Temporary Summer Camp Instructor, Part Time

About the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center

Kamin Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination and the region’s most visited museum, reaching more than 500,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and educational programs.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.  

Kamin Science Center is looking for high-energy camp instructors who will deliver innovative and engaging science programming during summer camps. Instructors will facilitate hands-on activities in a wide variety of science topics to groups of preK-12 campers and assist in summer camp operations. Curriculum, content, and job training will be provided.

This is a part time temporary position expected to run from May 2026 – August 2026. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience working with children is required.
• Previous experience working in the classroom, camp or in an after-school environment is recommended. 
• A degree in education and/or experience facilitating science or camp activities is preferred.

SCHEDULE:

• This position will span from May – end of August.
• Monday -Friday, with hours varying from 7:00 AM-5:30 PM.
• Ideal candidates are those who will be available for 8 full weeks of the summer, including the week of July 4.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, have excellent customer service skills, be well organized, able to function effectively in a team environment, and be able to manage student groups of varied sizes.
• Must have a passion for the values of first-hand engagement with science, and the priority of increasing students’ interest and involvement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
• Must be engaging, personable, approachable, highly adaptable, creative, and flexible in solving problems in a high energy environment.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with other members of the STEM Education department to develop and refine programs, assemble materials, and perform logistical functions.
• Students pursuing degrees in science, museum studies, and/or education are encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Job is primarily mobile in nature. 
• Programs involve full mobility and require the ability to lift about 20 pounds. 
• Position works with foods processed in facilities with nuts, eggs, and dairy products. 
• Chemicals vary by program. 
• Must attend safety trainings regularly and be current on SDS compliance. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Facilitate and present hands-on STEM lessons and activities, demonstrations, and project-based experiences for preK-8 grade campers.
• Assist in summer camp operations which may include preparing supplies, pre/post camp supervision, and other duties as assigned.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to customize STEM curriculum and contribute suggestions and new ideas through frequent feedback.
• Remain current on developments in STEM.
• Become familiar with the history and challenges of women and minorities in STEM fields.
• Ensure that experiences are relevant for participants.
• Present accurate information on STEM topics and careers.
• Share enthusiasm about STEM careers and topics.
• Serve as a role model for participants.
• Assemble and facilitate safe handling of equipment and supplies.
• Attend meetings, program outings, and training sessions.
• Become familiar with what the Science Center has to offer, especially the STEM Education Department.
• Become familiar with the personnel and operations of the Science Center.

TEAMWORK

• Maintain excellent working relationships with other staff including volunteers.
• Assist in the overall functioning of the team, helping to ensure a successful science experience for participants attending.
• Be the front-line source of action by contacting the appropriate people (security, managers, etc.), when medical or other emergencies occur, knowing where emergency equipment is stored and being familiar with proper emergency procedures.
• Maintain equipment/ supplies in the area of assigned duties by proper use of equipment, assistance in simple cleaning activities, and continual attention to the state of the equipment in use.

PROGRAMMATIC

• Lead participants with designed content and curriculum via the use of science demonstrations, presentations, and explanations.  Provide excellent customer service by assisting with problem solving and crowd management.
• Stay current with new exhibits and programs in the Science Center.

COLLABORATIVE

• Work with STEM Department staff to provide organized content and science delivery of assigned camp curriculum.

GENERAL INSTRUCTOR II-STEM LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strive for excellence in all aspects of job performance.  Consistently demonstrate positive work outcomes, modeling successful skills and strategies for colleagues.
• Actively seek professional growth opportunities and keep abreast of new and emerging technologies, techniques, and applications within both the science/technology field and the museum field to grow professionally and to ensure the highest-quality experience for visitors at the Science Center.
• When required, serve as a representative of your department, always championing Kamin Science Centers’s mission, and the interests of Science Center staff and visitors.
• At all times, uphold Kamin Science Centers’s Four Keys of Operation: Safety, Courtesy, The Experience, and Efficiency; interact with all colleagues in a professional and respectful manner in accordance with Carnegie Museum’s Core Competencies and Science Center Community Norms.
• Serve at all times as an exemplary advocate for and model of Kamin Science Center’s values and demonstrates commitment to inclusion and accessibility efforts at the museum.
• Work collaboratively with other Science Center departments and/or Carnegie Museum’s components to eliminate programmatic silos and create a holistic visitor experience.
• Perform basic departmental duties and other activities as required by your supervisor. 
• Complete Mandated Reporter Training within 2 weeks of hiring. 
• Other duties as assigned.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.