SPACE CAMP COUNSELOR

U.S. Space & Rocket Center; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Free museum passes

Discounts

Job summary

U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL is seeking a part-time Crew Trainer (Camp Counselor) to guide youth ages 9–18 through space history, robotics, aviation, and cybersecurity activities in an informal camp setting.

Responsibilities include delivering lectures, supervising trainees, and ensuring a safe, engaging learning environment. Some duties involve swimming instruction and leading specialized program areas, with paid time off and museum passes as benefits.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: 30 completed college credit hours; life/experience may substitute.
• Experience working with children in coaching, tutoring, or teaching roles is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear explanations on space, robotics, cyber and aviation topics and deliver lectures or briefings.
• Ensure trainees are well-instructed in program content for a positive experience.
• Escort trainees to activities, maintain orderly behavior and a professional learning environment.
• Address personal issues such as illness, parent communication, or lost items.
• Coordinate transportation details with the transportation department and inform trainees.
• Model professional conduct with no physical contact unless in emergencies.
• Instruct, supervise, and participate in swimming and water activities.
• Lead in specialized areas like Aviation Challenge, Robotics, Cyber, Registration and Program Support.
• Mentor new staff and participate in staff trainings.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Instructional skills

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

30 college credits preferred

Job description

Part-time, $17.00 an hour. Paid time off. Free museum passes and discounts. The Camp Counselor (Crew Trainer) provides specialized supervision and guidance to youth ages 9–18 in an informal camp environment. Responsibilities include leading educational activities within the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) museum and camp areas, aligning with the organization's Mission, Vision, and Spirit. Depending on the assigned program track, Crew Trainers instruct and motivate trainees in space history, aviation, robotics, principles of flight, and basic cybersecurity. Additional specialized training may be available for Crew Trainers interested in working with Early Learner/Day Camp groups (ages 5–8), adult and corporate programs, educator groups, and camper airport arrivals and departures. Paid internships available.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Provide clear and knowledgeable explanations on space, robotics, cyber, and/or aviation subjects, and deliver lectures or briefings as assigned.
• Ensure trainees are well-instructed in all program content and activities for a successful and enjoyable experience.
• Escort and accompany trainees to all scheduled activities, maintaining orderly behavior and a professional learning environment.
• Address personal issues trainees may face, such as illness, parent communication, or lost items.
• Confirm transportation arrangements with the transportation department and communicate details to trainees.
• Act as a positive professional role model for trainees, with no physical contact unless in a life‑threatening situation.
• Instruct, supervise, and participate in swimming and water activities.
• Serve as a lead in specialized areas that require unique knowledge, including Aviation Challenge, Robotics, Cyber, Registration, and Program Support.
• Participate in staff training sessions and mentor new team members.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Level of Supervision

This position involves supervising trainees to ensure a safe, structured, and enriching camp experience. Responsibilities include guiding trainees through simulations and educational content on space, robotics, cyber, and aviation; maintaining order and addressing any personal needs; and serving as a positive role model with a strict no‑contact policy unless in emergencies. The Crew Trainer may also be selected for training in specialized areas, like the Aviation Challenge, Robotics, or Cyber Camp programs, and supports new staff through training and mentorship, upholding high standards of safety, professionalism, and educational value.

Travel Required

Varies

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• A minimum of 30 completed college credit hours is preferred; equivalent life and professional experience may be considered in place of educational hours.

Required Experience

• 20 years of age and older
• Experience working with children in roles such as coaching, tutoring, or teaching is desired, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in educational, instructional, camp, military, summer camp, or space exploration settings is a plus.
• Must demonstrate excellent communication and instructional skills, be a positive role model, and exhibit strong leadership abilities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver’s license and good driving record preferred.
• Willingness to adhere to the required dress code.
• Must pass drug and alcohol screen, clear the State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect upon employment, a criminal background checks and other tests and required by management. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center does not hire convicted felons.
• Willingness to complete a four‑week training period, including passing practical and written tests, to meet Center requirements.
• Option to serve as a Resident Assistant (RA), with room and board provided in exchange for rotating on‑call duties. RA positions are assigned as needed, based on the needs of the Center, availability of housing, and may require a secondary interview and housing references.

SPECIALIZATION REQUIREMENTS

• Airport Crew Trainers: Must be able to obtain a TSA Sterile Area security clearance at Huntsville International Airport and meet USSRC drivers license and age restrictions to operate Center vehicles.

Physical Requirements

The role involves significant physical activity, including walking and climbing (stairs, hills, and wooded terrain) to access various departments and areas within the training environment. Extended periods of standing (4‑6 hours) may be necessary during shifts spent instructing and operating simulators. Crew Trainers must be able to carry and lift items up to 50 pounds to waist height, as well as bend, kneel, and reach to store and retrieve supplies and operate simulators. Strong vision is required to effectively present lectures, conduct briefings, and lead instructional tours throughout the museum and facility. Effective verbal communication skills are essential for interactions with supervisors, guests, trainees, and other staff members. Additionally, Trainers must be comfortable and confident swimming and teaching in water environments, free from fear or anxiety, to ensure trainee safety.

Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to work in an outdoor environment, often in hot summer temperatures reaching up to a 105°F heat index. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to continuous learning are crucial, as is the ability to foster a supportive, team‑oriented environment. Crew Trainers must exhibit maturity, sound judgment, and accountability, understanding how their actions affect others. Adherence to the Center’s Safety Program and USSRC policies is mandatory, with a focus on creating a safe, goal‑oriented environment for trainees. Trainers are expected to prioritize trainee health and safety, following detailed safety practices, while serving as positive role models who maintain high standards in both work and appearance.

Expected Hours of Work

Open = 6am – 11:30pm Sunday thru Saturday – Able to work days, nights, weekends, Resident Staff must have this availability.

AM = Monday Thru Thursday, 6 am to noon, On Fridays 6am to 3pm

Mid = Sunday Thru Thursday 11:30am to 5:30pm

PM= Sunday Thru Thursday 5pm – 11:30pm

Weekends = Friday 2:30pm to 11pm Saturday 6am to 11pm Sunday 6am to 1pm

Consideration to become Resident Staff (RS) requires full, open availability (Monday‑Sunday from 6:15 am to 11:00 pm) and be on-call during overnight hours at least one week a month.

DISCLAIMERS

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Duties and Responsibilities May Change with or Without Notice

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.