Summer Day Camp Lead Instructor

Overview

• Plan and lead engaging day camp experiences that inspire awe and wonder while fostering meaningful connections to plants and the natural world.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Serve as lead instructor of assigned day camps creating a positive experience for every participant
• Enthusiastically guide children in exploring, making friends, and having fun
• Manage behavior with attention to each child's social and emotional well-being
• Communicate positively and professionally with parents, caregivers, and volunteers
• Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment; follow established safety procedures in emergencies
• Implement and refine camp plans; document activity updates and supply needs for future sessions
• Prepare, set up, and clean up all materials
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance and feedback to assistants and counselors-in-training
• Share updates and photos with caregivers
• Complete post-camp documentation with feedback and recommendations for future improvement

Workplace

• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum IN CHASKA, MN

Work Schedule

• Varied Dates from: 6/15/26 - 8/21/26
• Varied Hours: 0-40 hrs/week

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences, or related field, or equivalent educational experience (4 years)
• Experience teaching in a classroom or informal setting
• Enthusiasm for working with children, along with patience and a sense of humor
• The desire to work in a natural setting (mix of indoors and outdoors in all weather)
• Love of plants and the natural world, and an excitement to inspire that love in others
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to walk, bend, and lift 20 pounds, working indoors and outdoors
• Successful completion of a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or interest in gardening, cooking with children, and popular camp themes (e.g., Minecraft, Harry Potter, Pokemon, survival skills)
• Knowledge of, and willingness to play camp games, dress in costume and get messy!

Pay Range: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).