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

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

Sprouting Science Camp Leader – Designated (Temporary Seasonal)

Department: Science Education
Supervisor: Manager of Science Education
Position Category: Full time, temporary seasonal contract
Wage: $18.00 per hour
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week; 16 weeks
Start Date: May 12, 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. 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 Leader is to plan and develop a series of interdisciplinary science camp lessons centred around community gardening. STEM topics to be explored include food security, local sustainability, and climate change, along with basic agricultural concepts on growing plants. The Sprouting Science Camp Leader works with community organizations to provide opportunities for young learners of African heritage to strengthen their STEM skills through hands-on activities.

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

Description of Tasks:

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

  • Working collaboratively with Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor, Imhotep Legacy’s Sprouting Science Facilitator, Science Educators, and community organizations to plan and develop a series of interdisciplinary science camp lessons centred around community gardening
  • Providing guidance and supervision to the Sprouting Science Camp Counsellor and other volunteers/junior camp counsellors
  • Delivering science programming for 15-20 youth in a camp, community garden, and or community centre setting
  • Coordinating/purchasing supplies, working within the program budget
  • Working with community organizations and/or post secondary institutions to coordinate special guest appearances and field trips
  • Preparing summary reports on each camp week and a final report on the program
  • Liaising with parents or guardians to ensure campers needs are met and any disciplinary issues are addressed
  • Assisting, as needed, with Camp promotional activities
  • Supporting daily camp sign in/out processes as needed
  • Supporting other Discovery Centre camp groups with classroom support in the event of camp staff absences.

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
  • High level of flexibility and adaptability

Other Qualifications:

  • Proficient in MS Office applications
  • Must pass a criminal record check or vulnerable sector check
  • First Aid and WHMIS certification an asset
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license (the ability to travel is necessary for camps involving community outreach)

Working Conditions: This position requires frequent travel within Nova Scotia for camps. Company vehicle, accommodations, and meal per diems will be covered by Discovery Centre.

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 (May 12-August 29, 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.