Position Description and Responsibilities:
Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp are outdoor day camps (four days and one evening or overnight) at the Zoo for children entering 2nd – 6th grade (Camp KangaZoo) and 7th-9th grade (Teen Camp.) Assistant Educators help with many of the logistic, educational and youth-serving aspects of Camp, and help to create a nurturing and fun environment. At Camp, we care for children from diverse backgrounds, foster appreciation for animals, increase understanding of animals and conservation topics, and inspire conservation action, in a fun and active camp environment at the Zoo. We are looking for team members who are positive, caring, patient, enthusiastic, team-oriented, flexible, willing to learn and willing to be silly, but with a sincere passion for wildlife and conservation, who are dedicated to creating positive lasting connections between animals and children.
Assistant Educator responsibilities include:
· Work as a team to create an educational, fun and safe environment for children with the goal of making their week at Camp KangaZoo/Teen Camp the best week of their summer.
· Assist the Camp Educators with activities, crafts, games, Zoo tours, skits and songs for campers
· Get to know campers and their individual needs, personalities, interests, etc.
· Help campers with social interactions
· Attend to the needs of the campers
· Maintain the Camp area including setting up and cleaning up each day
· Model conservation behavior
· Follow all of the Camp safety policies and procedures
Work Hours and Schedule:
Educators are required to attend training Tuesday May 27th – Saturday May 31st and Monday - Friday, June 2nd – 6th from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and evenings, if necessary.
Must be available to work at Camp from June 9th – August 7th, except June 30th- July 4th (no camp). Typical Camp hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Thursday evening 5-11 p.m. Teen Camp Educators also work overnight Thursday evening 5 p.m. – Friday morning 10 a.m. Additional Training and Zoo Orientation (virtual and in-person) will be required prior to June 1.
If hired, you will be required to come to the Zoo in person to submit required paperwork before May 16th during Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. office hours.
Additional work opportunities may be available (not required) in April and May and after Camp during the school year on weekdays and weekends including overnights, scout programs, and special events.
Qualifications:
· Experience with children age 6 – 14.
· Courteous, patient, respectful and able to connect with children, adults and coworkers with a wide range of neurodiversities and from diverse financial, cultural, and racial backgrounds. Able to nurture a culture of inclusion and respect.
· Have an interest in biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation concepts and a desire to share the wonders of the natural world with children.
· Must be flexible and be able to work efficiently and effectively in a high-energy and ever-changing outdoor, public environment. Able to stay calm and function during stressful situations.
· Must possess excellent customer service and communication skills, and exemplify the Zoo’s values, as well as the Youth Programs Unit values of Initiative, Self-awareness, Teamwork, Eco-consciousness, Positivity, Understanding, and Professionalism (I STEP UP.)
· Must be willing and able to work outside daily in hot, humid, sunny, or rainy summer conditions, and walk/move around the Zoo up to 5-6 miles per day, and lift up to 20 lbs.
· Must submit to a background check and drug test and follow all Youth Protection Code of Conduct guidelines and other policies.
If you don’t think you meet all of the criteria above but still are interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box—we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas and have interest and capabilities in others and a desire to grow and learn.
