STEM Education Program Team Lead - Summer Camps 2025 (Seasonal)

The purpose of the Program Team Lead is to lead multiple groups of youth participants ages 3-16 in Science Museum summer camps, classes, and other educational events. The Program Team Lead is responsible for providing leadership and guidance for a team of between 3 and 10 Program Counselors. Monitor groups of 40-120 children for behavior issues, encourage interest and enthusiasm for the arts and sciences, create an efficient and positive learning environment for program participants, lead group activities, attend to customer needs, and act as a role model for appropriate behavior and safety. Manage program logistics and paperwork while keeping to a schedule. This position reports to and works in collaboration with the STEM Education Program Staff Supervisor. This position will be assigned to work onsite at the Science Museum in Saint Paul, offsite at locations within the Twin Cities metro area, and in virtual camps as needed.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Serve as primary contact and leader for programs; working independently and cooperatively with team members to ensure goals and objectives for participation are being met. Provide supervision and oversight of program participants. Provide guidance and support to Program Counselors in problem solving across all aspects of the program, ensuring all perspectives are considered (with support from camp leadership staff).
2. Organize, lead, and supervise large group icebreakers, recreational activities and other large group interactions. Monitor program participants to ensure they are actively engaged; proactively assist Instructors and participants with activities; and recommend additional intervention when appropriate.
3. Encourage participants' engagement and enthusiasm in program activities. Model behavior expectations and help create a positive learning environment. Use appropriate strategies when working with learners with special needs and from diverse backgrounds.
4. Attend to the emotional needs of program participants, engage in active listening, demonstrate empathy, help if you are able, and communicate any issues to the Instructor, Support Trio, and/or Manager. Advocate for participants who need extra assistance or accommodations. Anticipate issues when possible and apply behavior intervention and conflict resolution strategies where appropriate.
5. Provide excellent customer service and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment, including welcoming the participants/customers, responding to special requests, providing general museum information, and solving problems. Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
6. Troubleshoot and handle any health, accident, or discipline issues or questions; serve as lead and first point of contact with internal partners, such as STEM Education staff and Museum Public Safety (MPS) to ensure positive outcomes for all. Work in collaboration with MPS and/or STEM Education staff to complete any necessary reports or communications.
7. Communicate directly with parents and caregivers (in person or by phone) about behavior, health, injuries, attendance, and other issues or concerns regarding program participants. 
8. Understand and keep current on all safety and emergency procedures through established annual training. Follow and model all policies and procedures to ensure all safety precautions are adhered to; ensure Program Counselors and program participants do the same.
9. Serve as a leader, working independently and cooperatively with team members, assigning tasks and/or responsibilities as needed, to support the logistical aspects of the program (including organizing daily attendance sheets, registrations, rooms signs, games bin, and lunch carts). Become familiar with assigned program staff and encourage positive interactions throughout the duration of the program, promoting positive morale and camaraderie. Advocate for program staff who need extra support or training.
10. Broaden and strengthen knowledge and application of behavior management techniques and group leadership dynamics within the goals of the programs. Build upon a solid foundation of behavior management techniques and group leadership dynamics within the goals of the programs.
11. Hours of work – Ability to work Monday through Friday during summer. Evenings and/or weekend hours are occasionally available.
12. Ability to speak and write English clearly and fluently and convey information effectively.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

1. Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interaction with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed.
2. Collaboration: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
3. Customer Service: Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission.
4. Fostering an Inclusive Community: Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external).
5. Results Orientation: Focuses on providing a best in class visitor experience through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education: Must be at least 18 years old; in possession of a high school diploma/GED or in process of obtaining post-secondary education preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of age appropriate behavior management and conflict resolution for preschool, school age, and family audiences. Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic.
2. Experience: 
   • Demonstrated experience providing one to one childcare and leading groups of children (preschool, school age, or young adult). 
   • Demonstrated ability to contribute and collaborate in educational team settings. 
   • Experience working directly with parents and caregivers and providing excellent customer service. 
   • Ability to provide leadership and guidance to youth staff.
   • Must have a positive attitude, be reliable and self-motivated.
   • Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
3. Certifications: none
4. Physical Requirements: Occasional bending. Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling (at least 25 lbs).
5. Work Environment: Work both indoors in classroom settings and outdoors in all climate types, surrounded by more than 100 children
   The job duties describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents.

Compensation: $18.00 per hour (depending on qualifications)

The job duties and responsibilities listed describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and are not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents. 

We exist to turn on the science and inspire learning, inform policy and improve lives. We envision a world in which all people have the power to use science to make lives better. We value science as an essential literacy and strive for inclusion inside and out so that our museum and our people reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community. It is the museum’s policy and practice to hire and promote qualified job seekers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Salary : $18