Science Camp Assistant
Position Summary: Assist Science Camp Instructors as they lead school-age children in nature discovery classes and activities related to the Arboretum’s remarkable exhibits and varied natural areas. Accompany Science Camp Instructors and students on engaging, fun hiking trips on the Arboretum’s grounds and assist with science-related indoor and outdoor teaching activities.
Qualifications: Experience with teaching or assisting with the teaching of school-age children in a formal or non-formal setting required. Basic science knowledge a plus. Must be at least 18 years old.
Success Factors: Ability to engage and excite children about the natural world. Good verbal skills and an enthusiasm toward learning. Ability to maintain interest and discipline of up to 15 students during a weeklong camp experience. Flexible, constructive, and courteous approach to parents, children, and summer science camp staff. Stamina and ability to participate in outdoor programs in various weather conditions.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
● Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 15 lbs.), hiking, kneeling, ability to travel over one mile on paved, wood-chipped, and dirt paths over varied and uneven terrain.
● Work Environment: Work is performed in a combined indoors and outdoors environment, in various weather conditions.
● Equipment: Scientific tools, microscopes, two-way radio, educational materials, appropriate protective clothing.
● Schedule: The position requires availability for seven of the ten weeks of camp, attending a mandatory orientation meeting, and weekly staff meetings.
Availability requirements for 2019
o Must be available attend a mandatory summer camp orientation meeting on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
o Must be available to work seven out of ten weeks of camp, five days a week (8:30 am-12:15 pm, 8:30 am-3:15 pm, or 11:45 am-3:45 pm) for an assigned grade level (Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade) for assigned weeks (opportunities available June 3-August 16; July 1-5 week off).
o A mandatory all-staff meeting (for each week of camp) is held every Monday morning at 8:00 am (for full day and morning camps) or at 11:15 am (for afternoon camps).
The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce.