Safari Camp Supervisor

Join to apply for the Safari Camp Supervisor role at Detroit Zoological Society
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As a member of the Education Team, the seasonal full‑time Safari Camp Supervisor will oversee staff and campers during the Safari Camp program, leading camp‑wide activities and ensuring a welcoming, safe, positive and energetic experience for campers, caregivers and staff.

Day camps run between June 17 and August 18, Monday through Friday most weeks. Evening camps are offered on select dates during the camp season. Camp staff is expected to be available for at least eight weeks of camp. Anticipated date conflicts within the camp season should be shared at time of interview.

• Supervisor team training dates in late March‑May TBD (select evening and weekend dates)
• Thursday, May 21 5‑9 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27 5‑9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 30 9 a.m.
  
  -5 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 10 5‑9 p.m.
• Sunday, June 14 9‑5 p.m.
• Monday/Tuesday, June 15‑16 8 a.m.
  
  -4:30 p.m.

• Mentor camp instructors and aides and more than 1,000 youth in grades K‑12 over the course of the summer.
• Greet guests, caregivers and program participants with enthusiasm, providing each person with a positive and memorable Zoo experience.
• Interact with caregivers at check‑in and check‑out, as well as if behavior or medical issues arise.
• Set up and break down camp‑wide activities, lead community circles each morning.
• Support camp staff with behavior management and ensure staff are engaged and interacting with campers to create a positive and inclusive community among their group.
• Support teen volunteers each day as they assist with camp groups.
• Support camp directors with daily program tasks, including entering attendance, supply inventory and updating camp logs.
• Be familiar with all facets of the Zoo in order to answer questions properly.
• Co‑lead daily briefings with camp directors to communicate information with the staff team and maintain a supportive staff environment.
• Attend paid supervisor team training dates in preparation for camp season and support leading segments of full‑team camp staff training.
• Must be available for a weekday work schedule during the camp season, rotating shifts with other supervisors including covering Early Bird or Late Owl.
• Early Bird shift: 7:15 a.m.
  
  -3:45 p.m.
• Camp day shift: 8:15-4:45 p.m.
• Late Owl shift: 9 a.m.
  
  -5:30 p.m.
• Contribute to a safe, energetic, and positive experience for campers, colleagues and guests.
• All other responsibilities and tasks as assigned by camp directors or other Education staff.

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must hold a valid operator license with an excellent driving record.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology or other related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience working with youth in a formal or informal learning environment, with preferred camp experience.
• Preferred experience mentoring peers in a team setting, and experience working with people of all ages and interacting with caregivers.

• Familiar with concepts of biology, environmental science, or animal welfare, and a willingness to learn more.
• Must learn to use a computer, printer, two‑way radio and iPad.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Be reasonable, flexible and use common sense to make sound decisions.
• Have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to customer service issues.
• Be professional and have a positive, friendly, social disposition.
• Work collaboratively with camp directors, supervisors, camp team and counselor‑in‑training teen volunteers with excellent communication and people skills.
• Before hire, must clear a background check.

Schedule that will include weekday shifts that may begin at 7:15 a.m., 8 a.m., or 9 a.m. Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions through the summer. Shifts will be assigned for the season during training dates.

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods. This position can expect employees to walk three to five miles a day. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The employee must be able to lift and move 25‑40 pounds. The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions 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.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Other

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos