Summer Camp Instructor

Commitment to Accessibility and Diversity

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active-duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for any role. If most of this job description describes you, then please apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs). 
 

Summary

The Camp Instructor co-facilitates programming for four weeks of Summer Splash (grades K-5). During camp, the Camp Instructor will implement the program’s engaging, hands-on curriculum while working with camp staff and volunteers. They utilize behavior management and conflict resolution strategies to promote a safe and positive experience for all campers at Shedd. The Camp Instructor assists in daily set-up preparations of the camp. Camp Instructors also participate in training sessions before each camp and reflection meetings after camp. 
 

Compensation

$17.00 / hour 
 

Time Committment

• Overarching time commitment: June 26 – August 11, 2023 
• Participate in training prior to the start of camp if available. 
• June 26 – July 7 
• Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm during the following weeks of Summer Splash (K-5) 
  • July 10-14 
  • July 17-21 
  • July 24-28 
  • July 31 - August 4 
  • Participate in camp breakdown and close-out meeting if available August 7-11 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Include the following but other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values. 
• Facilitate learner-centered programs for campers entering Kindergarten through 5h grade.  
• Apply a working knowledge of current models and philosophies of education and gain content knowledge in support of Shedd’s camp curriculum. 
• Utilize resources such as Shedd exhibits and technology for programming. 
• Maintain resources, materials and programming spaces, including preparing necessary materials. 
• Participate in program related trainings to ensure preparedness to implement camp curriculum while insuring consistency of learning experiences. 
• Adhere to and enforce COVID-19 safety precautions. 

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, life science or related field OR equivalent experience detailed in resume and cover letter 
 

Experience

• 1 year teaching experience in either a formal or informal setting 
• Experience working in team-based environments 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 

Skills

• Read, write, speak and comprehend English fluently 
• Read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources 
• Effectively present information to learners and Shedd staff 
• Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas 
• Work with little or no supervision 
• Use common sense techniques and available resources in problem solving 
• Use diplomacy and tact when dealing with problems 
• Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writing, presentation and spreadsheet applications 
• Learn new technology and computer applications 

Preferred: 

• 1-2 years prior informal outdoor/science education teaching experience working with diverse audiences in urban and natural settings 
• CPR and first aid certification  

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).