POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Educational Camp Instructor
REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Education Programs
SUPERVISES: Summer Camp Volunteers and Interns
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-exempt temporary (seasonal)
PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: Up to 40 hours per week
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Primary responsibilities of this position include leading camp programs, such as classroom activities, snorkeling, kayaking, and animal interactions, ensuring they are educational and engaging. The role involves managing groups of up to 25 children, maintaining a safe learning environment, and supervising junior volunteers and interns. Responsibilities also include developing lesson plans, guiding tours, and overseeing the daily camp check-in and dismissal processes. Additionally, the position requires effective communication with staff, volunteers, and guests while adhering to safety standards and upholding professional conduct.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Instruct morning, afternoon, and full-day camp curriculum, including classroom activities, snorkeling, kayaking, and animal interaction programs.
- Manage groups of up to 25 children (ages 5-18) throughout the day, including overseeing the mid-day extended care break.
- Develop lesson plans and prepare daily activities that provide a fun, engaging, and educational experience.
- Escort guests or campers on aquarium tours, delivering in-depth and accurate information about animals and interpreting exhibits.
- Participate in program responsibilities, including the setup and breakdown of activity materials and equipment, classroom preparation and clean-up, team-building exercises, and pre-camp preparations.
- Facilitate the daily check-in and dismissal processes for camp, ensuring a smooth and organized transition for campers and families.
- Supervise and mentor junior volunteers and college-level interns, providing guidance and support.
- Attend staff meetings and training sessions to remain informed and aligned with best practices.
- Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for campers, adhering to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Demonstrate flexibility and uphold professional quality standards in guest interactions, even in high-stress situations.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, interns, and guests, fostering a collaborative and friendly environment.
- Enthusiastically represent Clearwater Marine Aquarium by displaying a positive attitude and a commitment to quality in all aspects of the job.
- Serve as a positive role model by adhering to company standards, policies, and procedures regarding appearance, behavior, safety, cleanliness, and punctuality.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- College bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in science, education, or a related field.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and meet company driving guidelines.
- CPR/First Aid Certification required, with the ability to respond quickly to safety issues and maintain safe working practices.
- Must pass a State and National Criminal History Review and receive approval from the Florida Department of Children and Families to work with summer camp children.
- Must be available to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including holidays.
- Formal or informal teaching experience and/or experience working with children is required.
- Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and wildlife, or a willingness and ability to learn, with strong verbal communication skills to passionately engage guests about the environment, is required.
- Experience with public presentations and public interaction skills is preferred.
- Boating and snorkeling experience is preferred.
- Ability to perform all cleaning duties, including the use of cleaning chemicals, is required.
- Strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team is required.
- Comfort with receiving evaluations and accepting feedback for continuous improvement is required.
- Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft programs, is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
- Capable of performing physical activities such as kneeling, bending, squatting, bending from floor-to-waist and waist-to-overhead, reaching overhead, as well as simple grasping and fine hand manipulation tasks (e.g., using tools, keyboarding, writing).
- Must be able to perform extensive walking and standing for the entire work shift, including frequent stair climbing.
- Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in various Florida weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, cold, and rain. Ability to work without air conditioning for the duration of the shift.
- Optional: Must be willing to take an annual swim test.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.
