Bell Museum Summer Camp Staff

Working location: In-person based out of Bell Museum, St Paul Campus
Working Hours: This is a temporary appointment, working up to 67 days maximum working days per year. Monday - Friday. Most positions will work 40 hours/week, for 10 weeks in the
weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. The Summer Camp Assistant Educator position allows for full-time or part-time hours, based on stated preference, and the Summer Camp Resource Coordinator will work 30 hours/week.

Position start date: Dependent on position. Coordinator positions start as early as May 21, 2025.
Position end date: August 20, 2025
Camp dates: June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025
Required staff training days: 5 days (30-40 hours) of training to be scheduled between June 9- 13. Times will vary.

Pay Rates:

Summer Camp Resource Coordinator: $21.00/hour

Summer Camp Youth Support Coordinator: $21.00/hour

Summer Camp Satellite Coordinator: $21.00/hour

Summer Camp Lead Educator: $20.00/hour

Summer Camp Assistant Educator: $17.00/hour
Please note this posting is hiring multiple appointments. Please attach a cover letter to your application and identify the position you are interested in. If not identified, you will be considered for all positions.

Application Deadline: Application review for Camp Coordinator positions will begin March 11, 2025. Application review for Lead and Assistant educator positions will begin March 19, 2025. All positions are open until filled.
For questions about the position, please contact ksigurds@umn.edu.

Job Duties or Responsibilities

Summer Camp Resource Coordinator: $21.00/hour

This position works with the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator and other camp coordinators to form a leadership team while taking initiative in this role. This team helps to ensure that camp activities run smoothly and that campers have the best experience possible. This position is responsible for coordinating the resources needed for summer camps including the ordering, care, and distribution of camp supplies, and efficient and effective communication with camp families and staff. This position requires skillful communication to interact with people of all ages in a friendly, appropriate manner, including with campers, guardians, staff, and the general public.

Other responsibilities include daily lunch tents set up on the field (weather permitting), assisting with check-in and check-out, and following all Safety of Minors policies. This position will provide support to camp leaders, assistants, and other staff and may include stepping in to teach classes on an as-needed basis. The person in this position will help manage check-in and check-out times, and follow all Safety of Minors policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Inventory and Supply Management (65%)

• Maintain inventory of all camp supplies and generate purchase lists as necessary.
• Distribute camp supplies and assist with setup and tear down of camp curriculum activities, lunchtime activities, and check-in/check-out activities.
• Set up lunch tents on the field.

Camper and staff support (25%)

• Supervise and facilitate group time, including lunchtime, transitions, and moments outside of the classroom.
• Maintain a safe and fun environment.
• Check-in and check-out with campers, parents, and guardians.
• Provide emotional and behavioral support to campers and guidance to support Camp Leaders and Assistants.
• Conflict management including listening and de-escalation when communicating with guardians, campers and other staff.
• Step in to teach camp classes on an as-needed basis.

Other duties (10%)

• Step in to support PESL, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Summer Camp Youth Support Coordinator: $21.00/hour

This position works with the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator and other camp coordinators to form a leadership team for summer camp. This person will use skillful communication to interact with people of all ages in a friendly, appropriate manner, including with campers, guardians, staff, and the general public. Responsibilities include coordinating behavioral and emotional support for campers, creating and operating camp systems to remain in compliance with safety policies and procedures, communicating efficiently and effectively with camp families and camp staff, assisting with check-in and check-out times, and following all Safety of Minors policies. This position will provide support to camp educators, and other staff and may include stepping in to teach classes on an as-needed basis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Camper and staff support (70%)

• Supervise and facilitate lunch time and check-in and check-out with campers, parents, and guardians.
• Provide emotional and behavioral support to campers to help them have the best experience at camps by using positive behavior intervention techniques.
• Support summer camp staff while maintaining a safe and engaging environment during lunch, field trips, and transitions.
• Support Camp Lead Educators by assisting with small group facilitation of activities as needed.
• Accompany groups of campers to off-site field trips as needed.
• Create new games, group challenges, and craft activities to engage the campers during recreation time throughout the summer.

Coordination and Recordkeeping (20%)

• Establish and monitor record management systems for medical and behavior needs.
• Review behavior and medical management information with Youth and Family Programs Coordinator and/or Education Programs Manager.
• Communicate and discuss support strategies with camp leaders and assistants before camp starts.
• Step in to teach camp classes on an as-needed basis.
• Make sure all medications are returned at the end of the week.

Other duties (10%)

• Step in to support PESL, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Summer Camp Satellite Coordinator: $21.00/hour

This position works with the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator and other camp coordinators to form a leadership team for summer camp to ensure that satellite camps, camps that have a homebase on the St. Paul campus, outside of the Bell Museum, and activities run smoothly and that campers have the best experience possible. This position is responsible for coordinating the resources needed for our satellite summer camps including the care and distribution of camp supplies to different buildings, and efficient and effective communication with camp families and staff. Other responsibilities include coordinating with check-in and check-out, and following all Safety of Minors policies. This role provides conflict management including listening and de-escalation when communicating with guardians, campers and other staff. This position will provide support to camp educators and may include stepping in to teach classes on an as-needed basis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Inventory and Supply Management (70%)

• Maintain inventory of satellite camp supplies and generate purchase lists as necessary.
• Distribute supplies to satellite camps and assist with setup and tear down of curriculum activities, lunchtime activities, and check-in/check-out activities.
• Help set up lunch tents on the field when satellite camps are present at the Bell Museum.

Camper and staff support (20%)

• Supervise and facilitate group time, including lunchtime, transitions, and moments outside of the classroom.
• Maintain a safe and fun environment.
• Check-in and check-out with campers, parents, and guardians.
• Provide emotional and behavioral support to campers and guidance to support Camp Lead Educators and Assistant Educators.
• Use skillful communication to interact with people of all ages in a friendly, appropriate manner, including with campers, guardians, staff, and the general public.
• Follow all safety-related policies and procedures at all times.
• Step in to teach camp classes on an as-needed basis.
• Cover breaks for satellite camp staff.

Other duties (10%)

• Step in to support PESL, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Summer Camp Lead Educator: $20.00/hour

This position is responsible for facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, engineering, and astronomy. Responsibilities include implementing the existing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum, working in a team environment, mentoring assistants, and creating a safe, engaging, age-appropriate and positive learning environment for campers. Campers range from grades K-8 with camp sizes ranging from 12 (K) to 21. This position includes following all Safety of Minors policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Camp Content and Instruction (70%)

• Implement engaging week-long camps for up to twenty children per class using a provided curriculum that includes scientific experiments and interactive activities involving earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, art, games, and more.
• Follow safety guidelines and practices to ensure that campers are safe at all times with ongoing supervision. Includes frequent hand washing and daily cleaning.
• Develop a personal teaching style to accommodate camper learning style(s).
• Provide direction and work collaboratively with camp assistant educators.
• Interact with campers, guardians, other staff, and the general public in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.
• Camp staff are required to follow all safety-related policies and procedures at all times.

Camp Prep and Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Regular check-ins with the Youth & Family Programs Coordinator.
• Manage set up, take down, and cleaning of camp activities, as well as maintain classroom facilities.
• Write a short bio to include in camp guardian communications.
• Conduct regular reflections/evaluations of the program and experiences.
• Communicating curriculum plans, feedback, and tasks to the camp assistant educators.

Other duties (10%)

• Complete other additional tasks as assigned by the Youth & Family Programs Coordinator and/or Education Programs Manager.
• Step in to facilitate Girl Scout events if available.
• Other duties as assigned

Summer Camp Assistant Educator: $17.00/hour

This position involves assisting camp lead educators in creating a safe, age-appropriate, and positive learning environment during educational camp experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, and astronomy. Other responsibilities include daily lunch tents set up on the field (weather permitting), assisting with check-in and check-out, and following all Safety of Minors policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Camp Activities (85%)

• Assist summer camp leaders in creating a safe, fun, and enriching camp environment. Includes safety policies such as frequent hand washing, and reporting illness symptoms of campers.
• Follow safety guidelines and practices ensuring that campers are safe at all times
• Assist with setup and tear down of camp activities
• Lead one camp activity per week.
• Monitor and engage all age groups of campers during check-in and check-out by monitoring campers' well-being and safety, interacting with campers, playing games, and leading hands-on activities.
• Camp staff are required to follow all safety-related policies and procedures at all times.

Other duties as assigned (15%)

• Write a short bio to include in camp guardian communications.
• Monitoring and leading games with campers during lunchtime, recess, and snack.
• Step in to teach activities for Girl Scout events if available.
• Other duties as assigned

Summer Camp Resource Coordinator: $21.00/ hour

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS in education, youth development, special ed, recreation, or related field experience.
• Experience working in a team environment within a camp or other non-formal education organization with youth ages 5-12.
• Strong organizational and inventory skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in practicing effective conflict management.
• Must be able to lift and push 40lbs.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Experience in working with youth with special needs in a classroom or camp setting.
• Ability to organize time and work in a highly effective manner.
• Ability to clearly express ideas both verbally and in writing and be adaptable and dependable.
• Understanding the structure of camps in the details of this position and as a whole system and team.
• Experience managing data using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet program.

Position start date: May 21, 2025
Position end date: August 29, 2025
Hours: 40 hours/week, for 10 weeks in the weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. Approximately 24-32 hours per week between May 21 and June 13th and between August 21- 29. Days off include June 19 and July 4.

Summer Camp Youth Support Coordinator: $21.00/hour

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS in education, youth development, special ed, recreation, or equivalent related field experience.
• Experience in education, youth development, special ed, recreation, or other related field experience.
• Experience working in a team environment within a camp or other non-formal education organization with youth ages 5-12.
• Strong organizational and inventory skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to practice good conflict management skills when communicating with guardians, as well as with campers.
• Experience in working with youth with special needs, (e.g. on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have anxiety and/or depression).

Preferred Qualifications:

• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Ability to organize time and work in a highly effective manner, express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing and to be adaptable, flexible, dedicated, and dependable.
• Ability to effectively work in a team setting
• Skills in resourcefulness and creativity
• Experience managing data using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet program.

Position start date: May 26, 2025
Position end date: August 20, 2025
Hours: 40 hours/week, for 10 weeks in the weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. Approximately 24-32 hours per week between May 26 and June 13th. Monday-Friday times may vary. Days off include June 19-20, and July 4.

Summer Camp Satellite Coordinator: $21.00/hour

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS in education, youth development, special ed, recreation or equivalent related field experience.
• Experience working in a team environment within a camp or other non-formal education organization with youth ages 5-12.
• Strong organizational and inventory skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in practicing effective conflict management.
• Must be able to lift and push 40lbs.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Experience in working with youth with special needs in a classroom or camp setting.
• Ability to organize time and work in a highly effective manner.
• Ability to clearly express ideas both verbally and in writing and be adaptable, dedicated, and dependable.
• Experience managing data using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet program.

Position start date: May 26, 2025
Position end date: August 29, 2025
Hours: 20-30 hours/week, for 6 weeks in the weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. Approximately 24-32 hours per week between May 26 and June 9th and between August 21- 29. Days off include June 19 and July 4. Satellite camps run during the weeks of June 23- 27, July 7- Aug 8.

Summer Camp Lead Educator: $20.00/hour

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years in college studying education, science, or other related subjects plus two years of experience teaching youth.
• A minimum of two years experience leading children and carrying out curriculum in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including astronomy and natural sciences.
• Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S. in education, science, or other related programs.
• Master's degree in education, science or related field.
• Training or experience working in camps as a summer camp leader.
• Previous classroom teaching experience and/or possessing a teaching license.
• Experience working with youth and adults in a team environment.
• Experience in working with youth with special needs, (e.g. on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have anxiety and/or depression).
• CPR and First Aid certified.

Position start date: June 2, 2025
Position end date: August 20, 2025
Hours: 40 hours/week, for 10 weeks in the weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. Approximately 20- 30 hours June 9- 13 for training week, and 8 hours during the week of June 2- 6 to review curriculum. Days off include June 19- 20 and July 4.

Summer Camp Assistant Educator: $17.00/hour

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Coursework in education, physical or natural science, or equivalent experience
• Experience working with youth and adults in a team environment
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Must be dedicated, dependable, flexible and enthusiastic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate
• Experience with environmental education and/or interpretation, science, education, astronomy, or youth studies
• Experience working in a camp or after-school setting
• Customer service experience
• First Aid and CPR Certification

Position start date: June 9, 2025
Position end date: August 20, 2025
Hours: 40 hours/week, for 10 weeks in the weeks of June 16, 2025 to August 20, 2025 time period. Approximately 25-30 hours during training week June 9-13. Days off include June 19-20 and July 4.

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond. We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Pay Rates:

Summer Camp Resource Coordinator: $21.00
Summer Camp Youth Support Coordinator: $21.00
Summer Camp Satellite Coordinator: $21.00
Summer Camp Lead Educator: $20.00/hour
Summer Camp Assistant Educator: $17.00/hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please note this posting is hiring multiple appointments. If not identified, you will be considered for all positions.

Application Deadline: Application review for Camp Coordinator positions will begin March 11, 2025. Application review for Lead and Assistant educator positions will begin March 19, 2025. All positions are open until filled.

For questions about the position, please contact ksigurds@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).