritants, latex). 

This position description generally describes the principal 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.