Summer Camp Assistant

Position Title: Camps Assistant

Classification: Hourly non-exempt, not to exceed 40 hours per week, temporary (June – August)

Reports to: Education Manager 

Direct Reports: Youth volunteer camp counselors

Location: Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend WA

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is an educational organization devoted to the mission: Empowering conservation for a thriving Salish Sea. PTMSC achieves this mission with exceptional visitor experiences in facilities at Fort Worden State Park and in the Flagship Landing Building in downtown Port Townsend; extensive lifelong education programs for all ages; and by contributing to a range of conservation projects with partner organizations and agencies through its citizen science program. Through these endeavors we strive to create our vision: Resilient, interconnected communities live, work, and play in harmony with the vital marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea.

POSITION PURPOSE: The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is seeking an environmental educator with a passion for marine biology and conservation and working with youth outdoors to assist the Education Manager in overall management and operations of PTMSC marine biology Summer Camps. To learn more about summer camps at PTMSC, visit our website: https://ptmsc.org/summer-camps 

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Accomplish pre-camp tasks with the Education Manager including creating schedules and activities, managing camper rosters, meeting with staff, and preparing materials.
• Lead fun and engaging educational activities on a variety of marine biology and natural history topics for groups of campers ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old.
• Assist in training and mentoring interns and volunteer youth counselors (high school aged).
• Assist Education Manager with maintaining camp paperwork throughout camp including camper rosters
• Work alongside AmeriCorps members serving at PTMSC, collaborating on curriculum and program planning
• Communicate with camper parents/guardians during camp about activities, expectations, and camper experiences as back-up for Education Manager
• Abide by PTMSC camp policies to ensure the safety of campers and staff at all times.
• Document camp activities and curriculum to be filed electronically.
• Assist with carrying out evaluation, debriefs and end of camp reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Must be available for:

• Training and curriculum development weeks of June 15th & June 22nd
• All camp dates Monday – Friday for the weeks of June 29th – August 28th
• 1-2 days for camp wrap up week of Sept 1st (flexible)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Higher education courses in biology, environmental science, education, or related field; OR equivalent experience
• At least one year of experience leading hands-on education programs for youth in a field and/or classroom setting, preferably science-related
• Previous supervisory/team leadership experience

Skills & Certifications

• CPR & First Aid Certification attained prior to start date
• Knowledge of informal education methods and strategies for engaging various youth age groups, in a friendly, outgoing and professional manner.
• Excellent customer service skills for communication with camper parents/guardians
• Comfortable using software such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to work well with a variety of people from various backgrounds and cultures
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions and Technical/Physical Requirements 

• Work activities involve walking on uneven terrain for up to two miles carrying up to 30 pounds
• Work activities include being on/over the water on piers, floating docks, and small boats
• Clear state and national criminal background check

• This role requires standing, walking, stooping or crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, grasping, lifting, feeling, hearing and talking. You must be able to lift objects up to 30 lbs

Compensation:

This is an hourly position at a rate of $18.00/hr – $19.00/hr (depending on experience) and is paid bi-monthly. 

This position includes Paid Sick Leave at the rate of 1 hour of leave for every 10 hours worked.

On-site housing is provided in a rustic camper trailer (water and electricity hookups but no internet).