Summer STEAM Camps Instructor- Seasonal… at Chicago's… · Chicago

About Us : The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Summer STEAM Camps Instructor delivers hands-on, engaging summer camp workshops across one of six programs: Mini Makers (grades K -1st) and Tinker Tots (grades 2nd - 3rd) which emphasize creative exploration and play-based learning, Young Adventurers (grades 4th -6th) and Explorers (grades 7th -9th) which focus on hands-on investigation throughout the Museum, and Fab Lab Makers (grades 7th -12th) which center on digital fabrication including 3D printing, vinyl cutting, laser cutting, and related maker technologies.

This is a temporary, part-time position taking place onsite at the Museum from Monday, June 22nd through Friday, August 17th, 2026. Monday - Friday work availability maybe required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and hands-on education programming for camp participants using the Museum Camps Grid System.
• Use inquiry-based practices to guide learning and support camper exploration.
• In collaboration with Museum staff, adjust and implement content updates within the Camps Learning Management System used in each studio and/or classroom.
• Provide guidance to summer interns on camp content, procedures, and daily operations.
• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences by referencing provided lesson plans and adapting to campers' needs and interests.
• Understand, follow, and enforce all Camps procedures and guidelines related to health, safety, and emergencies.
• Identify and respond to camper's medical or behavioral needs, reporting concerns to Camp Administration as appropriate.
• Facilitate a variety of STEAM program topics and themes using techniques such as investigation, exploration, and direct instruction.
• Supervise campers throughout the Museum and during all program activities while maintaining requires staff-to-camper ratios.
• Ensure safe operation of all Museum Camp equipment and hand tools.
• Monitor camper safety at all times.
• Organize and prepare materials and camp space before and after programs.
• Assist with the daily operations of the Museum Camp space, including greeting youth and families, supporting check-in and check-out procedures, and helping manage lunch and break times.
• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and fun environment for all campers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• At least two (2) years of experience working with youth and teens in camps, informal learning settings, community programs, or cultural institutions.
• Experience teaching in either formal or informal settings is preferred.
• Experience leading or supporting camp programs, youth workshops, or activity-based learning preferred.
• Experience with 2D & 3D design software is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new design software applications and computer-controlled machinery, such as 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, Vinyl Cutters, and Digital Embroidery Machines with training and support.
• Enthusiastic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on camp environment.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to engage effectively with guests, campers, and families.
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups with ability to engage diverse audiences.
• First Aid and CPR/AED Certification a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bilingual ability is a plus.
• Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, etc.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concreate variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The hourly rate for this position is $19.00.

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.