What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Camp Educator position at Tennessee Aquarium?
At the Tennessee Aquarium, we strive to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We are passionate about our values, which include respect for conservation, a mindset of lifelong learning, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment.
The goal of our summer camps is to instill and foster a love for animals and nature through animal encounters, being outdoors, crafts, games, and play. Assistant Camp Educators will assist the Camp Educators who take on the role of counselor in environmental education for children ages 4-12 in the Aquarium's summer day camps. Assistant Camp Educators will help campers engage in activities while being outdoors, building crafts, and playing games, while ensuring safety by following organizational policies, procedures, and standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Work alongside Camp Educators to facilitate the summer day camp program throughout the 8 weeks of camp.
- Ensure that campers have basic needs met such as lunch, snacks, and restroom breaks.
- Use suitable research-based education methods, such as techniques for engagement, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating camp programming.
- Encourage campers to actively discover, question, and participate in science.
- Prepare and lead large group activities by following the camp curriculum provided. This may include, but is not limited to, outdoor games, crafts, and nature play.
- Work as a team to supervise campers during camp experiences such as tours, activities, and animal encounters, which may include insects, amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, mammals, birds, and marine invertebrates.
- Work as a team to keep track of all campers throughout the day as well as notifying your Camp Educator of hazards to maintain the highest level of safety.
- Assist Camp Educators when they demonstrate positive behavior management by providing alternatives, giving choices, and redirecting behaviors as instructed.
- Adhere to the camp dress code policy, which includes black or khaki shorts/pants, camp t-shirt (provided), and closed toed shoes.
Key Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years of age when applying.
- Enthusiasm for teaching environmental science in a hands-on play setting, and for working with children to encourage them to engage with activities.
- Positive attitude towards children, visitors, and co-workers at all times.
- Ability to perform job duties under pressure.
- Effective communication skills with all camp staff.
Seasonal, hourly ($15/hour); Monday-Friday (up to 20 hours/week, broken down to 3-4 days/week), May 28 - August 1
All submissions must be received by April 23, 2025.
Salary : $15
