Spring STEAM Camp Instructor - Seasonal Position

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry•Chicago, IL

3d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The Spring STEAM Camp Instructor delivers hands-on, engaging seasonal camp workshops across six programs: Mini Makers (grades K -1st), Tinker Tots (grades 2nd - 3rd, which emphasize creative exploration and STEAM-focused, play-based learning), Young Adventurers (grades 4th -6th), Explorers (grades 7th - 9th, which focus on hands-on investigation throughout the Museum). The Young Makers (grades 4th - 6th) Fab Lab Makers camps (grades 7th - 12th) center on digital fabrication, including 3D printing, vinyl cutting, laser cutting, and related maker technologies. PLEASE NOTE This temporary position requires availability for the following onsite schedules: Position Start Date: Monday, March 2nd, 2026 Program Training (one session required): Sunday, March 15th or Saturday, March 21st, 2026 Fulltime Camps Program Schedule: Monday, March 23rd - Friday, March 27th, 2026

Requirements

Associate's degree or 2+ years of an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
2+ years' experience working with youth, families, or public audiences in camps, community programs, or cultural institutions.
Ability to read interpret documents such as operating and procedure manuals.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, etc.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concreate variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock.
The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Enthusiastic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on camp environment.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Strong customer service skills and ability to engage effectively with guests, campers, and families.
Comfortable and confident speaking in front of groups, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching in either formal or informal environments preferred.
Experience leading camp programs, youth workshops, or activity-based learning preferred.
Experience with 2D & 3D design software (i.e., Inkscape, Tinkercad, or similar tools) is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to learn new digital design platforms and operate fabrication equipment (including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and digital embroidery machines) with training and support.
First Aid and CPR/AED Certification a plus.
Bilingual ability a plus.

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging, hands-on education programming for camp participants using the Museum Camps Grid System.
Facilitate a variety of STEAM program topics and themes using techniques such as investigation, exploration, and direct instruction.
Use inquiry-based practices to guide learning and support camper exploration.
In collaboration with regular camp staff, adjust and implement content updates within the Camps Learning Management System used in each studio or classroom.
Provide guidance to camp interns on camp content, procedures, and daily operations.
Facilitate hands-on learning experiences by referencing provided lesson plans and adapting to campers' needs and interest.
Understand, follow, and enforce all camp procedures and guidelines related to health, safety, and emergencies.
Identify and respond to campers' medical or behavioral needs, reporting concerns to Camp Administration as appropriate.
Supervise camp participants throughout the Museum and during all program activities while maintaining require staff-to-camper ratios.
Ensure safe operation of all Camp equipment and hand tools.
Organize and set up materials and camp space before and after programs.
Assist with the daily operations of the Camp space, including greeting campers, supporting check-in and check-out procedures, and helping manage lunch and break times.
Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and fun environment for all campers.
Monitor camper safety at all times.
Other duties as assigned.