Seasonal Educator - Camp Instructor

Overview

Come join us for the summer at the Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) and Butterfly House & Aquarium (BHA) as a Seasonal Educator – Camp Instructor! This position helps continue our organization’s mission by creating a fun and engaging environment for our Zoo Camp participants. As part of a team, you will be ensuring camper safety, leading lessons and activities, and supervising teen volunteers.

• Leading age-appropriate activities, games, tours, and lessons based on the provided curriculum.
• Executing camp check-in and check-out following established safety protocols.
• Providing appropriate supervision and ensuring the safety of camp participants, both in the classrooms and in public areas of GPZ.
• Handling ambassador animals safely and correctly in presentations for campers.
• Supervising teen volunteers (Junior Zoo Keepers) who act as classroom assistants for Zoo Camp.
• Providing outstanding guest service to camp participants, camp parents, and GPZ/BHA visitors.
• Communicating professionally and positively with guests, staff, volunteers, and others.
• Camp Instructors may also be asked to oversee teen volunteers (Junior Zoo Keepers) as they present informal education opportunities on zoo grounds, including artifact carts and conservation activities, and support them as they present daily Bookworms storybook programs.

Camp Instructors will be scheduled for 8-hour or 5-hour days, Monday-Friday. Schedules will typically be 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. but may start as early as 7:30 a.m. and end as late as 5:30 p.m., and weekly schedules may include morning half-days. Camp Instructors may have the opportunity to work at an overnight camp, but this will not be required for everyone in this role.

Camp Instructors must commit to one Saturday or Sunday in May for training (6-8 hours) and at least 5 full weeks (Mon.

-Fri.) in the summer. Camps run May 30 – Aug. 15.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be willing and able to work the schedule listed above.
• Previous experience working with children is preferred.
• Previous experience handling animals is a plus.
• The ability to work well alone and as part of a team.
• Maturity, sound judgment and good decision-making skills.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 25 lbs., and be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must provide proof of a negative TB test.