SUMMER 2025: Discovery Centre – Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor – Halifax, NS

  • Location: Halifax, NS
  • Deadline: March 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm

Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor – Designated (Temporary Seasonal)

Department: Science Education
Supervisor: Manager of Science Education
Position Category: Full time, temporary seasonal contract
Wage: $16.75 per hour
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week; 12 weeks
Start Date: June 5, 2025
Application Deadline: March 24,, 2025

 

This role is designated for African Nova Scotians, members of the Black community, and candidates of African descent. Applicants must also be between the ages of 15-30 and be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident, must be a current student and returning to school in the fall of 2025 as per the eligibility criteria of the funding program. Applicants may be required to complete a pre-screening survey to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria. International applicants with work visas are ineligible under this funding program and will not be considered for this role.

 

Position Summary:

For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.

Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.

The main objective of the Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor is to co-develop and deliver exciting lessons centred around community gardening for participants ages 8-12. STEM topics to be explored include food security, local sustainability, and climate change, along with basic agricultural concepts on growing plants. The Sprouting Science Counsellor works collaboratively with community organizations to provide opportunities for young learners of African heritage to strengthen their STEM skills through hands-on activities.

Counsellors will benefit from the opportunity to work in a changing and dynamic science-themed camp setting, providing significant opportunity to improve upon their communication skills, organizational skills, knowledge of science, knowledge of educational practices, and ability to work with children. The individual will gain time management skills, experience working in a team setting, confidence teaching and delivering educational programs, and supervisory skills for youth. Travel within Nova Scotia may be required.

 

Description of Tasks:

The Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor works in the Science Education department and reports to the Manager of Science Education and the Sprouting Science Camp Leader. The primary tasks of the position are:

  • Working collaboratively with the Sprouting Science Camp Leader from Discovery Centre and Imhotep’s Legacy Academy to support the development of garden and plant science-based camp activities
  • Cooperatively delivering meaningful science education and STEM experiences appropriate for children ages 8-12 in the Sprouting Science Camp
  • Organizing and maintaining camper records insuring privacy and confidentiality
  • Supervising campers while taking responsibility for their safety and enjoyment
  • Assisting in providing guidance to campers and youth volunteers
  • Maintaining a clean and safe work area
  • Assisting in camp promotion
  • Assisting with Discovery Centre’s general camps as needed including camp sign-in and sign-out, break coverage, and providing classroom support in the event of camp staff absences
  • Supporting the Sprouting Science Camp Leader with daily journalling of camp activities, outlining successes, challenges, and recommendations for future delivery

 

Qualifications:

Education: Post-secondary studies in science, education, recreation, or a related discipline

Experience: Experience in child supervision, preferably in an educational, recreational, museum or camp setting; experience in preparing and presenting workshops an asset; experience with biology/gardening/planting/agriculture in a hobbyist or professional setting is considered an asset

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French) considered an asset

Competencies:

  • Works well as part of a team
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Good time management and punctuality
  • Highly organized
  • Reliable and trustworthy

Other Qualifications:

  • Proficient in MS Office applications
  • Must pass a criminal record check or vulnerable sector check
  • First Aid and WHMIS certification an asset
  • Valid Drivers License would be an asset

Eligibility: Applicants must qualify for Young Canada Works or SKILL in order to be considered. A full commitment to the employment dates is also required (June 5-August 27, 2025).

Application:

Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca.  Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.