Zoo Society Billable - Zoo Camp Counselor - Temporary

General Description

Under the direct supervision of the Manager – Zoo Education and Animal Care Programs and in collaboration with the Zoo Educators, this position delivers high-quality, hands‑on learning experiences for children in assigned age groups while ensuring safety, accountability, and an engaging environment. This position is seasonal from May 26, 2025 to August 15, 2025.

This position does not exercise supervisory responsibilities, but provides daily oversight and guidance to volunteers and summer camp participants.

• Responsible for implementing and managing camp and program activities, which includes maintaining a safe, positive, and enjoyable camp environment at all times.
• Ensure all campers' safety, accountability, and well‑being during camp hours, including arrival, departure, and transitions.
• Prepare, organize and take inventory of program materials as well as maintain cleanliness of designated camp areas.
• Foster a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity and enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation.
• Collaborate with Zoo Educators and volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to camp schedules.
• Communicate effectively any issues that need to be addressed with parents/guardians regarding camper needs, behavior, and participation.
• Follow and enforce all Abilene Zoo policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
• Support zoo‑wide events and activities as required during the summer camp season.

• Assist with general program evaluation and provide feedback for future improvements.

Perform other job‑related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Principles of child development and age‑appropriate teaching techniques.
• Basic animal behavior and safety protocols.
• Hands‑on educational activities and interactive teaching methods.

• Maintain accurate records/accountability, prepare and submit detailed reports as required, including documents related to accountability, child welfare, and worksheets.
• Operate personal computers and software applications in a business environment, including MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google products.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions and schedules.
• Work individually with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under time constraints.

• Operate computers and use MS‑Office programs including Word and Excel.
• Multi‑task, perform and complete duties in a timely, organized, and prioritized manner.
• Exhibit enthusiasm, creativity, and patience in an educational setting.
• Adapt to changing schedules, priorities, and participant needs.
• Work collaboratively with the Zoo’s EAC team to provide exceptional programming.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

One (1) year of experience in teaching, environmental education, or leading group activities is preferred.

Classroom management experience or equivalent is preferred. A high school diploma or GED is required. Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program in education, biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred.

• A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.

• Bloodborne Pathogens training and Haz Com training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Availability for weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings during the summer camp season.

• ___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
• ___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
• _X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
• _ _ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
• ___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Codes For How Often: N = No; E = Extensive (100–70% of the time); M = Moderate (60–30% of the time); I = Infrequent (20–10% of the time); A = Almost Never (