Summer Camp Education Instructor

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Summer Camp Instructor to assist with a nature-based, environmentally focused camp experience for campers aged 9-11. This position is ideal for an educator with a strong background in informal education who is committed to youth development and environmental regeneration—including topics such as ecological restoration, biodiversity, and climate action.

Reporting to the Director of School and Youth Programs and under the supervision of the Lead Education Instructor, is responsible for the daily implementation of the Academy’s Summer Camp, as outlined in the scope of work and based on the needs of the program and the Education Division. The instructor will assist with the design and delivery of play-based,  hands-on, indoor/outdoor learning experiences that empower young people to become stewards of nature in their city while fostering curiosity, teamwork, and a connection to the natural world. The instructor will also interact with parents/legal guardians mainly during drop off and pick up times.

Each week will include age appropriate (9-11 years old) play-based, hands-on, outdoor and experiential learning activities to be implemented throughout a 9am-4pm schedule.

This is a seasonal 5-week full-time position.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

 

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and facilitate daily camp activities rooted in regeneration themes—e.g., biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable living.
• Foster meaningful connections between campers and nature through experiential, place-based education.
• Engage campers in hands-on ecological learning, using nature walks, creative arts, storytelling, and scientific exploration.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive camp environment where students of all backgrounds feel empowered and supported.
• Lead small and large group activities on the Academy floor and outdoors in varying weather conditions using the Summer Camp curriculum designed for each thematic week.
• Incorporate regenerative practices into camp routines (e.g., zero waste practices, use of natural materials, eco-friendly crafts).
• Supervise campers throughout the day with attention to both physical and emotional safety.
• Collaborate with instructors to prepare the spaces that will be used for activities.
• Clean with instructors the spaces used for activities.
• Collaborate with fellow staff to deliver a cohesive, values-aligned program.
• Communicate effectively with campers, families, and team members.
• Communicate wi