Science/STEM Specialist

Congo Camp; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Congo Camp in Falls Church, Virginia seeks a Science Counselor to lead daily science blocks, plan activities, and ensure safety. You’ll oversee planning, prep, instruction, and post-activity breakdown for engaging, age-appropriate science experiences.

Ideal candidates have experience with youth science, strong lesson planning, and pediatric first aid/CPR or the ability to obtain it before the season. This role emphasizes organization, safety, and adaptability.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading youth science activities.
• Strong lesson planning with safe, time-feasible experiments.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain it.
• Organized, safety-minded communicator with outdoor comfort.

Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate arts & crafts activities for the summer: create lesson plans, project samples, and supply lists aligned to camp themes.
• Prepare materials and spaces for each activity.
• Lead science activities for multiple groups daily; model techniques and differentiation for varied abilities and needs.
• Uphold lab and field safety (PPE, SDS awareness, allergy considerations, ventilation).
• Manage inventory and request supplies within budget; track storage and expiration.
• Monitor risk and environment; report hazards; complete incident reports as directed.
• Coordinate with Counselors for behavior expectations and smooth transitions.
• Meet ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and flexibility; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lesson planning

Science education

Youth engagement

Outdoor/field science

Safety-minded

Education

Pediatric First Aid/CPR

Education or science background

Job description

About the role

Science Counselors spark curiosity with safe, hands-on experiments and nature investigations. You’ll own the planning, prep, instruction, and breakdown of daily science blocks, making complex ideas feel fun and accessible.

Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate arts & crafts activities for the summer: create lesson plans, project samples, and supply lists aligned to camp themes.
• Prepare materials and spaces for each activity.
• Lead science activities for multiple groups daily; model techniques and differentiation for varied abilities and needs.
• Uphold lab and field safety (goggles/PPE, tool/heat/chemical handling within camp guidelines, SDS awareness, allergy and ventilation considerations).
• Manage inventory and request supplies within budget/approval, track storage and expiration where applicable.
• Monitor risk and environment (weather/heat index for outdoor studies); report hazards/maintenance issues; complete incident reports as directed.
• Coordinate with Counselors/Junior Counselors for behavior expectations and smooth transitions.
• Meet or exceed ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; be punctual, prepared, and flexible; perform other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or designee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading youth science (camp, classroom, museum, nature center).
• Strong lesson-planning skills; able to design engaging, time-feasible experiments with clear safety controls.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR (or able to obtain before the season and maintain throughout employment).
• Organized, safety-minded, and upbeat communicator, with outdoor fieldwork comfort a plus.

Eligibility:

Must be at least 18 years old by the first day of employment and able to pass required background checks per School and Virginia regulations.