Camp Program Assistant

The Houston Zoo Conservation Education department is seeking energetic and nature-loving individuals for our 2025 summer camp season. This position offers hands‑on experience for professionals looking to spend their summer outdoors working with children in an informal, educational environment. The Zoo is our classroom, and we spend most of our time exploring animal exhibits, storytelling, and playing in natural green spaces around the Zoo.

If you are a self‑starter, love to be silly, and thrive in a high‑energy space –this is the summer job for you! Camp Zoofari allows children ages 6-12 to explore the Zoo in‑depth. Each week, campers learn about animals and the role of zoos and communities in helping to save them. They also connect with other like‑minded campers and build new friendships.

Program Assistants are responsible for ensuring the Camp Guides have the necessary tools and support to create memorable experiences through games, songs, stories, crafts, exhibit interpretation, and age‑appropriate learning projects. They will also partner with full‑time Zoo staff to provide effective and focused feedback to grow and develop the team of Camp Guides throughout their experience. Our Mission:
Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision:
Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

As a Camp Program Assistant, you will:

• Ensure the health and safety of all campers in the assigned group is maintained throughout the day.
• Collaborate with Camp Guide peers, maintaining a respectful and inclusive workspace.
• Maintain program inventory, supply, and storage spaces.
• Provide direction and feedback to Camp Guides throughout the camp week to foster a community of growth and support.
• Independently supervise, guide, and teach children ages 6-12 as needed.
• Interact with caregivers, Zoo visitors, and other staff in a professional manner.
• Mentor teen Zoo Crew program participants using constructive feedback and co‑teaching methods.
• Serve as a role model and leader for our Camp Guides and campers, ensuring they have a safe and fun camp environment each day.
• Assist with day‑to‑day logistics as assigned by program leadership.
• Engage Camp Guides regarding their work through thoughtful, mindful, and meaningful collaboration.
• Support the Zoo’s mission and conservation initiatives by sharing and modeling environmentally conscious behaviors.

This position includes:

• Interacting on a child’s level, chairs and tables are available.
• Maneuvering on uneven terrain.
• Spending up to two hours at a time outdoors.
• Navigating zoo‑grounds, which have varying light, noise, and temperature levels.

An ideal candidate will be working towards or hold a degree in a science, education, or related field and have a demonstrated affinity and skill for working with children either in a formal or informal setting. Candidates should have clear writing and communication skills, a positive attitude, and enjoy time spent in nature. Selected candidates must pass a background check and drug screening, provide documentation to work in the United States, and be able to attend all required training and scheduled shifts.

Attend mandatory training days:

April 26, May 3, 10, 17, & 24: five‑day Camp training required for all camp guides.

Work 6 weeks of summer camp, scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm.

• Week 1:
  June 2‑6
• Week 2:
  June 9‑13
• Week 3:
  June 16‑20
• Week 4:
  June 23‑27
• Week 5:
  June 30‑4
• Week 6:
  July 7‑11
• Week 7:
  July 14‑19
• Week 8:
  July 21‑25
• Week 9:
  July 28‑August 1
• Week 10:
  August 4 – August 9 (Ultimate Zoofari)
• Week 11:
  August 11‑August 15 (Ultimate Zoofari)

Additional shifts beyond the six‑week requirement may be available in single‑day shifts or a whole week. Work at least 4 days of Fall or Winter Camp Zoofari programs during HISD school breaks.

$18.50 per hour, depending on experience. We encourage applications from candidates who may not traditionally see themselves represented in the zoo or aquarium career fields and welcome applicants whose degrees may be outside of the traditional education tracks.

If you…