JOB TITLE: Summer Camp Learning Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Learning and Engagement

REPORTS TO: Community Learning Manager

SALARY TYPE: Seasonal Full-time – 40 hours/wk

POSITION TERM: June 3 – August 30, 2023

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED. We will begin reviewing applications as they are received. 

Great Lakes Aquarium camps are small groups of campers with high staff ratio. Camps are hands on, nature and science based and include lots of animal interactions. 

Great Lakes Aquarium is hiring two seasonal fulltime staff to lead 12 weeks of summer camp programming. These staff will alternate each week between leading a camp and planning/providing support for camp programs led by other staff as needed. Examples of support needed are supervising early drop-off, filling in for an absent staff member, helping with extra staffing needs during an activity or field trip, and covering staff breaks.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Week 1 (M-F): Planning and training

Week 2 (M-F): Educator #1 – Lead camp with Summer Camp Assistant

Educator #2 –Supervise early drop-off for camp (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.); camp breaks (12 p.m. -1 p.m.); camp prep and planning for upcoming week.

Week 3 (M-F): Educator #1 – Supervise early drop-off for camp (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.); camp breaks (12 p.m. -1 p.m.); camp prep and planning for the upcoming week.

Educator #2 – Lead camp with Summer Camp Assistant

Week 4 (M-F): Educator #1 – Lead camp with Summer Camp Assistant

Educator #2 – Supervise early drop-off for camp (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.); camp breaks (12 p.m. -1 p.m.); camp prep and planning for upcoming week.

-----Repeat----

• Hours during weeks as camp lead are typically 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with occasional fluctuations for set-up/take-down.
• Hours during support and planning weeks are 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Summer Camp Learning Specialist will plan and lead the Aquarium’s summer camp programs for children ages 6-14. Each educator will be responsible for leading alternating weeks of camp programming. These camps take place every week throughout the summer. They will be assisted by one seasonal summer camp assistant and full-time Learning Team staff as needed. Duties include daily planning, set-up and the facilitation of play, communication with parents, guided discovery, animal care, active games, art, and science exploration related to regional wildlife and environmental topics. Registration and payments are handled by the Community Learning Manager.

Day camps are based on-site at the Aquarium with occasional local field trips. Summer Camp Learning Specialist should be comfortable driving a 15-passenger vehicle and have a clean driving record. This position requires handling and feeding of live animals, including reptiles, fish, insects, and birds. Understanding or the willingness to learn about Great Lakes issues and cultural and natural history is essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead summer day camp activities for children ages 6-14.
2. Modify existing lesson plans as needed.
3. Remain current on relevant scientific and cultural topics.
4. Maintain a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for campers and staff.
5. Communicate with regional organizations to confirm field trip details.
6. All other job-related functions as assigned by the supervisor.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Individuals must have a working knowledge of PCs and Microsoft Office. Must have excellent communication skills; written and verbal. In addition, individuals must have the ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision. Individuals must have a valid driver's license and be willing to drive a 15-passenger van of children. Van training provided.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Interest or coursework in Education, Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, or related fields.
• Experience and/or willingness to speak in front of groups of all sizes providing interpretation with live animals.
• Must be 18 years old.
• Minimum of two years/seasons of experience working with children in outdoor space. Preferred experience with groups of at least 10-12 students at a time.
• Ability to modify daily plans with little notice.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to certify.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employees may be required to work in both an indoor and outdoor setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

When teaching outdoors, the terrain may include gravel, grass, wooded patches, steep hills, and seasonally snow and mud. Classes will be taught in all weather conditions including but not limited to bright sun, rain, wind, heat, mosquitos, ticks, and other insects.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS: $14/hour.

• Free admission for the employee and guests
• Free parking
• 40% discount in the gift shop