Nature Adventures Camp Instructor at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center – Santa Barbara, California

Title: Nature Adventures Camp Instructor

Classification: Full-Time, Temporary, Non-exempt

Department: Education - Nature Adventures

Reports To: Nature Education Manager

Location: Museum Mission Creek and/or Sea Center campuses

Wage Band: Technical Skills Level I

Compensation: $20.80 per hour

Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.

Position Summary: The Camp/Class Instructor will work with the Nature Adventures Manager and other lead and assistant instructors in science programs for children ages 4-12 at the Museum and/or Sea Center.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Work with Nature Adventures Manager, coordinator, and other instructors.
• Interface with parents during check-in and check-out periods.
• Be prepared for camp by reading the curricula and prepping pertinent supplies.
• Teach and facilitate camp activities ranging in a variety of natural history and science-based subjects.
• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences and outdoor play.
• Breakdown and organize supplies at the close of each camp day.
• Work with Teen Programs participants (Quasars to Sea Stars and/or Counselors-in-Training--youth personnel ages 13-17) to help support camps. Provide feedback and recommendations on teen personnel involvement to Nature Adventures Manager and/or Coordinator.
• Maintain appropriate control of class during sessions.
• Supervise, manage, and teach group activities.
• Contributes to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing any questions when encountering guests as they navigate through the Museum and Sea Center.
• Supports the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for fellow staff, guests and the community.
• Other duties as needed.
• Must be available for required training(s):
• June 8 – June 12, 2026 (9:00AM -5:00 PM, Mandatory Training)
• Must be available for at least 6 weeks of summer camp (preference given to those who can work the full 9 weeks):
• Monday-Friday, June 15 – August 14, 2026 (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM as needed)

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in leading informal educational programs or related work.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work unsupervised, in both classroom and indoor environments.
• Self-motivated and creative.
• Dependable, timely.
• Willingness and ability to work at either the Mission Creek (Museum) campus or the Sea Center Campus as needed.

Work Environment:

• Standard educational classroom environment.
• Outdoor environment, including creek and trail exploration.
• Frequent walking, may include uneven or unpaved terrain.
• Lifting, up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting.

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.