Posted: Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to: Public programs coordinator

Status: Non-exempt/hourly—this is a temporary position. Two positions open.

Dated needed: Off-site work begins June 17, 2019. Lead instructors report on-site June 20. Position ends August 28, 2019.

Posting expires: Open until filled. Preference will be given to applications received by 3/25.

Hours of work: Lead camp instructors must be committed to all set dates/times:

• Pre-camp season:
  • June 17: Camp lead instructors will be sent program materials to read, review and prepare. Camp staff may log up to 16 hours to complete and prepare for training.
  • June 20–21, 8am–5pm: Lead instructor training.
  • June 23–27 (Sun.–Thur.), 8am–5pm: All camp staff training
• Camp sessions:
  • Shift time during camp sessions: M–F, 8am-5pm.
• Leads will be assigned weeklong camp sessions running M-F, July 1-August 23.
  • July 1–3 is a three-day camp, all camp staff have July 4–5 off.
  • One lead will be assigned three dates (7/19, 8/2, 8/16) with extended overtime hours of 7am–7:30pm due to field trips for certain sessions.
• Post-camp season:
  • August 26 and 27, 9am-5pm. Debrief, evaluation and cleaning.

About the Seattle Aquarium:

The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment through a variety of channels including: a compelling
exhibit experience and engaging daytime and evening events; conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds; community outreach to underserved populations; research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild; advocacy and policy work; an award-winning volunteer program; strong and consistent marketing efforts; and more.

We’re noted for our collaborative, communicative and team-oriented working environment. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices; creating awe-inspiring experiences; constantly learning and improving; fostering an inclusive community; maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices; and honoring our unique place by using our
location and history as a lens for larger understanding.

Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re the eighth-largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and we welcome over 850,000 people through our front doors each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’ve developed a master plan to substantially increase in size and impact by opening a new exhibit building, the Ocean Pavilion. Our current annual budget is $18 million.

Position overview:

The Seattle Aquarium is looking for two camp lead instructors (CLIs) to help make our 2019 camp season a big success. CLIs lead and oversee all operations of their assigned camp sessions, carry out curriculum (created in advance) and lead the camp counselors, volunteers and children in their assigned camp sessions. CLIs are expected to establish positive relationships with summer program staff, volunteers, interns, campers and families. Each day varies greatly. Willingness to adapt from office tasks, to guiding camp staff and volunteers, to instructing classes with participants whose ages vary from early childhood to teen (generally 4 to 14 years old) is essential.

CLIs will carry out their eight weeks of assigned session schedules and all activities. CLIs maintain the same room and lead the same two staff camp counselors all eight sessions. Rotating each session, CLIs may have up to two high school volunteer counselors and up to 22 (usually 20) campers per week.

Primary job functions:

• Participate in two weeks of pre-season prep work which includes one week of pre-readings and lead-instructor-specific training, and one week of all-camp-staff training.
• Foster an inclusive, positive and safe learning environment for campers, volunteers and camp staff.
• Implement curriculum:
  • Camp session schedules, resources, field sites and lessons will be learned during pre-production time. It will be the CLI’s role to maintain, modify as needed, and execute the schedule.
  • Modifications and solutions-based suggestions to the schedule plan should be proposed by CLIs to the public programs coordinator. Upon advice and approval from public programs coordinator, the CLIs will conduct their adjustments to the schedule.
• Interact with families, children, teens and adults, and engage professionally and positively with all ages.
• Report daily incidents or interactions of note to Aquarium staff/volunteers and camp families. Professionalism, confidentiality, respect and quality communication are key.
• Greet families every day, sign in/out campers, make sure children are prepared for the day with all proper paperwork, lunch etc., and connect parents and guardians to the appropriate staff and program when applicable.
• Responsible for knowing all camper information as written on release forms. This includes medications needed at camp and photo release status. Also responsible for ensuring all such information is carried out appropriately and remains confidential.
• Lead camp sessions at varied types of daytime field sites. Delegate administrative tasks and the teaching of lessons to camp counselors as appropriate.
• Act as first point of contact for camp counselor needs, concerns and questions.

Additional responsibilities:

• Responsible for materials care and maintenance as well as spacing out of designated supplies to last all summer.
• Assist in covering daily breaks for paid and volunteer camp counselors.
• Other camp program-related projects as assigned.
• May be required to drive Aquarium transit van or rented transit vans to transport campers for field trips.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent leadership abilities.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility and enthusiasm.
• Basic knowledge of group activities, games, team-building initiatives or other environmental-education-related programming.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team player.
• Be flexible in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Knowledge of marine science and conservation.
• Comfort handling intertidal animals (training provided).
• Basic knowledge of water quality testing kits, beach transect tools, plankton tow and microscopes; comfortable using microphones, electronic devices.
• Familiarity with MS Office programs: Word, Excel, Outlook. Basic computer skills.

Experience, education and certifications:

We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education to meet minimum requirements.

Required:

• High school plus some college, must be 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with youth.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in an aquarium, zoo, environmental education center or similar institution.
• Previous experience working in a camp setting.
• Current adult, child and baby first aid and CPR/AED and anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injector training and certification proof required by first day of paid work. Red Cross online courses are not accepted. If you do not have current certifications let us know and we can discuss during the hiring process.
• Washington or other state driver license, or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival for occasional use of fleet vehicles on field trips.

Preferred:

• College courses in education, child development, recreation, environmental science, biology or related field.
• Experience working with diverse racial and socio-economic audiences.

Working conditions:

• Flexible schedule and ability to commit to the set hours/dates of work.
• Able to spend long periods of times outdoors during all weather conditions (rain or shine).
• Able to sit, stand, walk and/or run for varied and extended periods of time while interacting with youth.
• Heavy to moderate vocal demands to project talks and announcements to direct a large audience in loud areas during heavy foot and vehicle traffic.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and carry gear at field sites on uneven terrain.
• Comfortable in and around water. Camp staff will be scheduled to go on select field trips including low-tide beach walks, large tour boats, and small watercrafts like kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Must be able to tread water for up to a minute and swim distances of up to 30 ft. maximum. Some camp staff will be assigned to work directly with children on small watercraft. Camp staff will be on stand-up paddleboards.

Pay and benefits:

$16.50/hour for a maximum of 475 hours June 17–August 28. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.

How to apply:

The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All candidates are encouraged to apply
by uploading a résumé and one-page letter detailing interest and relevant experience in our online application. Preference will be given to applications received by March 25.

Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job.

Note: Must pass a background check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position.