Seasonal Guided Discovery Instructor

Position: Guided Discoveries Instructor

Direct Supervisor:   Education Director

Employment Classification:  Seasonal, non-exempt hourly

Compensation:   $16.50 per hour, bi-weekly

Schedule:   40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, June 3-August 23 ( Start and end dates are negotiable.)

Position Purpose and Summary

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center seeks an energetic and passionate candidate to serve as Guided Discoveries Instructor for our dynamic, 8-week summer day camp program. Science Center day camps encourage discovery, learning, and outdoor play in and about the natural world for kids ages 4 through 12. Our camps are active and emphasize time spent outdoors in all weather. The Guided Discoveries Instructor works alongside the Lead Guided Discoveries Instructor and is responsible for planning educational activities, leading day camps, handling live animal ambassadors, and performing other tasks that support the safety and success of the program. 

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for eight weeks of nature and science-themed camps targeted for youth ages 4 through 12.
• Develop weekly lesson plans.
• Provide high-quality customer service to campers and parents.
• Handle animals for educational purposes while ensuring the safety of animals, campers, and yourself.
• Model respectful, positive, and considerate personal interactions through reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting negative camper behaviors to provide a positive experience for all campers.
• Create engaging displays in the Guided Discoveries Classroom to provide a welcoming environment for campers and parents.
• Care for, maintain, and develop high-quality program supplies and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of all program and office spaces.
• Ensure the site's safety, activities, and participants; report any accidents, injuries, and safety concerns to Education Director.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or prior experience in environmental education, interpretation, recreation, or related field or teaching experience with nature-based centers or camps.
• Current certification in Adult and Child CPR/First Aid 
• Able to receive a clean criminal background check before hire (as required by NH state law when working with youth).
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, walk long distances on uneven terrain and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes exposure to zoonotic diseases and environmental allergens, including but not limited to dust, mold, pollen, live birds, live mammals, live reptiles, live insects, and other animals.
• A solid and active interest in learning and personal growth, including self-assessment and feedback from colleagues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience working with youth ages 4-12 in an outdoor setting.
• Knowledge of New Hampshire’s natural history.
• Animal handling experience.
• Ability to play a musical instrument(s) and willingness to play with/in front of kids.
• Willingness to sing songs with campers.
• Demonstrated public speaking skills and ability to communicate with enthusiasm.
• Computer literacy on a Microsoft-based platform.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.

Compensation

The Guided Discoveries Instructor is a seasonal, non-exempt hourly employee with a starting pay of $16.50/hour. The position requires 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, from June 3-August 23, 2024 (start and end dates are negotiable). These dates include training, planning, and eight weeks of camp sessions.