Early Child Education Programs - Substitute Camp Counselor; Seasonal

Overview

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

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This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing the highest level of quality customer service and extraordinary guest experiences with top-quality programming to participants to further BZC’s mission of inspiring conservation leadership. This position is a substitute and fill-in position, so scheduled hours may be intermittent and will be available on an as needed basis.

This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S009 with a pay rate of $19.85 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

2026 Summer Camp dates are:
June 8 - August
7. There is no camp the week of July 4th (June 29 - July
3). Camp staff training will take place the week of June 1. The typical scheduled hours for camp staff are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; until 5:00 p.m. for aftercare. Each staff member typically gets assigned one week of aftercare coverage. Further information about camp programs can be found here.

• Substitutes for Camp Counselor positions, as needed, through Zoo Camp.
• Facilitates a variety of camp program topics and themes through techniques, including investigation, exploration and instruction.
• Partners with Camp Inclusion Specialist to plan for accommodation of participants with special needs.
• Facilitates program/activity development, prototyping, and documentation.
• Supervises program participants throughout the park during all program activities and zoo tours, maintaining a minimum 1:5 staff to child ratio at all times.
• Assists program participants with all activities, games, and projects that relate to the designated program themes.
• Organizes all daily supplies for activities including free play, arts and crafts, snack time, and games.
• Maintains open communication on a daily basis with parents and/or guardians of program participants regarding questions, concerns, discipline issues, daily activities, etc.
• Directs and/or delegates Seasonal Camp Counselor Assistants to complete tasks as appropriate.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
• Two months or more paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills required.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Must be an enthusiastic and flexible team player and able to work in a stimulating environment.
• Must have excellent customer service skills and ability to work with guests effectively.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Must be able to be flexible and available on short notice.

• Previous experience working at the Brookfield Zoo.
• One or more years of college or the equivalent of two years training and/or experience preferred, including coursework in education, biological sciences, communication, therapeutic recreation, or other directly related field or subjects, such as public speaking, interpretation, theater, recreation, environmental studies, children and families, or art and interpretation.
• Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus.
• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent Brookfield Zoo Chicago in an appropriate and professional manner to campers,…