Title: Senior Counselor - Younger Division
Department: Exhibits & Education
Reporting to: Camp Director
Date: June 2026
Status: Temporary Full Time
Rate of Pay: $17/hr
Position Summary:
Join our team at the EcoTarium, where we spark curiosity and inspire a passion for nature and science through hands-on exhibits, live animals, and engaging programs.
As a senior counselor, you will lead camp staff in supervising and instructing campers (ages 5 – 15) in our summer camp programs. Each age-based division will consist of 20 – 40 campers organized into individual camp groups. Programming is focused on a variety of natural and physical science topics and takes place on the museum floor, in classroom settings, and outdoors on our 45-acre site. Program facilitation is through hands-on and inquiry-based methods encouraging exploration and self-directed learning. More information about the EcoTarium’s camp program can be found on our webpage: ecotarium.org/camp
The camp season is June 15 – August 14, 2026 and includes paid training the week of June 15. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm with 30-minute unpaid daily lunch break, 37.5–40 hours per week. The majority of the summer camp program takes place outdoors. In the event of thunderstorms or other unsafe outdoor conditions, designated indoor space will be available.
Candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply to multiple camp staff positions pending interest and qualifications.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as a mentor and role model for and actively support positive interaction between campers, Camp Counselors, and Junior Counselors.
- Serve as the point of contact for day-to-day programmatic, behavioral, and medical needs within the younger division (campers ages 5 – 6).
- Provide an exceptional customer service experience by proactively problem-solving and communicating issues and solutions with camp leadership, campers, and caregivers
- Lead hands-on programs and activities for campers on a variety of science and nature topics.
- Manage camper safety and behavior management in a positive and constructive way
- Ensure that all campers and staff are having fun throughout the program.
- Deliver indoor and outdoor programming and navigate trails in a variety of weather conditions.
- Set up and maintain field gear, program materials, technical equipment, program spaces, and supplies.
- Contribute to a professional, motivational, and collaborative work environment.
Non-Essential Functions:
- Work collaboratively with EcoTarium staff on museum-wide and cross-departmental initiatives.
- Participate actively in staff meetings, daily huddles, and staff training.
Qualifications:
Required:
- 20 years of age or older
- Availability for the entirety of the camp season. Applications will be accepted for candidates who are unavailable for a portion of the season, however candidates available to work the entire season will be prioritized.
- Demonstrated previous experience working with children in a recreational camp setting
- Interest in and/or experience with staff coaching and mentoring
- Interest in and/or experience working with diverse audiences
- Comfort with presentation and/or public speaking
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and highly dependable
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated success working both independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to learn and grow through constructive feedback
- Certified in CPR/First Aid or be willing to take a CPR/First Aid course
- Documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and completion of the camp’s health forms and waivers before the start of training
- Ability to navigate the building and grounds under any weather conditions, lift and transport up to 25 lbs., and work in a highly sensory and stimulating work environment due to constant interaction with guests
- Pass CORI and SORI background checks
An ideal candidate will have:
- Background in life science, earth science, astronomy, engineering, and/or physical science
- Experience with inquiry-based and/or experiential learning
- Experience leading or assisting programming at a science camp or museum
- Team leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to have fun with kids
The EcoTarium is an equal-opportunity employer. We value each member of the team, and are committed to inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity, and strive for equity and universal accessibility for employees and visitors.