Summer Nature Camp - Lead Teacher

Overview

The Belle Isle Nature Center, a facility of the Detroit Zoological Society, hosts nature-based summer day camps for children in Detroit. We seek motivated, dynamic individuals who want to make a difference and share nature with youth in a summer day camp setting. Camp takes place on Belle Isle, near downtown Detroit.

Compensation for this role is $17/hour. The chosen candidate must be available to work the entire camp season, from June 15 - August 14, 2026, Monday through Friday.

• In collaboration with an Assistant Teacher, facilitate activities for participants between the ages of 5 to 12. Camp activities include nature hikes, science investigations, field trips, team building activities, camp songs, games and assisting campers in developing meaningful and fun projects
• Lead Teachers are paired with an Assistant Teacher to provide support and supervision to camp participants
• Provide kind, positive behavior management for individual participants and camp groups
• Provide responsible adult supervision and physical, social, and emotional safety for a group of participants
• Build respectful relationships with campers and colleagues
• Communicate effectively with participants, families of participants and Nature Center staff
• Follow organizational policies and procedures at all times
• Must be available for a weekday work schedule, typically 8:15 a.m.
  
  - 4:45 p.m.
• Other duties as assigned

Programs are held primarily outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. All candidates must attend one week of staff training prior to the start of camp (June 15 - 19, 2026) and be available for all weeks of camp programming, from June 25 through August 16, 2024.

Education and Experience

• Must be 18 years or older
• Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent with two years of experience in a zoological institution or a youth organization OR enrollment in or completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology or other related field
• Experience working with children in a variety of settings

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Familiar with concepts of biology, environmental science or animal welfare or a willingness to learn more
• Will use a computer, printer, two-way radio and iPad
• Enthusiasm for working with students of varying ability levels and backgrounds
• Willingness to give and receive help, apply feedback and work as part of a team
• Familiarity with concepts and activities of environmental education, project-based learning, and/or inquiry investigations is helpful
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Must be reasonable, diplomatic and exercise good judgment to make sound decisions
• Must have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to address issues before they escalate
• Must be professional and have a positive and respectful disposition
• Before hire, must clear a background check and pre-employment drug screening

Schedule that will include weekday shifts. Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping for extended periods. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.