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Teen Program Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teen Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$23.70 - $26.38/hr

Keep current on youth and teen activity trends while developing a full range of programs to meet the needs of youth and families in the community. * Assist and organize special youth and family ...

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Teen Program Assistant information

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$21.5K

$45.7K

$63K

How much do teen program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for teen program assistant in the United States is $45,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Teen Program Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Teen Program Assistant, you typically need experience working with youth, knowledge of adolescent development, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity planning tools, and basic first aid certification is often required. Strong communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with teens and foster a positive environment. These skills ensure the safe, engaging, and effective delivery of programs that support teens' growth and well-being.

What are some of the main challenges Teen Program Assistants face when engaging with diverse groups of teens?

Teen Program Assistants often encounter the challenge of engaging teens with varied backgrounds, interests, and levels of participation. Building trust and creating inclusive activities that appeal to everyone requires flexibility, patience, and strong interpersonal skills. Assistants must be prepared to adapt programming on the fly, address conflicts sensitively, and foster a safe, welcoming environment where all teens feel valued. Collaborating with other staff and seeking ongoing feedback from participants can help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Teen Program Assistant vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectTeen Program AssistantYouth Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer experience with youth programsHigh school diploma; often requires experience in youth or recreational activities
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, or recreational facilities working directly with teensRecreational centers, schools, or youth organizations coordinating activities for youth
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, non-profits, schoolsRecreation departments, community organizations, non-profits
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing entry-level youth rolesIndividuals seeking roles in youth program coordination

The Teen Program Assistant typically supports youth activities and assists in program implementation, often working under supervision. The Youth Activities Coordinator usually plans, organizes, and oversees youth programs independently. Both roles involve working with young people in community settings, but the Coordinator position generally requires more experience and responsibility.

What does a Teen Program Assistant do?

A Teen Program Assistant helps plan, organize, and facilitate activities and programs specifically designed for teenagers, often in community centers, libraries, or schools. They assist in creating a safe and engaging environment, support program leaders, and encourage teen participation. Duties may include supervising events, helping with setup and cleanup, and providing mentorship or guidance to teens. This role often requires good communication skills, patience, and the ability to relate well to adolescents.
What cities are hiring for Teen Program Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Teen Program Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Teen Program jobs? The most popular types of Teen Program jobs are:
What states have the most Teen Program Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Teen Program Assistant jobs include:

Floor & Teen Program Specialist

The Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk, CT

$47K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Floor and Teen Specialist plays a key role in enhancing both the guest experience and teen volunteer engagement at The Maritime Aquarium. This position oversees the ECHO teen volunteer program while actively supporting daily floor operations, interpretive programming, and staff development. The Specialist ensures high-quality guest interactions by modeling best practices, providing training, and supporting both volunteers and staff in delivering engaging, mission-driven experiences aligned with the Aquarium's strategic goals.

Required schedule: Wednesday - Sunday. Some holidays, early mornings, and evenings.

This is a full-time position with a salary of $47,936.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Oversight of the ECHO teen volunteer program including recruitment, onboarding, training, assessments, professional learning, and unique experiences.  
  • Ensuring the growth and further development of the ECHO teen program, creating efficiency and aligning the program to the Aquarium's strategic goals.  
  • Oversight of ECHO program materials, budgets, and purchasing including uniforms, artifacts, cart supplies, and more. 
  • Be a point person for ECHO Captains ensuring they have the support and resources to be successful.  
  • Serve as a point person (Captain on Duty) for staff working on the floor ensuring set-up, clean-up, rotations, lunch breaks, and other duties are completed. 
  • Provide quality narrations at Sea Star Stage, Pinniped Cove, and throughout the Aquarium. 
  • Assist with onboard and interpretive training for new hires and volunteers. 
  • Active member of the interpretive team.
  • Model best practices for initiating conversations, building empathy, and discussing conservation information. 
  • Conduct assessments of floor guides ensuring they provide the highest quality of guest engagement and helping to identify additional training. 
  • Providing hands-on guest engagement activities during special events.
  • Participate in departmental meetings and specialty projects as assigned.  

Required Qualifications and Skills 

  • Must have an undergraduate degree in science and/or education, plus two to three years experience in guest experience and/or interpretation (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).   
  • Previous experience working with and supervising teens.  
  • Must possess an outgoing personality and enthusiastic, flexible attitude, and willingness to learn. 
  • Must possess a genuine desire to provide exceptional guest engagement; understanding guests' needs and concerns and finding appropriate solutions that exceed their expectations. 
  • Comfortable working with a diverse population. 
  • Excellent communication, presentation, organization skills.
  • Comfortable and confident with public speaking; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations, and with large audiences.  
  • Ability to multitask and exhibit good judgment. 
  • Possess the ability to function independently or with a supervisor to respond to guest challenges and expectations. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills 

  • Previous work or experience working with people who have special needs or disabilities. 
  • Prior experience as an interpreter or educator in an aquarium, zoo, museum, nature center, or other related site.  
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Work Space.
  • Interpretive Guide Certification from The National Association for Interpretation.
  • Program development and evaluation experience.
  • Multi-lingual skills.

Position Requirements 

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time. 
  • Ability to do public speaking on a microphone. 
  • Move large objects (interactive carts) around the aquarium. 
  • Position works mainly indoors with seasonal outdoor opportunities. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.Â