Camp Educator at Thinkery – AUSTIN, Texas

Start Date: March 11th End Date: March 20th

ABOUT THINKERY

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children— alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Camp Educator, you will bring your enthusiasm for play-based, inclusive STEAM learning to life by guiding socially and emotionally engaged campers through hands-on, inquiry-rich experiences. You will facilitate Thinkery’s curriculum in a culturally responsive way, helping campers see STEAM as a connected process while exploring problem-solving, technology, and creativity. Working alongside 1–2 fellow educators, you’ll support groups of up to 20 campers in grades K–3, creating a fun, safe, and memorable spring break experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implement and deliver Thinkery’s STEAM learning curriculum, adapting it as needed to improve the camper experience or accommodate individual campers.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.
• Read, review, and be prepared to deliver camp content.
• Model hands-on, inquiry-based facilitation techniques for entire staff.
• Lead a joyful camp experience for children ages 5-9.
• Provide leadership, energy and camp spirit, constantly assessing group dynamics and the needs of individual campers.
• Interact with and ensure safety of kids on-site and on field trips. Communicating with supervisor as challenges arise.
• Support camper check-in and check-out processes. Providing excellent customer service to parents by communicating with them about their camper’s experience.
• Assist with daily set-up and clean-up of camp.
• Problem solve on the fly and handle day to day issues.
• Represent Thinkery’s mission and core values.
• Support a culture of cross organization communication, collaboration and information sharing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & PROVEN ABILITIES

• Adaptability to problem-solve and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn hands-on STEAM activities such as: coding, tinkering, soldering, circuitry, working with power tools, sewing, robotics, etc.
• Must be able to reliably arrive to job site by 8:00AM and leave by 4:00PM.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified or become certified prior to start date (Thinkery will provide training).
• Must undergo criminal background check.

SUPPORT THINKERY’S MISSION AND VALUES

• Steward a culture of cross-department communication, collaboration, and support work.
• Represent Thinkery’s core values of playfulness, belonging, innovation, and collaboration.
• Commitment to support Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.

COMPETENCIES

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery's work.
• Creates Connection: Builds engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests, promoting a welcome environment for all.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience
• Joy for learning, education, and/or STEAM practices
• Works well in a fast-paced and changing work environment
• Experience working with children
• Experience providing behavior management for learners age 5-9
• Ability to facilitate activities within a large group of learners
• Ability to schedule activities based on changing individual and group needs
• Ability to adapt and pivot when faced with obstacles
• Some college or college degree is a plus
• Bi-lingual Spanish or American Sign Language a plus

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• This role’s regular schedule will be Monday through Friday daytime shifts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position is very active. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Move throughout the museum and camp site.
• Manipulate and move exhibit components weighing up to 30 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in various formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Detect and respond to safety hazards.
• Occasionally work in outdoor environments.

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required. This job description may be updated as needed.

Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.