Sprouting Science Camp Leader

Job title: Sprouting Science Camp Leader

Reports to: Manager of Science Education

Job location: 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J3S8

Wage: $18.25 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)

Start Date: Expected May 11, 2026

Number of Positions: 1

This position is designated and limited to applicants from the following groups:

Black, African Canadian, or people of African Descent

Employment Hiring

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form.

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.

Program Requirements

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship;
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship;
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer;

About the host employer

The Discovery Centre is a non-profit, registered charitable organization that is passionate about its mission to bring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to life through fun, interactive learning experiences. The Centre has stayed true to its vision: using its facility, people, and passion to demonstrate how STEAM can empower our youth, grow Nova Scotia’s knowledge-based economy, and inspire an innovative culture.

Summary of position

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Discovery Centre. In this position, you will be mainly responsible for planning and developing 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 successful candidate needs to be African Nova Scotian, member of the Black community, and/or a candidate of African descent. Applicants must also be between the ages of 15-30 and be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident.

Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment;
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback;
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset;
• 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.

Physical Requirements

Must be comfortable working in a noisy environment with children ages 8 to 12. Must be comfortable working in community garden environment.