animateur de centre de loisirs

conseiller

camp counselor

science communicator

camp manager

Science North

Science North presents itself as a great place to work — and for hourly or student employees, it can appear that way at first. However, once you move into any role with growth potential, the culture changes dramatically.

If you happen to step on the toes of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), even when you are acting in the organization’s best interests, you may find yourself pushed out. Staff who bring forward ideas that could save the business money or generate new revenue are often met with resistance, not support.

The Senior Leadership Team operates more like competitors than collaborators, focused on protecting their own image rather than doing their jobs effectively. This creates a culture where employees feel undervalued, undermined, and ultimately replaceable. This is especially scary within an organization that that is intimidating their staff into not unionizing as it will shine a bad light on Science Norths SLT. 

I share this as a warning for future employees: be cautious and ask the hard questions before committing.

I worked at Science North on a 5 month contract filling in for their most senior graphic designer, who was on leave. It was an amazing place to work where every day was a new challenge. The marketing unit I worked in was a very cohesive group made up of various age groups.

While I was their I learnt a lot about some of the newer marketing trends with the use of social media.

The most difficult part of the job was managing expectations that other departments had in regards to time frames for getting various jobs printed.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to help launch new exhibits at the Science Centre and to contribute as a photographer as well as a designer.

My typical day was getting to meet a variety of different people around the world and getting to interact with them. I was always learning new ways to interact with different cultures and how to handle things with different customers. My management was great, they where easy going and a lot of fun. Also, my co-workers where amazing as well, we always had a fun time and there was never a dull moment. The hardest part was that if there was more then one french customer in the store, I was the only one able to speak french so I was always the one handling them. Overall, the most amazing part of my job was getting to meet so many new people from around the world.

I was hired to be a Science Demonstrator, paid at minimum wage even with a undergraduate degree. 

Typically, a science Demonstrator doesnt do school programming. Focusing solely on visitor interaction and engagement. I was doing school programming for two months, I had classes almost everyday of the week. I quite literally had to practice at home because they didnt give me enough time to learn the different programs in time for me to deliver them. Resulting in sometimes disastrous output. Management sucks.

science north is a super dynamic and fun place to work. there are never 2 days the same. 

however, the expectations of their staff are incredibly high and they do not pay anywhere near what other comparable jobs pay. 

benefits are good though and professional development is taken very seriously.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Learning about science and engaging with visitors and staff.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
How I was managed and how projects were managed. Deadlines were tight and sometimes start times were delayed.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It is good among the frontline workers, but there is intimidation from upper management.

Science North has a great workplace culture and the employees truly make the difference. They are always aspiring to better the organization and their desire and drive to bring science to Northern Ontario communities is truly inspiring. The opportunities such as traveling and teaching students has been the best experience I could ask for.

Extremely poor communication between management and sales staff. Unreasonable expectations. Prioritize outside hires over internal promotions. The majority of sales staff have lost their drive and harbour negative feeling towards their workplace.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The connections you get to build

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Managing large groups of children

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
A supportive and engaging community

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
no such thing in science camplife

On a typical day i am a cashier that cleans the tables, floors, counters, and i put out the trash in the dinning room. I have learnt how to work a cash register. My co-workers are very helpful when needed. There is no hard parts in this job, although i make it look easy. The most enjoyable part of the job is that i get to see familiar faces everyday i work, plus i get to see smiles on everyones faces.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Animateur de centre de loisirs 83 salaries reported	$21.35 per hour
Conseiller 108 salaries reported	$18.78 per hour
Camp counselor 25 salaries reported	$19.04 per hour
Science communicator 2 salaries reported	$21.50 per hour
Camp manager 9 salaries reported	$21.22 per hour

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