DescriptionSUMMARY: Seasonal Camp Educators at Birmingham Zoo are part of a dedicated team promoting science, social and emotional learning, and nature play engagement in all aspects of summer camps and experiences for children and teens ages 5-15. This individual will be responsible for leading participants through provided curriculum and ensuring participants’ safety, behavior management, and supervision.
DUTIES
- Implement pre-designed instructional programming aligned with the Zoo’s mission, philosophy, and goals.
- Foster an inclusive, physically and emotionally safe learning environment for diverse participants and staff.
- Use effective teaching strategies to engage learners and encourage enthusiasm for Zoo summer programming.
- Assess and report participant learning and engagement in collaboration with the Manager of Learning and Education Program Specialists.
- Coach, evaluate, and support assigned teen volunteers.
- Establish and consistently enforce classroom expectations in accordance with Zoo summer programming guidelines.
- Take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of participants, animals, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Provide operational support for Zoo summer programming both inside and outside the classroom.
- Build collaborative relationships across the Education and Volunteer teams and other Zoo departments.
- Deliver excellent customer service to guests and program participants, including responding to questions and addressing parent or guest concerns.
- Serve as a positive ambassador for the Birmingham Zoo.
- Prepare daily instructional materials, supplies, and activities in advance of programming.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly classroom environment.
- Follow all Zoo policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
SAFETY ANALYSIS
The Seasonal Camp Educator is responsible for the safety of minors during their Zoo summer programming experience, which will include but may not be limited to:
- Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.
- Management near hazards associated with train, adventure tower, or other on-site attractions and animal habitats
- Specific training and procedures designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the Zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.
They may be impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment as well as public safety in an outdoor environment:
- Exposure to hazardous waste management
- The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents
- Mandatory use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment
All employees of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should be able to perform the following as able or with accommodations:
- Manipulating, delivering, and distributing supplies and materials to others or to new locations
- Accommodating and supervising active groups of 12-15 participants across the distance of the Zoo and in play spaces of varying terrain several times a week
- Monitoring and adapting to exposure to varying outdoor elements related to weather and associated potential hazards
- Standing, walking, and talking for long stretches of time (up to several hours)
- Ability to project voice to be heard by a crowd out of doors
- Frequent walking for long distances up and down steep inclines and some uneven and unpaved ground
- Hours at a time spent outdoors with exposure to weather conditions
- Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected
- Exposure to wet surfaces
- Frequent interaction and engagement with the public, including large groups of all ages
QualificationsQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
- Effective organization, oral and written communication, leadership, multi-tasking, and collaboration or team skills
- Demonstrated competency or passion for engaging kids and teens in nature and science
- Experience working with or openness to be coached on working with children of different learning abilities and backgrounds
- Familiarity with or willingness to be trained on basic lesson planning and teaching principles
- Interests aligned with interdisciplinary teaching, outdoor or environmental education, inquiry-based learning, or human development
- First Aid/CPR certified, willing to become certified if able, or responsive to follow care procedures with other certified staff
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $12.00/hour.
