The Marine Science Institute (MSI) is a non-profit environmental education organization offering year-round hands-on programs that excite and enlighten students about science. MSI’s educational programs provide engaging and interactive adventures with San Francisco Bay Area marine life that impact students of all ages, inspiring respect and stewardship for the marine environment. During summer MSI offers Marine Science Camp – a unique and exciting day camp for K-8th graders to learn about marine habitats and animals and explore their connection to the natural world. Camp activities include live animal touching, themed hands-on lessons and activities, use of scientific collection equipment, crafts and games.

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We are seeking qualified Marine Science Camp Instructors for nine weeks of summer camp sessions, plus training time. Instructors work collaboratively with other Instructors, Counselors and Volunteers to deliver engaging marine science programs and supervise campers during all camp activities. Group ratio is one Instructor and one Counselor per group of up to 16 camp participants. MSI is located in Redwood City, CA on the San Francisco Bay. This is a paid position; housing is not provided.

 

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Dates: May 28 - August 8, 2025 (camp staff training runs May 28 - June 6, camp sessions run June 9 - August 8). Additional training dates to ship crew required in April and May. No camp July 4. Possible extension in the Fall.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day with occasional overtime.

Compensation: Starting at $24.00 per hour during camp sessions June 9 - August 8; paid training starting at $22.00 per hour May 28 - June 6. Additional paid training at ship training rate for ship crew in April and May. Employees receive time and a half pay for all work over eight hours. Housing is not provided.

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Position is open until filled.

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Position Responsibilities:

• Inspire excitement, personal achievement and cooperation in campers

• Follow a daily schedule and deliver camp curriculum in an energetic, safe, positive and structured learning environment

• Supervise campers and monitor their safety at MSI and as crew aboard MSI’s 90-foot research vessel

• Provide an understanding of marine science topics such as adaptations, local habitats, food webs and human impact

• Implement lesson plans and lead activities to your team of up to 16 campers

• Evaluate and supplement current curriculum

• Properly handle live marine organisms and artifacts

• Maintain a clean and organized teaching environment through daily tasks and inventory of supplies

• Support camper check-in and check-out processes

• Interact and communicate with camp families during drop-off and pick-up

• Organize and supervise extended care activities for up to 2 weeks of the summer

• Serve as a role model and guide participants by exhibiting appropriate behavior and activities

• Adapt to the needs of fellow staff and camp participants

• Support the training and development of Camp Counselors and Volunteers

• Complete training as deck hand for research vessel (additional training dates required)

• Follow protocols in the Marine Science Camp Staff Manual (distributed on the first day of training)

 

Qualifications:

• BA or BS in environmental science, marine science, biology or related field; or commensurate experience with MSI programs

• Possess current CPR and First Aid certification (must obtain by first day of staff training)

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required

• Able to pass a background check

• Able to pass standard drug testing as a requirement to crew the ship

• Reliable transportation is a must; the facility is not easily accessible by public transit

• Flexibility, enthusiasm, self-motivation, and leadership skills highly desired

• Willingness to get wet and muddy in the field

• Must enjoy working with children

• Experience working at a camp or working with children

• Possess strong classroom and behavioral management skills

• Physically able to stand for long periods of time and work outdoors

• Be able to frequently bend, reach, kneel and carry objects up to 50 pounds

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Position open until filled. To apply please submit a cover letter, your 1-page resume and a completed Employment Application Form to:

 

tecla@sfbaymsi.org