The Youth Program Assistant is responsible for leading, supporting, and motivating campers during Oklahoma Contemporary’s weeklong Camp Contemporary programs, while assisting teaching artists and supervising campers in a studio-based educational environment. This role supports camper engagement, safety, and positive group dynamics while contributing to effective classroom management across a range of artistic disciplines, including painting, fiber arts, drawing, ceramics, and performance. Youth Program Assistants typically work an average of 35 hours per week during assigned camp sessions and may also assist with additional youth and family programming throughout the year as needed.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Essential Dues and Responsibilities:

• Maintain an organized art supply storage.
• Greet parents and campers as needed.
• Aid instructors as needed.
• Lead and support campers as they participate in age-appropriate activities.
• Maintain the health and well-being of children during camper breaks and lunches.
• Monitor campers to ensure they are following camp rules and prevent accidents.
• Clean, maintain, and ensure proper use of facilities and equipment.
• Report and record details of incidents, such as accidents or rule violations, to the Manager of Teen and Youth Programs.
• Ensure campers use proper gallery etiquette around artwork.
• Participate and attend training dates.
• Memorize emergency procedures and enforce camp rules.
• Maintain a high quality of visitor experience, hospitality, and professionalism in all environments.
• Attentive when traveling between spaces as a group.
• Encourage campers in their discoveries and creation of artwork.
• Assist with additional youth and family programming.
• Other duties as requested.

Competency Statements:

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills and poise
• Ability to think on one’s feet, improvise, and adapt to a range of situations in the moment to problem solve
• Strong interest in education, contemporary arts, and culture
• Comfortable managing large groups, especially in an informal educational setting
• Ability to stay on task and complete all aspects of a group visit within specific start and end times

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role supervises campers during program activities, transitions, breaks, and lunches. This position does not supervise employees.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a camp/studio, gallery, and classroom environment. This role routinely uses standard office and program equipment such as computers/monitors, telephones, copiers, art materials/tools, and cleaning supplies.

Potential Occupational Safety/Health Hazards:

• Working in active youth group environments (risk of slips/trips/falls).
• Exposure to common art materials (e.g., paints, glazes, solvents as applicable) and cleaning products.
• Lifting/carrying supplies and equipment and moving between program spaces.

Physical Demands:

This is an active role. The physical abilities below may be required.

Stand – F                                                              
Walk – F                                                             
Sit – O                                                             
Reach Outward – F        
Reach above shoulder – O
Climb – O
Crawl – N
Squat/Kneel/Bend – O

Lift/Carry                                                                                             

10 lbs. or less – F                                                             
11-20 lbs. – O                                                             
21-50 lbs. – O                                                             
50+ lbs. – N     

Push/Pull                        

10 lbs. or less – O                                                             
11-20 lbs. – O                                                             
21-50 lbs. – N                                                             
50+ lbs. – N                             

N (Not Applicable) Activity does not apply to this occupation
O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the  time (0-2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity up to 33%-66% of the time (2.5-5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity up to 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a seasonal, part-time position. Youth Program Assistants are typically scheduled an average of 35 hours per week during assigned camp weeks. Youth Program Assistants may work a minimum of 3 weeks or up to a maximum of 6 weeks during the 9-week summer camp season. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with business needs. Attendance at paid Youth Program Assistant trainings is required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Previous experience working with the public (e.g., customer service, retail, teaching, or similar).
• Comfortable managing large groups, especially in an informal educational setting.
• Ability to stay on task and complete program activities within specific start and end times.
• Experience mediating and facilitating interactions with diverse groups (cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and attitudes).

Licensing: This position requires the use of an automobile. A valid Driver’s License is required, as well as vehicle insurance and registration as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Coursework or degree in fine arts, design or architecture, art history, art education, media arts, education, history, or related fields.

Experience:

• Experience working in camps, with children, or in youth-focused activities.
• Experience working with individuals with specific needs, including physical and/or intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

Training:

• First Aid, CPR, and/or related training preferred.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Inclusion:

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.

We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity, and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.