Are you an experienced educator looking for a unique challenge? Join us at the Zoo's Education Department as a Camp Instructor (Summer/Seasonal, Full-Time) and be part of creating unforgettable memories for children. Play a pivotal role in creating a safe, engaging, and educational environment for our campers. Through storytelling, songs, games, and activities, you'll craft developmentally appropriate experiences that captivate young minds and foster a love for learning. Rain or shine, you'll oversee daily camp activities, from preparing materials to ensuring efficient cleanup duties.
Communication is key in our dynamic environment. You'll communicate progress and concerns with parents and caregivers, maintaining professionalism and sensitivity at all times. Building positive relationships with families is paramount, ensuring a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Safety and security are top priorities, and you'll enforce standards for campers, volunteers, staff, and visitors alike.
As a mentor to our campers and ZooTeen! volunteers, you'll provide guidance and supervision in the classroom. Maintaining meticulous records of attendance, incidents, and other necessary paperwork is essential for smooth operations. Most importantly, you'll celebrate the achievements and successes of our campers, nurturing a culture of positivity and encouragement.
In this role, adaptability and teamwork are key, fueled by your contagious enthusiasm for teaching and learning. If you're dedicated to seeing our camp through, have experience guiding children, and have completed at least a year of college, we want you on our team! Bring your vibrant personality and passion for education to shaping the future generation.
Help us engage our campers to experience a safe, positive culture of innovation, empowerment, and collaboration to meet our mission, "Connecting the community to wildlife with wild places."
What you bring...
- High School diploma/equivalent.
- Ability to commit to staff training week June 1, 2026- June 5, 2026.
- Ability to commit for the duration of camp dates, June 8, 2026 – August 7, 2026.
- Six (6) months of experience supervising all ages.
- One (1) year of college education and/or equivalent experience in similar role to engage children with an energetic personality.
- One (1) year of experience managing classroom dynamics.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
- Composure in fast-paced or high-volume environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related tools for communication and data entry.
- Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
- Level II, Criminal Background Check
- 5 panel drug screen
A plus…
- First Aid & CPR certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6-8 hours on shift.
- Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
- Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and small companion mammals.
- Ability to safely operate a motorized cart.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
- Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
- Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
