Lead Instructor, ZooCamp

Overview

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $25.61 to $26.97 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.

Position Summary

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. Lead Zoo Camp Instructors play a distinct role in setting the tone for camp and will be assigned a single age group for the entirety of the summer. This role involves teaching curriculum, leading activities, supervising campers, and ensuring the overall well-being of all participants.

Leads report directly to the Zoo Camp Program Manager.

Zoo Camp Mission Statement: 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.

Dates: May 19 - August 7, M-F, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 9:00am - 5:30pm.

• Delivers curriculum, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and safe.
• Ensures the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all campers in accordance with the Zoo Camp Mission.
• Supports and mentors Zoo Camp Instructors. Steps in as substitutes when Instructors are absent.
• Assists in maintaining a positive and inclusive camp environment.
• Monitors 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.
• Assists in implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols, administering first aid as needed.
• Works collaboratively with fellow camp staff and other Zoo departments, such as Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, Guest Services and Administration.
• Mentors 1 Teen Intern, delegating tasks and providing opportunities for them to take on leadership opportunities in the group.
• Assists with either camp setup or cleanup, including extended care coverage.
• Reviews medical and behavioral records of campers to ensure their individual needs are met, working with the Inclusion Specialist as needed.
• Takes daily attendance and verify the identity of adults at pick-up.
• Communicates effectively with campers, staff, and caregivers about issues as well as successes.
• Works as a peer mentor to fellow staff members, filling out weekly evaluations for those who work in the age group.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and/or education, which must include experience with youth in grades K-8 in a camp setting and implementing curriculum and age-appropriate activities.
• Adaptable to changing environments and can exhibit high problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of childhood developmental stages.
• Experience mentoring others, especially teens.
• Some scientific literacy and experience with scientific concepts and thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills such as high emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others.
• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas.
• 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
• Experience developing curriculum and age-appropriate activities
• Nonviolent communication training/experience
• Background in education, biology, zoology, ecology, climate change, and/or environmental…