Instructor, ZooCamp

Pay Range

Pay Range:
To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $23.21 to $25.09 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer. This is a seasonal position.

Applications are due by March 16, 2026.

Zoo Camp is a summer day camp program for kids entering grades K-8th Grade, run by the Learning & Engagement Department at the Oakland Zoo. Instructors play a distinct role in setting the tone for camp and will be assigned a single age group for the duration of the summer. This role involves leading zoo tours and activities, supervising campers, and ensuring the overall well-being of all participants.

Instructors report directly to the Zoo Camp Program Manager.

Zoo Camp is a space where life is celebrated and nurtured. We respect the diversity of life we find reflected in our people, our plants, and our animals.

Our goal at Zoo Camp is to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment in which campers and staff alike develop and practice our skills of communication, compassion, and scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration, play, and community building campers will deepen their connections to themselves, each other, and our natural world.

May 26 - August 7, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

• Supervise a group of up to 10 campers, ensuring the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all campers in accordance with the Zoo Camp Mission.
• Lead various camp activities, such as Zoo tours, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and safe.
• Assist in maintaining a positive and inclusive camp environment.
• Monitor campers' behavior and ensure campers follow camp rules and regulations and address any issues promptly in accordance with the Zoo Camp behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the Zoo Camp Program Manager.
• Assist in implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols, administering first aid as needed.
• Communicate effectively with campers and their caregivers about both challenges and successes.
• Work collaboratively with fellow camp staff and other Zoo departments, such as Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, Guest Services and Administration.
• Mentor 1-2 Teen Assistants (TAs), delegating tasks and providing opportunities for them to take on leadership opportunities in the group.
• Assist with camp setup and cleanup.
• Fill out weekly evaluations for the Lead Instructor in your group.

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, including with youth in grades K-8.
• Experience with scientific literacy, scientific concepts, and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills such as high emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others.
• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas.
• Physically able to navigate uneven terrain.
• Comfort being in front of a group.
• Willingness to be silly and add your voice and personality to the Zoo Camp culture.
• Must be 18+ years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical requirement:
  Negative TB test within the last 2 years

• Experience working with animals, in a zoo/nature center/museum and/or in outdoor/environmental education
• Nonviolent communication training/experience
• Background in education, biology, zoology, ecology, climate change, and/or environmental science, which can include a BA or college credits
• Knowledge of local plant and animal species and ecosystems

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
• Able to stand, walk, and sometimes other types of physical movement (run, dance, etc) when playing with campers.
• Able to carry things such as a backpack or a wagon from place to place.
• Able to…