Summer Camp Counselor - St Petersburg

TAMPA BAY WATCH, INC. 

POSITION: Summer Camp Counselor 

Department: Education - Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center 

Reports to: Education Manager 

Job Type: Full Time Seasonal Position 

Location: St. Petersburg, FL   

Start Date/End Date: May 26, 2025 - August 8, 2025 

To be considered for this position, applicants will need to be fully available for the duration of the program.  

Position Summary: 

This position is responsible for leading the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s summer day camps designed for ages 6-8, 9-12, and 13-15. The Summer Camp Counselor will work with the Education Department to implement all summer camp activities in a safe and fun manner. This position will help create a connection between campers and the Tampa Bay estuary in a welcoming environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Ensure the safety of campers within the classroom, throughout the St. Petersburg Pier, and at other activity locations 
• Prepare, teach, and implement camp plans and activities in an efficient manner 
• Regularly perform routine camp duties; such as setting up activity materials and equipment, breakdown, clean-up, etc. 
• Understand Tampa Bay Watch’s mission, our camp rules and policies, and how to navigate the St. Petersburg Pier 
• Adhere to Tampa Bay Watch’s standards related to uniform, conduct, cleanliness, safety, and timeliness at all times 
• Assist the Education Manager in performing inventory and routine maintenance on summer camp supplies and equipment 
• Monitor and appropriately correct campers’ behavior with support from the Education Manager 
• Lead as a positive example for the junior staff members assisting with camp 
• Maintain familiarity with camp rosters and campers’ individual needs 
• Handle live animal ambassadors in a classroom setting 
• Assist the department with other duties as assigned 

Education, Knowledge, and Skills Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree or degree in progress with relevant work experience 
• Must have prior experience working with children 
• Ability to work 40 hours per week 
• Experience with informal and/or formal education, and environmental and marine sciences 
• Animal handling experience preferred, but not required 
• Public speaking and audience management skills 
• Proficient with PC and Microsoft software and basic scientific tools and methods 
• Must be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable, and able to work in a team environment. 
• Must be able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including talking for extended periods, walking throughout the pier, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders. Candidate must be able and willing to perform all the above duties outdoors and in all weather conditions. 
• Familiarity with coastal ecosystems is helpful but not required. A passion for the environment is highly desired.   

Preferred Certifications/Courses 

• A driver’s license is required. 
• Proof of health insurance is required.  
• American Red Cross (First Aid, AED, CPR) preferred 
• Level II background screening, paid for by Tampa Bay Watch. 
• Lifeguard certification is preferred 

To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to work for the Tampa Bay Watch as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_DCCampCounselor to educationjobs@tampabaywatch.org. Include “DC Camp Counselor” in the email subject line.