Science Camp Instructor

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit dedicated to protecting and growing trees locally and globally. We are seeking experienced teachers to join our team leading campers in interactive summer adventures. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching in a formal or informal setting a passion for the outdoors and nature and enjoy leading hands-on exploration. You will be part of an incredible team working to engage in fun experiences and learning together.

Position Summary: Teach school aged children science and nature-discovery activities related to the Arboretums remarkable and varied natural areas and seasonal exhibits. Develop science curriculum for each camp under the guidance of the Science Camp and Scout Programs Supervisor utilizing education design standards. Lead groups of up to 15 students in assigned grade level from Pre-Kindergarten through 8^th grade. Along with an assistant guide students on engaging and fun hiking trips on the Arboretums grounds and facilitate outdoor and indoor science discovery activities incorporating scientific tools such as collection nets microscopes binoculars etc.

Essential Functions:

• Represent The Morton Arboretums mission and programs in a positive constructive and effective manner.
• Develop and/or deliver engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans to be reviewed by the Science Camp and Scout Programs Supervisor covering science-related topics for weeklong camp experiences for up to 15 students in specified age group.
• Use engaging and fun interpretive and inquiry-based teaching strategies to convey specified science-related topics.
• Work closely with the Science Camp Assistant to coordinate each days activities develop activities which incorporate the assistants participation/help and serve as a mentor/coach for Science Camp Assistants and Youth Volunteer participants.
• Become familiar/comfortable with hiking a variety of trails on the Arboretum grounds.
• Interact with parents and guardians of students in a professional courteous and responsive manner.
• Support Summer Science Camps inclusion practices with the assistance of the Inclusion Coordinator.
• Become familiar with the Arboretums mission history programs and structure.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretums employee core values.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:Bachelors degree in the discipline of education interpretation or natural sciences required. 2 years teaching children in a formal or non-formal setting required. Certified teachers preferred. Basic knowledge of science-related topics required. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided).

Success Factors: Ability to engage and excite children about the natural world. Good verbal skills and an enthusiasm toward learning. Ability to maintain interest and discipline of up to 15 students during a weeklong camp experience. Flexible constructive and courteous approach to parents children and summer science camp staff. Stamina and ability to participate in outdoor programs in various weather conditions.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 15 lbs.) hiking kneeling ability to travel over one mile on paved wood-chipped and dirt paths over varied and uneven terrain.

• Work Environment: Work is performed in a combined indoors and outdoors environment in various weather conditions.

• Equipment: General office equipment scientific tools microscopes handheld GPS unit two-way radio educational materials appropriate protective clothing.
• Schedule: The position requires availability for seven of the ten weeks of camp attending a mandatory orientation meeting two additional training sessions and weekly staff meetings.

Availability requirements for 2026

• Must be available to attend a mandatory in person summer camp orientation meeting on Saturday May 2nd from 9:00a.m.-2:00 p.m. and at least one open house training on May 7th 4:00 p.m.-7:00p.m. May 13th 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. May 19th 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. or May 16th 10:00 a.m-2:00p.m.
• Must be available to work seven out of the nine weeks of camp five days a week (8:30am-12:15pm 8:30 am-3:15pm or 11:45am-3:45pm depending on grade level and camp session) for assigned weeks (opportunities available June 1-August 14th no camp the week of July 4th).
• A mandatory all-staff meeting (for each week of camp) is held every Monday morning at 8:00am (for full day and morning camps) or at 11:15am (for afternoon camps).

For full consideration please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

The hiring rate for this position is $21.00/hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts inspires and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum 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.

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.