STEM Teacher (Seasonal)

Reports to (title): Director, Day Camp

Job Summary

JCC Chicago is seeking a passionate, engaging, and knowledgeable STEM Teacher to bring our Garoon Gateway to Science space to life this summer. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children, has a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enjoys working with reptiles and small animals, and is excited to create hands-on, interactive learning experiences.

The STEM Teacher will design and lead STEM-based programming that encourages creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific exploration. Through engaging experiments, engineering challenges, technology activities, interactive demonstrations, and animal encounters, the STEM Teacher will care for the Garoon Gateway's live animals and help campers and visitors build a deeper appreciation for STEM, biology, and the natural world.

At JCC Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves about the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community.

Key Essential Job Duties

• Develop and implement age-appropriate STEM curriculum for campers and visitors
• Lead engaging, hands-on activities in the Garoon Gateway to Science, including science experiments, engineering challenges, technology exploration, and animal interactions
• Care for live animals including reptiles (e.g., turtles, hermit crabs, bearded dragon), ensuring proper feeding, habitat maintenance, and overall wellbeing
• Maintain and clean animal enclosures, STEM equipment, and classroom materials regularly
• Safely introduce and showcase animals to campers while connecting animal care and biology to STEM learning experiences
• Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse campers and age groups
• Collaborate with the JCC Chicago team to integrate STEM programming into broader camp experiences
• Uphold all safety, health, and camp policies

Marginal Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties

• Lift, carry, and safely handle small animals, including reptiles, mammals, and other classroom or program animals.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to remain mobile throughout the day.
• Stand for extended periods of time and actively engage with children.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner children understand.
• Supervise children and animals by sight and sound.
• Must be able to rotate head side to side to continuously scan the environment for safety.
• Demonstrate, motivate, and communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Maintain mental alertness and concentration for extended periods of time.

Schedule: Days/Hours/% Travel:

ASAP - August 14: Monday-Friday, 20 hours per week; Hours may vary due to programmatic scheduling, some weekends as needed

Direct Reports (Titles and FTE%): 

N/A

Indirect Reports (Titles and FTE%): 

N/A

Hourly Rate:

$22-$25 per hour

Job Category:

Seasonal, hourly

Education Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience teaching STEM, science, engineering, technology, robotics, or related subjects in a classroom, camp, museum, after-school, or informal education setting preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM Education, Science, Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Education, or related field preferred.

Other Requirements

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and light precipitation.
• Perform routine animal care tasks, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Follow proper hygiene and safety protocols when handling animals to prevent injury or the spread of illness.
• Set up, maintain, and safely operate STEM materials, technology, and equipment used for daily programming.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance (minimum $250,000 liability coverage).
• Experience or background in STEM education, biology, environmental science, engineering, education, or a related field preferred
• Comfort and experience working with reptiles and small animals
• Experience working with children in a camp, classroom, or informal education setting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage and excite campers
• Flexible, organized, and able to adapt in a fast-paced camp environment
• Passion for experiential learning and creating inclusive, supportive environments for all campers