Seasonal Camp Educator

Job Overview

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.

The Seasonal Camp Educator is responsible for planning and teaching day camps for elementary aged students. Camp educators require a high level of energy and enthusiasm to deliver engaging, interactive experiences including, but not limited to, age-appropriate academic lessons, crafts, and games for a diverse audience.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

Primary duties

• Lead daily operational aspects of weekly summer camp sessions
  • Includes, but not limited to, collaboratively planning and delivering educational content, engaging campers in hands-on activities, and overseeing classroom management
• Supervise all children enrolled in seasonal program
  • Summer camp educators implement daily activities and ensure the safety and physical well-being of participants
• Provide fun and engaging experiences for campers

Additional duties

• Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
• Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
• Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor housekeeping tasks
• Engage in continued learning about artifacts, animals, and plants in institutional collection
• Provide an exceptional experience for all guests
• Provide accurate information at all times

Qualifications

• Comfortability in communicating to children of all ages and delivering instruction in an informal setting
  • Summer camp instructors work primarily with elementary-aged youth and must be able to deliver developmentally-appropriate curriculum using positive behavior management strategies
• Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, or museum setting is preferred
• Prior knowledge of history, culture, wildlife, and/or environmental issues of the Tri-State area and the Mississippi River is preferred
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
• Proficient communication skills
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision and possession of the flexibility and initiative to problem solve on the go
• A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
• Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply

To learn more, visit https://www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.