Must be fully available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00am-4:30pm beginning June 5 and ending August 13, 2025. This position requires staff to participate in Summer Camp team trainings.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a non-profit exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The aquarium showcases over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates. The interactive museum features research discoveries by Scripps scientists and engages visitors of all ages.

Our goal is to promote conservation efforts that protect our ocean planet. We educate visitors on how our world works and inspire them to become stewards of the planet. Our conservation efforts are based on scientific research, and we aim to connect people with nature and with a shared sense of responsibility to care for our planet Earth.

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. aquarium.ucsd.edu

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Youth Programs Coordinator, the Summer Camp Educator is responsible for the implementation and presentation of summer camp science education programming, in alignment with Birch Aquarium’s role as the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), UC San Diego. The Summer Camp Educator will collaborate with the Education Team to create a welcoming, safe, and fun environment for campers ages 4-13. Summer Camp programming will take place at the Birch Aquarium, SIO, and several offsite locations such as La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. Incumbent will be responsible for driving university vehicle to these locations to transport program supplies and team members in accordance with camp schedule.

Instructional responsibilities include having a broad-based knowledge of marine science and hands-on teaching methods; using appropriate materials and curriculum to implement age-appropriate programs; and assessing audience needs and camper behavior management. Other responsibilities include assisting in mentoring and providing work direction for Camp Assistants; providing high quality guest service through camp family interactions; and adhering to aquarium and university policies and procedures. Summer Camp indoor and outdoor activities may include, but are not limited to, games, art projects, science experiments, animal interactions, aquarium exploration, storytelling, free play, beach time, and supervised snack and lunch times.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS in marine science, environmental science, or related natural sciences or in education with science specialization, or combination of related educational background and teaching in the subject matter, or equivalent experience

• Knowledge of educational program content and objectives in appropriate subject area. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to teach and/or interpret basic marine, Earth and atmospheric science concepts, including the nature and practices of science. Knowledge and familiarity with best practices in teaching inquiry-based science.

• Educational programs delivery and management skills including experience working collaboratively with a team of diverse individuals. Ability to work effectively across the organization, internally and externally.

• Analytical skills to work on program or targeted audience needs assessments. Use of critical-thinking, problem-solving, creativity, time management and organizational skills to meet Departmental and Organizational goals in a team environment.

• Effective reading, verbal, written communications and presentation skills.

• Ability to follow directions and adhere to established guidelines and procedures. Ability to take initiative and work with appropriate supervision to reliably meet goals and objectives.

• Able to apply principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to educational practice.

• Computer skills with business software systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be available Mondays through Fridays beginning June 5 and ending August 13, 2025.

• Some programs may involve outdoor, water or sea-going activities and may require lifting equipment plus handling live organisms.

• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, and may be provided as part of job requirement.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Duties require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).