STEM Instructor

Teach at Astrocamp! We are currently hiring instructors for School Year. The position starts immediately. Astrocamp is a unique non-profit education center that specializes in astronomy and physical sciences. Located on a forested campus near the town of Idyllwild at an elevation of 5,600 feet amidst the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. Over 18,000 students from 8-17 years old attend Astrocamp each year.  With excellent teaching facilities we bring science to life through hands-on, experiential classes and activities.  Our labs and facilities include a heated pool; extensive ropes course and rock wall, innovative classrooms, and two state of the art telescope viewing areas with CCD capabilities.  Instructors have small group sizes and remain with the same group of students throughout their 3-5 day program. Astrocamp provides incredible experiences for kids and instructors alike. Check us out at www.astrocampschool.org or visit www.guideddiscoveries.org.   

Qualifications:  BS/BA, preferably Physics, Astronomy or STEM fields but all degrees welcome to apply. Requires a passion for learning and working with children.  Must be a positive, energetic, and organized team member who is eager to learn new content.  Previous teaching experience is a plus.  CPR, First Aid Certification required, and lifeguard certification is required within 6 months of being hired.  Desire to work and live in a close-knit community is important.   

Salary and Benefits:  Starting at $16.50/hour.  HIRING BONUS, Room, Board, Health Insurance, as well as Dental and Vision Insurance are provided. Staff live on-site in furnished apartments.  Astrocamp is located on a 90-acre campus adjacent to a national forest with easy access to clear skies, world-class rock climbing, outstanding hiking, and great mountain biking. 

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Position: STEM Instructor at Astrocamp 

Location: Idyllwild, California 

Work Season: School Year 2021/22 with the option for continuing after this school year

Start Date: Immediately

Responsible to: AstroCamp Program Director 

Summary of Position: 

Instructors are responsible for bringing physical sciences and astronomy concepts to life through hands-on, experiential education classes and activities to 3-5 day programs.  The position also provides quality instruction and leadership to all outdoor programs.   

Minimum Qualifications: 

• BS/BA , preferably (but not required) in STEM fields, Physics or Astronomy 
• Previous teaching experience a plus 
• Passion for learning and working with children 
• Be a positive, energetic, and organized team member 
• Strong communication and human relations skills 
• Certification in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding (can be obtained on arrival) 
• Desire and ability to live and work in a small camp community 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards 
• Good character, integrity, flexibility, and adaptability 
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and professional nature 
• In good physical condition   
• Legally authorized to work in the US 

Responsibilities: 

• To communicate effectively with students, teachers, chaperones and co-workers 
• Safely and professionally implement program curriculum 
• Proficient in academic knowledge of classes to be taught 
• Attend and contribute to all leadership and instruction sessions for staff 
• Present quality programs to school groups as assigned 
• Aid in maintaining classrooms and facilities in good working order 
• Enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures 
• Understand Guided Discoveries Safety Program and responsibilities 
• Ability to drive company vehicles if necessary 

Benefits: 

• Housing on campus 
• Full meals 
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance provided the 1st of the month after working 30 days of full-time employment 
• Workers compensation Insurance and State Disability Insurance 
• Guest visitation privileges with prior permission 
• Opportunity to live and work in a beautiful mountain environment 

How to apply:

Apply here or send a cover letter, resume, and reference list to Michelle Ferrara Peterson at michelle@astrocamp.org