Aquarium Educator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internal Job Description
Job Title: New York Aquarium Adjunct Educator - Camp After Care
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: EDUCATION
Reports to: Manager of Education Programming
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Rate: $23.00
Schedule: June 15 - September 4, 2026, Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-5:30pm
POSITION SUMMARY
This is a unique opportunity to coordinate a camp after-care program at an informal science institution. You will teach exciting science content and supervise the after-care camp counselor(s). You will report to work onsite at the New York Aquarium - this is not a remote work opportunity. Working with Conservation Camp Counselor(s) under your supervision, you will facilitate the camp after-care program, act as the lead instructor for that program, liaise with parents and zoo staff, teach exciting science content, welcome campers with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment. You will also assist with activities and teach lessons during the regularly scheduled camp day. You will have the opportunity to learn about different teaching styles and methods, facilitate fun activities, and utilize restorative practices in group management.
The Candidate
You are creative, energetic, dependable, capable of taking initiative and enjoy working as part of a team. You have experience leading fun activities with children, an enthusiasm for learning and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation science. You are committed to instilling a love of learning and fostering a supportive environment for children from all walks of life.
WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world's oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science
education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
Responsibilities
As an Adjunct Educator, you will:
• Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. This is not a remote work opportunity.
• Learn, teach, lead, and support fun, engaging summer after-camp programs, assisting with science experiments, art projects, games, and explorations during both regular and after camp hours
• During the regularly scheduled camp day you may assist with science experiments, art projects, games, and explorations in the summer camp programs as necessary
• Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 4-17 years-old
• Supervise and interact with Conservation Camp Counselors, college interns, and volunteers when they are assisting with after-care programs
• Communicate with parents and staff via email, phone, and in-person meetings, and assist with general camp-related administrative tasks; prepare and organize materials for programs as necessary
• Assist Education staff in shuttling children to and from locations within our parks and with late camper check-in, or early camper pick up if necessary.
• Follow and reinforce all health and safety protocols and procedures while implementing camp activities
• Maintain a fun and lively learning environment
• Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department; perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned
Internal Qualification Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or equivalency
• At least 2 years of experience working with children
• Comfortable working outdoors in summer temperatures and all-weather conditions.
• Camp or youth education experience
• Teaching experience in formal or informal settings
• Experience as a lead educator or supervising others
• Must be available to begin working on position start date
• Must be available to work Monday-Friday until position end date