Purpose: Run week-long (5 days), back-to-back mobile youth Science Camp on US Air Force bases throughout the country. Time commitments may range up to twelve consecutive weeks. Sessions will consist of 25-35 participants. Provide USAF youth center participants with opportunities to explore scientific topics utilizing a role-playing scenario. The goal of the camp is to expand and assist youths’ understanding of science, and to develop an appreciation for STEM based learning.

What are the essential functions of the job?

• The focal point of the camp is to perform a fun series of hands-on scientific activities done under a role-playing scenario. Instructors provide context, explains the activity and underlying science, then supervise and ensure participants are working safely towards the objective.
• Foster appreciation for science using the process of explaining the task, demonstrating the task, followed by leading groups to replicate the task. Positive feedback is emphasized during skill development sessions. Ensure participants are involved in all aspects of the training/camp.
• Maintain an enthusiastic appearance to create a fun environment.
• Reinforce the interconnectedness of each session towards the current session. Demonstrate fundamental theories that support program’s completion.
• Have a mastery regarding the supplies and equipment, provided by Monahan LLC, so that they may be efficiently set-up, operating errors or mishandling can be quickly diagnosed, and the instructor can handle troubleshooting for common problems.
• Quickly survey temporary work environments under a variety of conditions and diagnose optimal set-up and activity flow for camp sessions. Adaptive to ‘go on the flow’ adjustments.
• Conduct the sessions while maintaining a role-playing environment. Address participants by the roles and encourage them to consider their roles in greater depth.
• Lead games and team building exercises between breaks. Quickly set-up and break down activities afterwards. Provide a fun environment.
• Encourage youth to explore their potential areas of interest for a future career/leisure choice.
• Lead five consecutive days of training, two sessions per day, Monday through Friday. The sessions last approximately three hours each. Ensure equipment and material is set up, and is prepared to lead camp no later than 15 minutes before scheduled session. This means that set up is completed by 8:45 a.m. typically, first session consists of 9-12 year olds, and starts at 9:00 a.m. Second session consists of 13-18 year olds, and starts at 1:00 p.m. Candidate will be responsible for break down and storage of equipment after final session each day.

Lead Instructor will have the additional responsibilities for which they are eligible for bonus:

• Serve as point person for communications between Monahan LLC and base point of contact.
• Call-in daily after sessions to supervisor for review and general update. Keep supervisor informed of session’s content, communications with youth center, logistics and any other concerns. Text or email may be sufficient if approved by supervisor.
• Coordinate travel over weekend from one base to another. Plan route, decide on when and where to stop for gas and food. Make sure logistics for arrival are set ahead of time with base point of contact. Send a confirmation text that crew is settled and ready to begin week prior to first session.
• Retain receipts for all business expenses purchased with company card. Submit expenses per reporting requirements promptly. Submit reports within approved time limits.
• Responsible for maintenance of vehicle and trailer. Report any problems with vehicle and arrange repairs with local facility. Monitor mileage and ensure oil changes done per schedule and using authorized vendor. Report all actions to lease company.

What are the knowledge, skills and abilities required?

Candidate must have a degree or be pursuing a degree in a STEM field. Must be able to present topics in classroom/gym in a loud, distinguishable capacity. They should also have good interpersonal skills and be capable of keeping a group on topic. Must have the ability to adapt; there are times when the participants have little interest in learning. Often you are dealing with kids who parents and/or guardians are deployed for extended times serving our country. They may have relocated many times. Your patience and understanding is required. Candidate must have the ability to conduct back-to-back training/camps at different geographical locations. He/she must also have a valid driver’s license, and pass a weekly background check.

Team Requirements:

Because you will be traveling with a co-worker you must be able to:

Driving

• Both instructors need to not only be able to drive, but be comfortable driving large vehicles (pick-up truck) with trailers, even through cities.
• Both instructors need to know how to back-up the vehicle with trailer attached.
• Must drive safely and obey speed limit.

Temperament

1. Both instructors need to have a positive temperament. Must have perseverance.

Leadership

• Because each instructor takes turns leading a session, the instructor that is not leading and is assisting must be able to take direction. There are times that the assistant instructor needs to know when to take the lead.
• Understand that you are a team and be proactive. Do not wait to be asked or told what to do by lead instructor.

Traveller

• Must be adept to traveling.
• Before you depart for the first base, discuss your expectations for the trip. Both instructors need to be independent to do things on their own. Because you share the same vehicle, work out a schedule so each of you have access to the vehicle. 

What are the physical, mental and behavioral abilities required?

Science Camp maintains a high standard for excellence. With no exception, candidates must be able to observe and maintain reasonable standards for behavior and decorum as required for interactions with children.

Candidates for this position:

• Must have flexibility, and the ability to deal with change. Be capable of running sessions under less than ideal conditions (I.e. last minute change of venue, class size, etc.).
• Must have the physical endurance to run two sessions each day. There are times when you have a very limited break in between the morning and afternoon session. You must be capable of carrying equipment. Every session you are required to unload and set-up the gear and equipment. After the session you have to take down and reload the gear and equipment. You must have the physical ability to handle this task.
• Loud voice required.
• Must be able to react quickly to emergencies.
• Must possess excellent leadership skills in encouraging the development of the participants, and be able to motivate youth.
• Need to have excellent verbal communications skills.
• Must be patient.

What authority level does this position have?

Candidates should be able to make command decisions. Owners set up logistics and schedule. There are times that change is required to meet the request of the USAF Youth Center directors. Logistics and schedule changes must be customer driven. Candidate has the authority to meet the highest standards of customer service to the USAF Youth Center directors. Candidate will have the authority to change script to keep the flow of the camp but not reduce the time of the sessions. Constant improvement ideas are encouraged.

Whom does this position report to?

Tom and Julie Monahan.

What are the requirements for this position?

• A degree or currently pursing a bachelor’s degree in STEM field.
• Experience in teaching youth in 9 – 18 year old age group.
• Must be able to lead team building activities without assistance from co-worker.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain clearance to work with children-youth is a mandatory and essential component of this position and continued employment.
• Ability to manage and work with co-worker/USAF staff.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Creative thinker and innovation.

Example timeline of travel after you finish your weeklong camp at a base:

Friday Night

• Remain at base

Saturday Morning

• Begin drive to new base
• Contact point of contact at new base with arrival time.
• Arrive at base pass and identification center or at point of contact designated area.
• Drop trailer at previously discussed point of contact designated area.
• Check into lodging.
• Free for night and Sunday

Other Information:

Monahan L.L.C. coordinates the schedule with the participating USAF installations. Vehicle, uniforms, equipment and materials are provided by Monahan LLC. Each USAF base provides lodging one evening prior to camp and the evening of the last day of camp. While traveling on the road, if hotel lodging is needed, Monahan LLC will make the hotel reservation. Things to consider before you apply; previous summer commitments i.e., weddings, concerts, job interviews, new job orientation, etc. As we are not able to accommodate request to take a break from the schedule or return home early. Family, friends, teammates, co-workers are encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Send the following to julie@wearecamps.com:

1. Resume highlighting experience.
2. Three (3) references.