Summer Camp Assistant - SEASONAL

Job Opening: Summer Camp Assistant

Reports to: Director of Learning and Public Programs

Status: Seasonal, part-time or full-time

Location: Springfield, Il

Start Date: May 20

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Compensation & Benefits: $14/hr

About Kidzeum: Kidzeum is a family destination in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, IL., whose mission is to serve as a place of learning and discovery through play for children of ALL abilities. Kidzeum is committed to nurturing health and wellness, promoting science education, and to developing environmental and global awareness through innovative programs and exhibits. Learn more at www.kidzeum.org.

Description: Kidzeum provides eight weeks of STEAM-themed summer camps for grades 2-5, with topics changing each week, and seeks a passionate, engaging summer camp assistant. The camps will be based primarily at Kidzeum’s main museum property downtown except for four weeks which will take place at Southwind Park and one day at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Kidzeum summer camps will require a candidate comfortable with a fast-paced, noisy environment.This person’s primary responsibility will be to assist the Director of Learning and Public who is able to problem solve and adapt on the spot to meet children’s changing needs.

Programs and STEAM Educator(s) to deliver educational content to Kidzeum campers. The Summer Camp Assistant will prep lesson materials (i.e. printing worksheets, sorting/cutting craft materials, organizing classrooms), supervise children in the classroom, other camp locations and during recess, oversee the campers’ lunch period, assist campers with understanding and completing their projects, and engaging with campers on a personal level. This position is also responsible for maintaining a safe experience for the campers, by applying Kidzeum’s emergency and safety training protocols throughout the camp’s duration.

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience working with children in a playful manner, a background in education and/or STEAM disciplines, is able to problem solve and work in a fast-paced environment, and is adaptable to meet the changing needs of children. They must understand that Kidzeum is a nonprofit, which often requires all staff to be assisting across departments to ensure we are serving our community.

This position is seasonal with full and part time hours available. Please indicate which you prefer in your application.

Responsibilities:

Work with the Director of Learning and Public Programs and other camp staff to:

• Provide additional supervision and guidance to campers
• Effectively executes some administrative responsibilities related to STEAM education programs
• Supervises campers during recreation, lunch and bathroom breaks
• Effectively applies basic organizational and problem-solving skills
• Assists in maintaining a clean, friendly and safe environment for campers
• Present high-quality STEAM education programming and effectively manages instructional materials under general supervision
• Interact and engage with campers in a playful manner
• Other duties as assigned

This position may also be required to assist in other departments as needed.

Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• High school diploma required; pursuing a degree in education or related STEAM fields preferred
• 1+ year(s) of working with children
• Must be 18 or older
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and communicate effectively with staff, campers and, when necessary, museum visitors
• Have an outgoing personality
• Works well with a team
• Be open to multiple points of view and avenues for problem solving
• Must enjoy and be comfortable working with children
• Able to work with and around people of diverse backgrounds
• Must be able to walk, stand, and interact with the public for long periods of time
• Be well organized and have a close attention to detail
• The following abilities are required for the position: (a) Visually keep track of visitors, materials and exhibit functioning on the museum floor; (b) Comprehend and speak English extensively and clearly with the public; (c) Hear children’s voices; (d) Assist visitors in emergency situations; (e) Display dexterity necessary to maintain exhibits and exhibit environments; (f) Manipulate exhibit components and facility operating/maintenance equipment; (g) Stand, kneel and move among exhibits for extended periods of time; (h) Climb up and down stairs or use an elevator daily (i) Bend, kneel, climb and reach; (j) Display rapid response times; (k) Lift 25 pounds; (l) Tolerate noise and dust in the environment and handle disinfectant and cleaning materials
• Clearance of a criminal background check
• Fluency in other languages aside from English a plus
• Theatre experience a plus

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Physical requirements may include stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, crawling, and walking. Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as boxes, etc. may be included.

Application Process: Please submit a resume and two references to Kaitlyn Miller, Assistant Director, at kaitlyn.miller@kidzeum.org.

Kidzeum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additionally, we strive to make the Kidzeum community – staff, visitor base, programs, and exhibitions – representative of the diversity of the city of Springfield and Central Illinois, and to carry forth the spirit of access, inclusion, and equity in all we do. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.