Summer Science Camp Instructor
YSI Is looking for Summer Science Camp Instructors for the 2024 season! Summer Science Camp Instructors support YSI's mission to inspire enthusiasm for science and a love of learning. Summer Science Camp Instructors will use YSI camp curricula to guide exploration, experimentation, and scientific thinking with campers. YSI Summer Science Camps are offered to children in preschool (3 1⁄2 years old) up through entering 6th grade, and each camp is designed for and taught to a specific age group. Summer Science Camp Instructors work together to make YSI’s Summer Science Camps full of learning, imagination, and fun, including crafts, hikes, experiments, and games. They will also be responsible for communication with other Summer Science Camp Instructors and with camp parents.
Instructors will work together to implement lesson plans based on YSI curricula throughout the week. This includes set-up and clean-up as well as activities.
Instructors will work together to implement lesson plans based on YSI curricula throughout the week. This includes set-up and clean-up as well as activities.
Schedule:
This part-time, seasonal position will be scheduled to work Monday through Friday at YSI’s Vasona Park location. Summer Science Camp Instructors are required to work at least six consecutive weeks of YSI Summer Science Camp. There are nine weeks of camp: June 10, 2024 – August 9, 2024. Shifts vary by week, with instructors working either morning shifts during camp times or afternoon shifts during extended camp times. Shifts range from 5 to 6 hours but may vary based on camp prep needs. Shift times are 8:30 am-2:30 pm for Lead Instructors and 8:30 am-1:30 pm for Assistant Instructors. Additional paid orientation meetings and training sessions are required for all camp staff.
Responsibilities Include:
• Teach hands-on environmental, biological, physical, and social science camps and activities in a primarily outdoor summer camp setting.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children.
• Preparation and cleanup for all camps taught, including returning all kits, curricula, and other items to YSI in good condition.
• Understand and teach camp materials and curricula provided by YSI.
• Positive and enthusiastic customer service with camp families and other visitors.
• Exhibit maturity, diplomacy, and common sense in working with parents, children, staff, and other YSI constituents.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor facilities, including cleaning, disinfecting, sweeping, vacuuming, and restocking used items.
• Stand for up to 6 hours.
• Move and lift items to 30 pounds.
• See 12-point font and distances of 300 feet.
• Walk and hike for up to 1.5 hours and up to 1 mile.
• Run and/or jog on flat, hilly surfaces and navigate a 30-degree slope. Surfaces include but are not limited to grass, gravel, wet and dry surfaces, uneven and/or rocky soil.
• Hear children and adult voices.
• Communicate clearly and be understood by campers and adults for up to 6 hours.
• Kneel and sit occasionally.
• Work in varying conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Executive Director.
Education and Experience:
2 or more years of experience working with children in informal or formal learning settings; examples: coach, tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, museum guide, interpretive ranger, scout leader, or community volunteer. Assistants may have one or more years of experience. Prior summer camp experience is a plus.
Education
Coursework in science, education, environmental studies, or comparable experience. A college degree is a plus.
Certification
Must have and maintain current certification by a nationally recognized provider of training for adult and child First Aid, CPR, and AED, acquired by the end of the first 30 days at YSI.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including excellent customer service skills.
• Computer literate in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Acute attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team environment, juggle multiple tasks, and respond to changing priorities.
• Able to interface daily with children, parents, the public, and YSI staff in a positive, professional manner.
• Excellent people skills and personable, helpful, friendly attitude with the ability to listen and respond to questions.
• Able to work with and respond to the public under pressure.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible as priorities shift and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Knowledge of Next Generations Science Standards (NGSS) preferred.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about science education, nature, working with children, and YSI’s mission and values.
• Per YSI policy, all instructor staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their start date.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Must be over 18 and undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprints, through the California Department of Justice and the national FBI criminal databases.
• Must also show evidence/verification of a negative TB skin test reading less than four (4) years old.
• Must submit hours worked on an electronic timecard daily.
Compensation: $22-24 per hour, depending on experience.
How To Apply: Please submit YSI Employment Application, Resume, and Cover Letter to jobs@ysi-ca.org. Internal applicants only need to submit a Resume and Cover Letter.
This position specification is not an employment contract. YSI is an at-will employer. YSI reserves the right to modify, add, or change this specification for the Instructor position at any time. For more information, please contact jobs@ysi-ca.org or call 408-356-4945 ex 15.
This part-time, seasonal position will be scheduled to work Monday through Friday at YSI’s Vasona Park location. Summer Science Camp Instructors are required to work at least six consecutive weeks of YSI Summer Science Camp. There are nine weeks of camp: June 10, 2024 – August 9, 2024. Shifts vary by week, with instructors working either morning shifts during camp times or afternoon shifts during extended camp times. Shifts range from 5 to 6 hours but may vary based on camp prep needs. Shift times are 8:30 am-2:30 pm for Lead Instructors and 8:30 am-1:30 pm for Assistant Instructors. Additional paid orientation meetings and training sessions are required for all camp staff.
Responsibilities Include:
• Teach hands-on environmental, biological, physical, and social science camps and activities in a primarily outdoor summer camp setting.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children.
• Preparation and cleanup for all camps taught, including returning all kits, curricula, and other items to YSI in good condition.
• Understand and teach camp materials and curricula provided by YSI.
• Positive and enthusiastic customer service with camp families and other visitors.
• Exhibit maturity, diplomacy, and common sense in working with parents, children, staff, and other YSI constituents.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor facilities, including cleaning, disinfecting, sweeping, vacuuming, and restocking used items.
• Stand for up to 6 hours.
• Move and lift items to 30 pounds.
• See 12-point font and distances of 300 feet.
• Walk and hike for up to 1.5 hours and up to 1 mile.
• Run and/or jog on flat, hilly surfaces and navigate a 30-degree slope. Surfaces include but are not limited to grass, gravel, wet and dry surfaces, uneven and/or rocky soil.
• Hear children and adult voices.
• Communicate clearly and be understood by campers and adults for up to 6 hours.
• Kneel and sit occasionally.
• Work in varying conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Executive Director.
Education and Experience:
2 or more years of experience working with children in informal or formal learning settings; examples: coach, tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, museum guide, interpretive ranger, scout leader, or community volunteer. Assistants may have one or more years of experience. Prior summer camp experience is a plus.
Education
Coursework in science, education, environmental studies, or comparable experience. A college degree is a plus.
Certification
Must have and maintain current certification by a nationally recognized provider of training for adult and child First Aid, CPR, and AED, acquired by the end of the first 30 days at YSI.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including excellent customer service skills.
• Computer literate in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Acute attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team environment, juggle multiple tasks, and respond to changing priorities.
• Able to interface daily with children, parents, the public, and YSI staff in a positive, professional manner.
• Excellent people skills and personable, helpful, friendly attitude with the ability to listen and respond to questions.
• Able to work with and respond to the public under pressure.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible as priorities shift and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Knowledge of Next Generations Science Standards (NGSS) preferred.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about science education, nature, working with children, and YSI’s mission and values.
• Per YSI policy, all instructor staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their start date.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Must be over 18 and undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprints, through the California Department of Justice and the national FBI criminal databases.
• Must also show evidence/verification of a negative TB skin test reading less than four (4) years old.
• Must submit hours worked on an electronic timecard daily.
Compensation: $22-24 per hour, depending on experience.
How To Apply: Please submit YSI Employment Application, Resume, and Cover Letter to jobs@ysi-ca.org. Internal applicants only need to submit a Resume and Cover Letter.
This position specification is not an employment contract. YSI is an at-will employer. YSI reserves the right to modify, add, or change this specification for the Instructor position at any time. For more information, please contact jobs@ysi-ca.org or call 408-356-4945 ex 15.
