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 Counselors for nine weeks of summer camp sessions, plus training time. Counselors work collaboratively with Instructors, other 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.

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Job type: Full-time, seasonal position

Dates: May 27-August 7, 2026 (camp staff training runs May 27-June 5, camp sessions run June 8-August 7). No camp on July 3.

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

Compensation: Starting at $18.65 per hour for camp staff training and during camp sessions. Housing is not provided. Employees receive time and a half pay for all work over eight hours.

 

Position open until filled.

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Position Responsibilities:

• Assist Instructors in the overall supervision of camp participants

• Facilitate lesson plans and activities to your team of up to 16 camp participants

• Aid in providing an understanding of marine topics

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

• Inspire excitement, personal achievement and cooperation in camp participants

• Lead teambuilding activities, games, arts and crafts

• Properly handle live marine organisms and teaching artifacts

• Chaperone the group’s trip aboard the research vessel

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

• Support camp participant check-in and check-out processes

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

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

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

• Adapt to the needs of fellow staff and camp participants

• Support the training and development of Volunteers

• Take photographs daily to document the camp experience for families (camera provided by MSI)

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

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Qualifications:

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

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent experience

• Ability to pass a background check

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

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

• Experience working at a camp or working with children is desirable

• Willingness to problem-solve, be patient, remain positive and fun

• Must be able to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, be stationary for long periods and work outdoors in a wet and muddy environment.

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Position open until filled.

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

 

tecla@sfbaymsi.org