Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Field Explorers Camp Teaching Assistant is a term position on the Family Learning Experiences team within the Learning Center of the Field Museum. Camp programs invite learners ages 5-14 to engage with the unique resources of the Field Museum—collections, research, expeditions, expertise, and stories—with scaffolded curricula tailored for Grades K-8.

Field Explorers Camp Teaching Assistants (TAs) support the implementation of high-quality onsite events for participants in the Field Explorers Camp program. This is done by assisting in the facilitation of the camp curriculum, prepping for activities, leading groups throughout the museum, and supporting the needs of campers. This position will report directly to the Camps Program Administrator and will be part of a teaching team led by a Field Explorers Camp Instructor during each camp session.

Teaching Assistants are expected to attend mandatory trainings, familiarize themselves with the camp curriculum, and ask questions. Importantly, they will be open to and expected to practice flexibility.

Field Explorers Camp Program

• Audience: Children ages 5-14 years old
• Dates: June 12-August 16, 2024
• Shifts: 8am-3:30pm
• Note: Camp will not be in session the weeks of July 1-5 and July 29-August 2. Camp Teaching Assistants will not work these weeks
• Each week, Teaching Assistants will be assigned (along with another Teaching Assistant and an Instructor) to a group of up to 24 campers that they will be responsible for throughout the duration of camp

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support curriculum implementation while maintaining a safe, respectful, and responsive camp experience for all campers and staff
• Follow the guidance of the Instructor to support the facilitation of camp curriculum
• Supporting campers in a safe and engaging learning environment.
• Setting the tone of enthusiasm for the day’s activities
• Aiding campers who need more individualized assistance
• Assist in group management of up to 24 campers, maintaining a safe, focused atmosphere
• Prepare activities and clean up supplies.
• Lead groups of campers in activities and excursions
• Teaching Assistants will lead campers through activities, as determined during collaborations with their Teaching Team.
• Navigate groups of campers through museum spaces on explorations.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Candidates are able to work at minimum three out of the seven scheduled summer camp weeks and attend mandatory training sessions (Dates TBD). Field Explorers Camp will be offered M-F, 9am-3pm. Preference will be given to candidates who can work the majority of the camp sessions
• Teaching Assistants must be at least 19 years or older and have completed at least one year of college or have equivalent experience.
• This position requires a lot of physical activity, including long periods of walking and standing and the ability to move at least 20 pounds of equipment.
• Ideal candidates must possess an interest in working with diverse school-aged youth in a non-traditional educational setting. Preference will be given to candidates who have prior experience working with children.
• Knowledge of team-building and positive behavior management techniques required.
• Candidates should be facile at communicating with both children and adults alike.
• Candidates should have a learner’s mindset and commitment to learning from individuals of all viewpoints, prior experiences, positions, and expertise.
• Demonstrated interest in natural sciences, anthropology, museum studies, or creative studies preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are a plus

Important Note: In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and their families, the Field Museum is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for exemptions from the vaccine will not be considered as given the nature of this position, we are unable to provide an accommodation for anyone who has not been vaccinated.
The Field Museum is an equal opportunity workplace and employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.