Summer Classroom Assistant–Summer Camp 2025

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant is responsible for providing support to children's studio classes and assisting with general studio organization & maintenance during Summer Camp 2025. This position is for high school and early college-aged applicants who enjoy working with children, in art classroom environments, and with teams of instructors & other classroom assistants. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, studio set up & tear down, materials distribution, and assisting instructors with demonstrations and general classroom management. This position is designed for a person with an interest in pursuing art education, and who has an understanding & interest in art materials and processes.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Youth Program Lead and interacts frequently with teaching artists, other classroom assistants, and students of all ages, among other Art Center departments & colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Assists studio instructor(s) with classes, passing out materials, helping & encouraging young students, clarifying instructions, and listening and anticipating instructor & student needs. Promotes classes, responds to inquiries, and processes drop-in registrations. Provides direction to students & faculty.
• Sets up studio tables, chairs/stools, gathering materials; redistributes materials as needed; properly cleans & maintains all studio-related materials. Assists with opening & closing the Education wing of the Art Center and secures entrances & studios at the conclusion of the day.
• Contributes to studio maintenance & cleanliness. Reports the status of both studios & supplies to the Department manager.
• Collects, mounts, and labels student artwork for display & exhibition.
• Assists at special community events as needed.

Other Responsibilities

Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance, and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Interest in art & art-making, with working knowledge of and/or experience with a variety of art materials.
• Passionate about working with children and has the distinct ability to interact positively with them.
• Approachability, kindness, and patience are required, as well as the ability to work effectively with children & teens.
• Self-motivated & flexible attitude; able to act independently & solve problems with initiative.
• Excellent organizational & communication skills.
• Exhibits professionalism in interacting with staff & faculty; students, parents, & families; and the public.
• Flexible in scheduling to meet department & course needs; arrives at work consistently on time

Education, Experience, and/or Certification

Experience with children ages 3-14 preferred.

Decision Making

Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Studio Arts Manager & Youth Program Lead.

Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Physical Factors, Required Travel, etc.)

• The course of this internship will run from May 25, 2025, through August 15, 2025. To be considered, applicants must be able to work every week of Summer Camp. There are no camps the week of June 30-July 4, 2025, during which time off can be considered.
• Work is performed in an indoor studio Occasionally work is performed outdoors.
• Duties are considered light work and require exerting up to 40 of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Essential physical requirements include reaching, standing, walking, grasping, handling, communicating, verbally, seeing clearly, hearing/perceiving sound.

Equipment Used

• Art materials (paint, pencils, ink, clay, brushes, scissors, )
• Office Supplies (pens, staplers, pencils, paper cutter, )
• Packing supplies (boxcutter, tape gun)
• Simple tools (hammer, screwdriver, )
• Possible use of clay roller and pug mill

Recruitment

• This job listing will remain open until 2/28/2025.
• Our interview process will be administered in March and April, where we plan to make offers during the last week of April.
• The first day of work in this role will beg on Tuesday, May 27.