Mercer Slough Summer Camp Assistant Educator
Location: Pacific Science Center
Job Code: 324
# of Openings: 3

Description
  Position:  Mercer Slough Summer Camp Assistant Educator
Status: FT; Temp; Non Exempt Department:  Mercer Slough Division:  Science & Education Pay: $12.55/hr
Opportunity: Pacific Science Center seeks Mercer Slough Summer Camp Assistant Educators to assist the teaching of awareness, understanding, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship for the natural world, through science-based environmental education programs.
Organizational Fit:

  1. Reports to:  Mercer Slough Site Supervisor
  2. Positions reporting to this position:  Science Educators in Training (summer volunteer position)
  3. Peers:  Mercer Slough Educators, Summer General Aide, Summer Educator’s Aide
  4. Positions incumbent interfaces with inside and outside organization:  Mercer Slough program participants, City of Bellevue employees
  5. Budget responsibility, including revenues and expenses:  None
Key Job Responsibilities:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: Inspires stewardship and respect of the natural environment by:

  • Supporting the teaching of summer camps, extended day care and other programs as assigned
  • Leading and planning games and activities during educator breaks, lunches, and as needed
  • Modeling respect and appreciation for the environment and the participants
  • Teaching to the themes and objectives of each program
  • Sharing excitement, wonder and enthusiasm for the program and the natural world with all participants

CUSTOMER SERVICE (internal and external): Ensures a pleasurable experience for all  participants by:

  • Following through with all paperwork associated with each program
  • Responding to participants concerns as quickly as possible
  • Communicating in a clear manner with all participants (adults and children)

PROGRAM OPERATIONS: Ensures smooth operations and professional manner in delivery of programs by:

  • Assisting in the general administration of week-long camp
  • Overseeing safety and welfare of students at all times
  • Overseeing the sign-in and check-out of campers
  • Arriving on time for program and adhering to the program schedule
  • Daily set-up and clean-up of program materials
  • Reporting any program or maintenance needs to program supervisors

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING: Assists in the improvement of programming by:

  • Giving feedback on curriculum
  • Adapting and expanding upon the curriculum provided
  • Taking on special projects, as assigned
  • Contributing to summer camp training

Other duties as assigned
Major Challenges and Special Conditions: All camp programs split their time between indoor and outdoor activities.  Must be able to work outside in inclement weather and in a variety of conditions including mosquitoes and muddy trails.  Must be able to walk 3 miles with students.  Carrying up to 20 pound class bins to and from storage and assisting with carrying and loading of canoes.  This is a non-benefited, seasonal role from early June through August 2015.  Working nights is occasionally necessary (if the camp has an overnight).  Uniform is required.
Position Requirements: Knowledge, Education, Skills, Experience, Abilities
  1. Required – Experience working with kids ages 6 – 12; Group management skills; Flexibility and the ability to think on your feet during unexpected and stressful situations; Excellent communication skills including high level of comfort with large groups; Ability to maintain enthusiasm and positive outlook; Smiling team player; WA State Driver’s License or ability to obtain in order to drive 15 passenger van (training provided; must be 21 to drive PSC vehicles); First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
  2. Desired – Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or currently in pursuit).  Have taught environmental education, especially in regards to local ecosystems.  Experience with summer camps.
Essential Job Functions: 
 Get along with others

Work independently

Regular/predicable attendance

Handle stress
Mental stability

Maintain security

Stay awake/alert

Multi-task

Work full-time

Work overtime

Work on-call/standby

Work specific shift

Rotate shifts

Rotate work assignments/tasks

  Travel

See/hear/talk

Stand/walk/sit (Walk up to 3 miles on trails with students)

Lift (20 lbs. classroom bins unassisted and 50 lbs. canoes assisted)

Kneel/squat/bend/reach

Carry/Climb (classroom materials between classrooms)

Manual dexterity

Tolerate heat/cold (hiking trails in all weather)

Work outside in the weather

Exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals (For water quality testing:  Dissolved Oxygen 1-3 Reagents, Sodium Thiosulfate Standard Solution, Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Indicator, Phosphate Reducing Reagent, Nitrite Nitrogen Reagent A and C-R)

Operate equipment (list)

Operate vehicles (Van, occasionally)

Wear uniform or other appropriate attire

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (goggles, gloves)