CAMP TEACHING ASSISTANT

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.    

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The Nat is looking to hire 2 summer Camp Teaching Assistants(CTA) to assist in providing dynamic mission driven educational summer programming for grades 1-8 using an interactive, engaging, inquiry-based learning style. This is a full-time seasonal position only.

Primary Functions and Major Responsibilities:

The Camp Teaching Assistant will assist the camp instructor and ensure quality experience for both our camp aides and participating campers.

Responsibilities include:

• Primary focus will be to assist the camp instructor. CTA should expect to facilitate and participate in a wide variety of activities. Deliver fun and educational programs for our campers.
• Assist in the mentorship and leadership of youth volunteers(camp aides).
• Preparation, set-up and clean-up of camp supplies, equipment and classrooms.
• Create a positive and welcoming environment for campers and their families.
• Assist at drop-off, pick-up, and lunchtime. 
• Inspire campers in a positive and engaging manner.
• Establish and maintain a professional rapport with camp and Museum staff.
• Represent oneself and the Museum in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
• Ensure the highest level of safety both physically and emotionally.
• Follow Museum policy and procedure.
• Opportunities to teach and lead lessons and activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must have one year of college experience or one year of work experience outside of high school.
• Knowledge of the San Diego Natural History Museum (or willingness to learn).
• Knowledge of the natural world and/or camp subject (or willingness to learn).
• Prior experience working with children in a camp or classroom environment. 
• Interpersonal skills.
• You must be punctual and dependable.
• Demonstrated handling of oneself in a professional manner.
• Knowledge of current MS Office applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work individually and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to climb stairs, stand upwards for several hours at a time, lift up to 30 pounds frequently, work and/or type at a desk for several hours at a time.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to attend scheduled orientations, training, and meetings.
• Please let us know about any special certifications, skills, or interests. For example, inclusion and special needs, bilingual, iNaturalist, CPR/First Aid, theater or performance background, etc. 

Time Commitment: Approximately 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Camps run for eight weeks from June 8 through August 7, 2026. This commitment includes days for orientation and training before camp begins, and camp wrap-up when the season ends.

Pay: $18.00 per hour. 

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and more.

Ready to Apply?

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references.

Deadline to apply is April 22, 2026.