Bell Museum Grand Rapids Summer Camp Staff

Bell Summer Camps are fun and enriching day-camp experiences that encourage children to explore their scientific passions and discover new interests. Children entering grades 2-12 will experience science and nature like never before with hands-on investigation, visiting museum exhibits, games, creative projects, guided outdoor exploration and much more!

Camp dates: June 8, 2026, to August 7, 2026
* Position start date: May 18, 2026
* Position end date: Dependent on position between August 17 and August 28, 2026
* Required staff training days: 1 day of remote training May 18, 3 days of in-person training May 26 - 28. Times will vary.

Working Hours: These are temporary appointments, working up to 67 days maximum per year. All positions are based in Grand Rapids, MN. Most positions will work 30-40 hours/week Monday - Friday for 4-7 weeks between June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026. There are opportunities for optional additional hours outside of camps.

Work Location: UMN St Paul Campus

Application Deadline: Application review will begin March 23, 2026. All positions are open until filled.

Position Overviews:
Education Associate (331760):
Pay Rate: $20.00/hour
The Education Associate creates a safe, engaging, age-appropriate, and positive learning environment for campers while working with other summer camp and Research and Outreach Center (ROC) staff. This position is responsible for providing first aid, knowledge of emergency procedures, and general safety for campers. Additionally, this position will be assisting with co-facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, and agriculture for children entering 2nd - 12th grade. Bell statewide camps are a collaborative effort between the Bell Museum and select ROC.

Required Qualifications
* Experience working with youth and adults in a team environment.
* Must be dedicated, dependable, flexible, and enthusiastic about working with youth.
* Experience or relevant coursework in youth education, physical or natural science, or agriculture.
* Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
* Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications
* Training or experience working in camps as a summer camp leader.
* Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including agricultural, and natural sciences.
* Experience in working with youth with cognitive, physical or other disabilities or diagnoses.
* CPR and First Aid training and/or certification.

Position start date: May 18, 2026
Position end date: August 17, 2026
Hours: Up to 5 days per week for 4-7 weeks in the weeks of June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026 time period. Days off include June 19, June 29 - July 5.

Lead Educator & Coordinator (331816):
Pay Rate: $22.20/hour
The Lead Educator and Coordinator is responsible for facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, and agriculture for children entering 2nd - 12th grade during the Bell Museum's statewide summer camps. This position creates a safe, engaging, age-appropriate and positive learning environment for campers while working with and being a camp team leader alongside the Statewide Youth and Family Programs Coordinator for summer camp and ROC staff. Statewide camps are a collaborative effort between the Bell Museum and select University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers.

Required Qualifications
* A minimum of two years experience leading children in a formal or informal educational setting.
* Experience leading a team.
* Must be dedicated, dependable, flexible, and enthusiastic about working with youth.
* Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including agricultural and natural sciences.
* Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
* Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications
* Training or experience working in camps as a summer camp leader.
* Previous teaching experience and/or possessing a teaching license.
* Experience managing a team in a fast paced work environment.
* Experience working with youth with cognitive, physical or other disabilities or diagnoses.
* CPR and First Aid training and/or certification.

Position start date: May 21, 2026
Position end date: August 28, 2026
Hours: 30-40 hours/week, for 4-7 weeks in the weeks of June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026 time period. Approximately 16-32 hours per week on non-camp weeks, including between May 21 and June 8th and between August 6 to August 28 (flexible schedule). Days off include June 19, June 29 - July 5.

Camp Coordinator (338080):
Pay Rate: $21.00/hour
The Camp Coordinator works with summer camp and ROC staff to create a safe, engaging, age-appropriate, and positive learning environment for campers. This position is responsible for supporting communication with campers and guardians, maintaining attendance and daily camp rosters, and assisting with camp during the Bell Museum's statewide summer camps. This position will occasionally assist the Lead Educator & Coordinator with facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, and agriculture for children entering 2nd - 12th grade. Bell Museum statewide camps is a collaborative effort between the Bell Museum and select University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers.

Required Qualifications
* Experience using Gmail and spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel)
* Must be dedicated, dependable, and flexible
* Desire to work in a fast paced environment with youth
* Experience working in a team environment and independently.
* Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
* Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications
* A minimum of two years experience leading children in a formal or informal educational setting.
Experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
* Experience in working with youth with cognitive, physical or other disabilities or diagnoses.
* Training or experience as a camp leader or educator.
* Experience or relevant coursework in youth education, physical or natural science, or agriculture.
* Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including agricultural, and natural sciences.
* CPR and First Aid training and/or certification.

Position start date: May 21, 2026
Position end date: August 28, 2026
Hours: 30-40 hours/week, for 4-7 weeks in the weeks of June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026 time period. Approximately 16-32 hours per week on non-camp weeks, including between May 21 and June 8th and between August 6 to August 28 (flexible schedule). Days off include June 19, June 29 - July 5.

Please refer to each position's job specification for qualification requirements.

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.

The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) is dedicated to the discovery and sharing of knowledge to improve the quality of life for Minnesotans. The unique soil, climate, and social and economic environment in north central Minnesota provide opportunities for researchers to conduct research and lead outreach programs that contribute to sustainable economic systems in the region.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by the Bell Museum's mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Education Associate:
Pay Rate: $20.00/hour

Camp Coordinator:
Pay Rate: $21.00/hour

Lead Educator & Coordinator:
Pay Rate: $22.20/hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

This posting will be hiring for three positions. Position 1 Education Associate (331760), position 2 Lead Educator & Coordinator (331816), and position 3 Camp Coordinator (338080):. Please indicate in your cover letter which positions you would like to be considered for (please indicate one or more).

Questions can be directed to Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).