Camps Aide

Position Title:  Camps Aide

Department:  Camps

Reports to: Education and Camp Programs Supervisor

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Camp Aide will ensure smooth camp programing by providing support to classroom educators and camp location site leads as directed. This position upholds our mission to provide safe, interactive, week-long STEM camps for school age children to spark lifelong curiosity, significantly enhance the participant’s experience and expand Pacific Science Center’s role as a driving force for informal science education. The Camp Aide position will focus on two areas of operations: classroom management and supply inventory.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist education staff by supervising campers during staff breaks and prep time, and leading recreational activities, including songs and games
• Supervise campers in Extended-Day program if scheduled
• Comply with all camp procedures including all health and safety policies and supporting campers and others in the camp space with doing the same
• Assist in maintaining supply and inventory records for designated camp groups and communicating needs or issues to supply staff
• 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
• Maintain an inviting and helpful demeanor while interacting with all guests
• Communicate guest feedback and concern to Camps for Curious Minds leadership
• Complete incident reports when needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of (or the ability to learn):

• Basic science knowledge
• Customer service best practices

Skills:

• Enjoys and expresses passion toward working with children, youth development, camps, or education settings, and areas in STEM
• Can problem solve, utilizes decision making skills as a team or independently
• Work effectively and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing environments
• Excellent customer service skills

Ability to:

• Take initiative and act independently, as well as within a team
• Ensure campers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds are welcomed and served in a manner that makes their experience positive, memorable and consistent with Pacific Science Center’s mission, vision, and values
• Approach each interaction individually and without expectation or judgement of content knowledge, level of interest, or background in science
• Multi-task, prioritize tasks
• Maintain safety and security procedures at all times

Qualifications

Required

• Comfortable working with/teaching children
• High level of enthusiastic showmanship and initiative
• Attending and completing training sessions before start of summer camps
• Able to work in a team and accept instruction
• Flexibility and ability to work in a variety of fast-paced settings
• At least 16 years of age at the start of camp
• 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)

Desired

• Informal education experience
• High school diploma (or currently in pursuit), or in pursuit of Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree
• Child supervision experience
• Project management and communication skills
• Available to work all 10 weeks of the summer season (June 22-August 28)

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• This is a temporary, part-time summer position that begins before the start of camps
• Due to a variety of camps and locations, hours can vary daily, typically totaling 20-30 hours each week during the camp season
• Some camps are full day while others are half day only
• 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 (may load, unload and carry carts of lesson materials and supplies), work outside in the weather including heat/cold, and exposure to dust and latex gloves.

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.