Inclusion Specialist, ZooCamp

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $26.99 to $29.15 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.

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. The Zoo Camp Inclusion Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to ensure that all campers feel valued, supported, and have equal opportunities to participate in camp activities.

The Zoo Camp Inclusion Specialist will 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 1 - August 7, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Manager:

Seasonal

Full-Time

$26.99 - $29.15 per hour

Final date to receive applications:

Final date to receive applications:
March 16 2026

Oakland Zoo offers seasonal and part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

• Develops and implements comprehensive inclusion plans for the camp program, which includes up to 164 campers per week.
• Identifies and addresses potential barriers to inclusion for campers with neurological or physical differences or from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborates with camp staff to ensure that all activities and accommodations are accessible to all campers.
• Provides training to camp staff on inclusive practices and strategies, specifically for working with neurodivergent campers.
• Fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect among camp staff.
• Works with campers and their families to develop individualized support plans, as needed.
• Steps in as a substitute instructor if there are excessive callouts.
• Acts as a point of contact for any personal support people (such as paraprofessionals) assisting campers in a 1:1 capacity.
• Provides direct support to campers during camp activities, as necessary.
• Maintains open and effective communication with parents, campers, and staff about campers’ experience and needs at camp.
• Prepares weekly camper reports and creates a plan with Instructors and Lead Instructors to support campers’ individual needs.
• Monitors campers' behavior and ensures campers follow camp rules and regulations; addresses any issues promptly in accordance with the Zoo Camp behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the Zoo Camp Program Manager.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, which must include 1 year of experience working with students in grades K-8 in special education, or as a personal aid in a similar learning environment
• Experience working in a collaborative team
• High emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others
• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas
• Must be 18+ years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Medical requirement:
  Negative TB test within the last 2 years
• Credits or BA/Certification in Special Education, California Special Education Teaching Credential, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or similar
• Nonviolent communication training/experience.
• Interest and passion for wildlife conservation and informal science education.

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of…