The Substitute Camp
Instructor assists the Zoo’s education department by enthusiastically
delivering hands-on, educational programming to children ages 4 to 13 years old
when full-time camp counselors call out sick or have scheduled leave throughout
the summer. This position is responsible for stepping in to administer the
designated curriculum, ensuring the safety of all campers in their care, and
supporting the mission of the Zoo “to enrich lives through firsthand
interaction with living things.” Substitute instructors may be asked to fill a
Lead Instructor or Assistant Instructor role depending on the day and needs, so
flexibility and creativity are key. Lead Instructors are responsible for
maintaining ownership of their class by leading games and activities, managing
conflict between campers, and communicating with their Assistant to delegate
tasks and responsibilities. Assistant Instructors are responsible for
maintaining a positive culture within their group by directly interacting with
campers in games and activities, organizing materials and supplies, and aiding
the Lead Instructor.
Summer camp at the
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is ten weeks long, beginning the week of Memorial Day.
Camp hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm Monday through Friday, with instructors’
contract hours somewhere between 7:30am and 5:00pm. A typical day of camp includes
approximately two hours of interactive, STEM-based lessons, lunch and free-play
time, crafting, snack time, and a series of activities throughout the zoo
including scavenger hunts, zookeeper chats, and various science and nature
exploration activities.
While curriculum is
provided, instructors are expected to be able to work collaboratively and with
exceptional creativity, knowing that working with children creates its own
unique challenges and things do not always go according to plan. A sense of
humor and adaptability is a must, as well as the ability to actively and
independently problem-solve when issues arise. Training, materials, and support
from administrative leaders will be provided to help you be successful!
This is a seasonal, on-call position for summer 2026.
Applicants must be willing to be called into work with last-minute notice and
have a wide range of availability through July 31, 2026.
Essential Job Functions
- Work
directly with children of varying ages and abilities
- Responsible
for the safety and well-being of campers
- Actively
contribute to positive guest experiences
- Deliver
STEM-based, educational programs to summer campers
- Introduce
program participants to a variety of animal species through lessons,
activities, and games
- Serve
as a team player and work collaboratively with your co-teacher
- Communicate
with families before and after camp
- All
other duties as assigned
Preferred
Talents and Qualifications
- Extensive
experience facilitating education or teaching/mentoring youth
- Must
be able to pass a background check
- CPR
and First Aid certifications preferred
- Ability
to work collaboratively and with creativity
- Enthusiasm
for nature and wildlife
- Superior
organization and time management skills
- Demonstrated
ability to work independently with little supervision
- Ability
to supervise children with a kind yet firm authority
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative
of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential
functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with
hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift
and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up
to 50 pounds occasionally.
Working Environment
While performing the duties of this job,
the employee will be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This
position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather
conditions; the environment may consist of wet, hot, or muddy conditions. Must
be able to work some nights and weekends for training sessions.
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