Your Mission Begins at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Home to Space Camp®, Aviation Challenge® Camp, U.S. Cyber Camp®, and Robotics® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the largest spaceflight museum and the Official NASA Visitor Center for Marshall Space Flight Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. As a Camp Counselor (Crew Trainer), you’ll work alongside astronauts, rockets, simulated space missions, and flight simulators – more than a line on your resume, it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Camps

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers four distinct camps:

• Space Camp® – (Year-round) activities include simulated space shuttle missions, training simulators, and lectures on space exploration. Positions start in January and mid-May.
  
• Robotics Camp® – (Summer Only) trainees work to engineer and design robots to work on land, in the air, and underwater. Summer only; position starts mid-May.
  
• Aviation Challenge® – (Summer Only) a military-style program that uses simulated, realistic combat scenarios and flight simulators. Position starts mid-May.
  
• U.S. Cyber Camp ® – (Summer Only) trainees learn the ethics and responsibilities of personal data security for safeguarding professional networks and the challenge of an expanding Internet of Things.

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The Crew Trainer Experience

Camp Counselors (Crew Trainers)

Will supervise and educate trainees (ages seven through to adults) in the history of the space, robotics, and aviation program.

• Provide knowledgeable explanations about a variety of space, robotics, and aviation-related subjects and perform lectures/briefings as assigned.
• Ensure that trainees are adequately instructed in all program content and activities to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
• Escort and accompany trainees at all times to scheduled activities, maintaining orderly behavior and a professional learning environment.

Specialized Roles:

• Space/Robotics/Aviation Team Lead (Crew Trainer) – Ensure the safety and education of a camp team consisting of a crew of 16 campers, in the fields of Space (year-round), Robotics (summer), and Aviation (summer).
• Simulation Specialist – Conduct Space Shuttle, Orion and International Space Station simulations and other supporting roles, assuring that the trainees are instructed in their mission positions. (Year Round)
• Airport/Extended Duration Counselor – Provide supervision to camp attendees arriving or departing from Camp, assist with airport check-in, baggage and engage and entertain on our main campus while they await the start of their camp program. (Year Round)

Auxiliary roles:

• Rope Course Instructor – To supervise and facilitate trainees, adults and children on high ropes and low ropes challenge courses, assist in them experiencing a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. (Year Round)
• Lifeguard – Ensure safety of all in-water activities for Space Camp, Robotics and Aviation Challenge. (Summer)

As a Camp Counselor, we’ll make sure you receive comprehensive training. No previous space knowledge required! After your graduation from training, you’ll get the opportunity to lead your own teams of campers. Here’s your chance to influence and inspire the next generation of astronauts, fighter-jet pilots, scientists, and explorers.

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Dreaming of a Career at Space Camp?

Ideal Candidate

We prefer applicants to be at least 19 years of age (exemptions may be made based on leadership experience) and have completed at least 20 hours of college credit or applicable life/professional experience. Experience working with children (such as coaching, tutoring, or teaching) is desired, and previous camping, military, space exploration, education, or instructional work experience is a plus. Applicants must exhibit strong leadership skills and possess excellent communication skills to instruct and teach others.

Staff with open availability 6:00 am- 11:00 pm Sunday through Saturday are preferred; you will not be working that entire time, but it gives our logistics staff the most flexibility when scheduling shifts. We also hire staff that can work the day shift Monday – Friday 6:00 am till 3:00 pm or night shift Sunday 1:30 pm till 11:00 pm and Monday – Thursday 2:30 pm till 11:00 pm; staff must be available for the entirety of their selected shift.

Resident Advisors (RA)

Space Camp provides on-site Habitat housing for approved camp team leaders who live more than 60 miles from campus; the resident application process begins after a successful interview. Due to a limited number of RA rooms, plan on living with a roommate.

Resident Advisor Duties & Perks

• Provide general Habitat (dormitory) supervision and care for trainees, including behavior, homesickness, illness, and emergency procedures (severe weather, fire evacuation).
• Serve as a positive role model, follow all Habitat rules, and help maintain common RA living areas.
• Perform on-call duties from 10 p.m.–7 a.m. on a rotating basis (about every 3–6 weeks), assisting with off-site medical needs and serving as the overnight point of contact for trainees.
• Receive housing (two-person dorm-style rooms, community restrooms, tobacco- and alcohol-free) and meals in the Crew Galley in exchange for RA duties; a Ward Room is provided as a shared living space.
• RA placement (Habitat I, II, or III) is based on program needs; meal privileges (breakfast, lunch, dinner in the Crew Galley) are for personal use only and may be limited during slow seasons.
• Neglect of RA responsibilities or abuse of privileges will result in disciplinary action, including loss of RA position, housing, and meal benefits. All RA trainers are employees at will.

Employee Perks

Perks include extensive paid training, paid time off, discounts throughout the U.S. Space &Rocket Center, and free admission passes. Discounts are also available through affiliated companies, such as discounts at the neighboring hotel and local fitness centers.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Huntsville, AL (the “Rocket City”) is consistently ranked among the top places to live and work in the U.S., with a low cost of living and easy access via our local airport, bus, or train station – we can help arrange your pickup.

How to Apply

The application process begins here, where you will be directed to upload your resume and answer a questionnaire. If selected, you will be contacted to set up an interview. Our team does interviews in person or through video conference. Plan on your interview lasting 30-45 minutes.

Crew Trainer Training Process

• Up to 3 weeks of training
• Paid on a stipend
• Must complete all mandatory training requirements to finish training and begin working as a Crew Trainer.