Title: Summer Camp Instructor
Classification: Temporary, Full-time, non-exempt; June 10th - August 1st, 2025
Rate: $21.00/hour
Reports to: Education Specialist
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, Summer Camp Instructors are responsible for co-facilitating the Museum’s week-long summer day camp programs for students entering grades K-6. This is a temporary full-time (40 hours per week) position for 8 weeks (June 10 - August 1, 2025). This position will work closely with a team of instructors to prepare for and teach seven weeks of camp. Each week of camp will serve a different group of students and will focus on a range of natural history, art, and science topics. Summer Camp Instructors will work with Museum staff, interns, and volunteers to create a fun, safe, and educational experience for everyone.
Specific Responsibilities:
● Work with education staff to plan and prepare camp activities and materials
● Maintain a fun and safe learning environment for all campers and volunteers
● Facilitate inquiry-based nature-centered activities for camp groups of up to 15 children
● Manage group dynamics using positive discipline
● Communicate with parents during pick-up and drop-off
● Provide support and mentorship to camp interns/volunteers
● Model safe exploration and decision-making
● Facilitate team-building and maintain a positive and inclusive camp community
● Represent the Museum in a professional, positive manner
● Other related duties, as needed
Essential Requirements:
● Experience working with youth (Environmental Education and/or Camp experience preferred)
● Ability to lead activities for up to 15 students in an outdoor setting
● Basic knowledge of Santa Cruz natural history and science topics
● Certification in CPR, Basic First Aid, and/or Wilderness First Aid
● Must pass Federal Background Check
● Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide range of individuals and groups
● Available to work Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm from June 10th - August 1st, 2025
Work Environment:
● Significant time outdoors as well as occasional work throughout the Museum and in a standard office environment.
● Frequent sitting, standing, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, bending, and climbing stairs with day-to-day lifting of loads up to 50 lbs.
● The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Museum values a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the responsibilities, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
To Apply: Interested candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter along with a detailed resume to: employment@santacruzmuseum.org with the subject line: Summer Camp Instructor.
Please direct questions relating to this position to Lucy Logsdon at employment@santacruzmuseum.org.
