Job Title: Summer STEM Camp Assistant

Department: Learning & Public Engagement

Supervisor: Manager of STEM Curriculum & Programs

Supervises: None

FLSA Salary Classification: Non-exempt

Last Update: 2/11/26

Availability: Seasonal Summer Staff (mid-May to mid-August)

Position Summary:

The Summer STEM Camp Assistant supports the daily operations of Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Summer STEM Camps by assisting with camper supervision, logistics, and program coordination. This position works closely with the Manager of STEM Curriculum & Programs and camp staff to help ensure a safe, organized, and engaging experience for campers, volunteers, and guest speakers. The Summer STEM Camp Assistant provides operational and administrative support before, during, and after camp activities, allowing instructional staff to focus on teaching and learning. This role is essential to the smooth flow and successful implementation of seasonal youth programs within the Learning & Public Engagement Department.

Essential Functions:

• Supports safe and organized daily camp operations by assisting with camper supervision, group movement, and transitions throughout the camp day. Helps ensure campers are accounted for, supervised appropriately, and supported during arrivals, departures, and schedule changes.
• Provides operational and logistical support for camp programming by assisting with materials preparation, activity set-up, and shared space readiness. Helps maintain organized supply areas and supports smooth execution of daily and weekly camp schedules.
• Assists instructional staff and youth volunteers by helping connect volunteers to assigned camp groups, providing short-term coverage during staff transitions, and communicating logistical needs or timing concerns to staff to support effective program flow.
• Supports guest speakers and special program components by welcoming presenters, assisting with space preparation, and providing basic audio/visual or logistical support to ensure sessions run as planned.
• Maintains compliance with safety and youth protection expectations by following all Garden Youth Safety policies, maintaining camper confidentiality, participating in required training, and assisting during emergency drills or unexpected situations as directed.
• Contributes to end-of-day and end-of-week program readiness by assisting with clean-up, organization, material storage, and preparation for upcoming camp sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in college coursework OR 1 year of experience in environmental education that provides the knowledge and ability to successfully support youth programming and camp operations.
• Must be at least 19 years of age and pass a background check
• Availability for a consistent schedule throughout the summer camp season (mid-May to mid-August)
• Must complete required training related to camp procedures, child safety, emergency protocols, and communication tools

Success Factors:

• Knowledge of youth safety expectations and supervised program environments, including maintaining appropriate boundaries, following established procedures, and protecting camper confidentiality.
• Knowledge of the Garden’s mission, with an understanding of how summer camps support the Garden’s goal of connecting people with plants through welcoming, educational experiences.
• Skill in clear, respectful communication to support coordination among staff, volunteers, campers, and guests, ensuring accurate information sharing and smooth group transitions.
• Skill in organization and task follow-through, including maintaining orderly shared spaces, preparing materials, and supporting daily program flow.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team, demonstrating reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to support shared goals in a dynamic, outdoor learning environment.
• Ability to maintain focus, composure, and situational awareness while supporting children during routine activities, transitions, and unexpected situations.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and respect in all interactions, particularly when handling sensitive information or working with children and families.
• A commitment to, and ability to model, the Garden’s Core Values, including inclusion, stewardship, collaboration, and lifelong learning, while positively representing the Garden to campers, families, volunteers, and visitors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in education, environmental science, biology, STEM, child development, recreation, nonprofit studies, or a related field
• 2 years experience working or volunteering in the environmental education field (after-school programs, camps, museum, nature centers, or other youth-focused settings).
• Experience supporting group supervision and logistics, such as assisting with transitions, schedules, materials preparation, or large-group coordination
• Familiarity with informal learning environments, including outdoor education, public gardens, museums, or science centers
• Basic experience with audio/visual tools or digital platforms, such as running videos, connecting displays, or assisting with simple technology set-up
• Interest in STEM, environmental education, or youth engagement, particularly in hands-on, outdoor, or experiential learning settings

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

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

• Physical Demands: Requires physical activity specifically working with youth programs continually walking outdoors on uneven terrain while teaching, travel over one mile in a day. Occasional lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs.), and occasional periods of sitting and operating a computer or other office equipment.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in a combined indoors and outdoors setting. Outdoor settings include leading groups of children and adults in walking, hiking, and other physical activities, in all weather conditions throughout the four seasons. Indoor work is frequently stationary working behind a computer. Use of general office equipment, tablets, audio-visual equipment, microscopes, basic garden tools, specialized field monitoring equipment, two-way radio, and Garden van are required.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job, and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.