Summer Camp Education Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Summer Camp Instructor to assist with a nature-based, environmentally focused camp experience for campers aged 9-11. This position is ideal for an educator with a strong background in informal education who is committed to youth development and environmental regeneration—including topics such as ecological restoration, biodiversity, and climate action.

Reporting to the Director of School and Youth Programs and under the supervision of the Lead Education Instructor, is responsible for the daily implementation of the Academy's Summer Camp, as outlined in the scope of work and based on the needs of the program and the Education Division. The instructor will assist with the design and delivery of play-based, hands-on, indoor/outdoor learning experiences that empower young people to become stewards of nature in their city while fostering curiosity, teamwork, and a connection to the natural world. The instructor will also interact with parents/legal guardians mainly during drop off and pick up times.

Each week will include age appropriate (9-11 years old) play-based, hands-on, outdoor and experiential learning activities to be implemented throughout a 9am-4pm schedule.

This is a seasonal 5-week full-time position.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy's mission, vision and values!Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and facilitate daily camp activities rooted in regeneration themes—e.g., biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable living.
• Foster meaningful connections between campers and nature through experiential, place-based education.
• Engage campers in hands-on ecological learning, using nature walks, creative arts, storytelling, and scientific exploration.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive camp environment where students of all backgrounds feel empowered and supported.
• Lead small and large group activities on the Academy floor and outdoors in varying weather conditions using the Summer Camp curriculum designed for each thematic week.
• Incorporate regenerative practices into camp routines (e.g., zero waste practices, use of natural materials, eco-friendly crafts).
• Supervise campers throughout the day with attention to both physical and emotional safety.
• Collaborate with instructors to prepare the spaces that will be used for activities.
• Clean with instructors the spaces used for activities.
• Collaborate with fellow staff to deliver a cohesive, values-aligned program.
• Communicate effectively with campers, families, and team members.
• Communicate with the Lead Instructor and with Education leadership if there are concerns around a camper's behavioral and/or emotional well-being.
• Help with daily setup, cleanup, and maintenance of outdoor spaces.
• Participate in staff training and contribute to curriculum planning and program evaluation.
• Collaborate with other Education Division and Academy teams, as appropriate to ensure a successful daily programming.
• Follow all Academy safety regulations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

• At least 2 years of experience working with elementary and/or middle school youth in camp, school, or informal education settings.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant coursework in Environmental Studies, Education, Ecology, Sustainability, or related fields, preferred
• Experience or demonstrated interest in environmental education, outdoor learning, or ecological restoration.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Background check clearance required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to inspire and manage diverse groups of children in natural settings.
• Creative, flexible, and passionate about environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and group management skills.
• Familiarity with regenerative principles, native ecosystems, or community-based environmental action.
• Familiarity with environmental education, regenerative practices, or outdoor learning (especially for camps with a nature or sustainability focus).
• Positive collaboration skills and enthusiasm for working with diverse audiences
• Awareness of social, racial, and environmental justice issues; sensitivity to the lived experiences of others and commitment to modifying working environment to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
• Ability to engage learners in the scientific process and environmental exploration
• Comfort with public speaking and group facilitation
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, youth, families, volunteers, and guests
• Ability to exercise professionalism, good judgment, and problem solving skills
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
• Comfort using basic computer and cloud-based software, including Google Suite and Zoom
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
• Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace certification a plus

Physical Environment:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to transport 40 lbs of scientific equipment and program materials
• Ability to participate in [outdoor, park-based activities / overnight camping and outdoor trips]

This is a mandated reporter designated position. Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law. Mandated reporters have certain specific reporting obligations in the event that they know of, observe or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. The Academy provides mandated reporters with training on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is $29.00 / Hour. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and optional cover letter through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of theSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).