Summer Camp Intern

Job Description

Job Description

This position works with children of school age and as such fingerprinting is required as part of the background check. Please reference the link below for further details.

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website.

This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).

As part of these requirements:
“Each specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.”

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Education Camp Intern (Summer Only)

REPORTS TO: Manager of Summer Camps

PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME : 100%

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt , Intern

SUPERVISES: No One

LOCATION : Onsite

PERMANENT/SEASONAL/TEMPORARY : Seasonal

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: This internship provides hands-on experience in marine science education and youth programming. Responsibilities include assisting with delivering dynamic camp programs such as classroom lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, and animal interactions, helping create memorable and engaging experiences for campers. The role involves supporting the supervision of groups of up to 25 children while fostering a safe and positive learning environment. Education Camp Interns will have the unique opportunity to engage in a capstone project that takes them from lesson plan development to full implementation during the final weeks of the program. This project allows interns to design, refine, and execute their own educational activities, ensuring they gain practical experience in both planning and delivering content. Additional responsibilities include assisting with activity preparations, collaborating with staff and volunteers, and maintaining safety standards. This position offers opportunities to enhance communication skills, develop teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine biologists while maintaining a high level of professional conduct.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with instructing morning, afternoon, and full-day camp curriculum, including classroom activities, snorkeling, kayaking, and animal interaction programs.
• Assist with the management of groups of up to 25 children (ages 5-18) throughout the day, including assisting during the mid-day extended care break.
• Develop lesson plans and prepare daily activities as part of a capstone project, ensuring its successful completion to provide a fun, engaging, and educational experience.
• Safely and effectively participate in educational programming and assist camp teachers with classroom lessons, projects, and overall classroom management.
• Utilize different teaching methodologies in a classroom setting to enhance camper engagement and learning.
• Assist in escorting guests or campers on aquarium tours, sharing accurate and in-depth information about animals and interpreting exhibits.
• Aid campers with species identification while snorkeling and assist camp staff with field activities.
• Participate in program responsibilities, including the setup and breakdown of activity materials and equipment, classroom preparation and clean-up, team-building exercises, and pre-camp preparations as directed.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions to stay informed and aligned with best practices.
• Help maintain a safe and secure learning environment for campers by adhering to safety guidelines and protocols.
• Demonstrate flexibility and uphold professional quality standards in guest interactions, even during high-stress situations.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, interns, and guests.
• Represent Clearwater Marine Aquarium with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality in all aspects of the job.
• Act as a positive role model by adhering to company standards, policies, and procedures regarding appearance, behavior, safety, cleanliness, and punctuality.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must be actively pursuing a degree in Education, Marine Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Must pass a State and National Criminal History Review and receive approval from the Florida Department of Children and Families to work with summer camp children.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, based on business needs, is required.
• Formal or informal teaching experience and/or experience working with children is a plus.
• Experience with public presentations and strong public interaction skills is a plus.
• Ability to perform all cleaning duties, including the use of cleaning chemicals, is required.
• Must have a strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Comfort with receiving evaluations and incorporating feedback for continuous improvement is required.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft programs, is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs. - Frequently
• Capable of performing physical activities such as kneeling, bending, squatting, bending from floor-to-waist and waist-to-overhead, reaching overhead, as well as simple grasping and fine hand manipulation tasks (e.g., using tools, keyboarding, writing) - Frequently
• Must be able to perform extensive walking and standing for the entire work shift, including frequent stair climbing - Frequently
• Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in various Florida weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, cold, and rain. Ability to work without air conditioning for the duration of the shift - Frequently
• Optional: Must be willing to take an annual swim test.

DATES: Internship runs from May 13, 2026 - August 15, 2026. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.

TIME REQUIREMENTS: Time requirements are subject to the length of the program equivalent to one college semester. Minimum requirements are working 40hrs per week.

• Hours requirements total 500 hours over the season for a 3-month program,
• 600 for a 4-month program,
• 800 for a 5-month program,
• 950 for a 6-month program.

These hours are required to build on prior learning and increase knowledge of the particular field.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

A statement of “seasonal” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has a set end date, at the end of the peak season typically 3 months long but may last up to 6 months. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.