Temporary Camp Operations Program Assistant

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This is a Temporary position.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.


Temporary Camp Operations Program Assistant engages campers in activities that adhere to the museum’s student-centered, inquiry-based philosophy and utilize the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Assist Operations Supervisor. Establish rapport with campers and parents. Assure safety and security of all campers at all times, especially during sign-in and sign-out, movement through museum facility, and snack time. Implement safety procedures and protocol for sign-in and sign-out of camp. Maintain cleanliness of classroom. Interact successfully with parents/guardians of summer camp students.
This temporary position will run from approximately May 2026 – August 2026.

SCHEDULING:
Applicants should be available for Summer Camp Orientation on Saturday, May 16th and Camp Training Day on Saturday, May 30th.
Shifts will be either 7:15am – 1:00pm or 11:00am – 5:30pm based on applicant’s availability and program needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High school diploma required. BA, BS, BFA preferred.
• Experience working with children.
• Museum familiarity preferred but not required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Experience with classroom, afterschool, or camp environments for children including successful behavior management.
• Must thrive in a team-oriented environment and work well with the public especially children.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• Strong verbal communication skills, reliability, cooperative and friendly demeanor, and flexibility.
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced setting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• This position requires constant mobility around the program space and through museum exhibit halls for several hours at a time.
• If the person is not able to bend or lift items of 20 – 50 lbs., they must be willing to ask for assistance performing tasks that require these actions.
• Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
ENVIRONMENT:
• This position requires daily time spent outside for lunch and recess in the summer and movement around the museum spaces.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Engage students in pre/post-camp and lunch/recess activities.
• Supervise camper behavior and safety.
• Establish rapport with campers and parents.
• Facilitate sign-in/sign-out procedures.
• Preparation and cleanup of program spaces including daily organization of materials and preparing and cleaning spaces.
• Attend weekly consultation and debrief meeting with one or more direct supervisors.
• Other duties as assigned.


The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional gu