Summer Camp Counselors

Summer Camp Counselors

18 years+;
Teachers and College students preferred

Availability: The standard camp shift is 8:15am to 3:45pm Monday-Friday.

Summer Zoo Camp Counselors supervise and lead groups of campers ages 6-12 Monday-Friday during the six-week summer camp program. Counselors are responsible for overseeing the fun, safety, and wellbeing of campers and assisting with delivery of camp curriculum and activities. Daily activities include educational lessons, active games, Zoo tours, and crafts. This is a seasonal, temporary position for the duration of camp (June 27 – August 17, 2026).

• Enthusiastic, creative, and dependable.
• Capable of taking initiative and conducting activities on a timely schedule.
• Able to maintain attention and high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Committed to contributing to the positive and inclusive culture of camp and fostering a love of learning in campers.
• Current First Aid certification preferred.

• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• Successful completion of a post‑employment background check.
• Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two‑way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
• Must be willing to comply with department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work weekdays and requested overtime as necessary.
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms;
  
  stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.

Education and Experience (Minimum Desired):
Previous experience working with children required. Previous experience in camp, zoo, aquarium, or nature center education preferred. Enthusiasm for learning and interest in animals and/or conservation science. Current or retired teachers and college students majoring in Education, Biology or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Accrued sick time - one (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours of work. Associates are eligible to receive up to two (2) free family passes to the Zoo annually. These associates are required to work a minimum of 30 days per season to qualify. Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop.

Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more). Discounts on Zoo events may be offered, i.e. discount on the price of a ticket to a Zoo event or free tickets.

$16 per hour. Seasonal, part-time, non‑exempt positions

Please download employment application:
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).#careers

Email completed application to buffalozoosummerjobs with the subject line: “Seasonal Jobs Camp”.

Or send Application by regular mail to:

Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Attn:
Seasonal Jobs Camp

No phone calls please.

Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214

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