Zoo Camp Counselor

Overview

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

Who Are We?

Lincoln Park Zoo Camps offer exciting exploration opportunities for children who are 4 years old to those entering grade eight. Each camp group explores the zoo and participates in activities to discover animal diversity, environmental conservation, the ways Lincoln Park Zoo cares for animals at the zoo, and how we help to conserve animals in the wild.

We Are Looking For…

Lincoln Park Zoo is looking for fun, high-energy, and dependable individuals who enjoy working with children to join the Camp team as Zoo Camp Counselors. Counselors will provide children with meaningful and memorable summer learning opportunities by teaching a variety of inquiry-based and hands-on activities.

Camp Counselors work Monday-Friday with days beginning at 8am and most days ending at 3:30pm. Camp Counselors are required to work our After Care program up to three times a week;
After Care ends at 5:15pm. During the summer there will be 3 evening encounters with our oldest campers- counselors working with Grades 6-8 will be expected to stay late with their campers until 8pm. The length of commitment for this position is 10 weeks.

Training
- May 29-30 and June 1-4, 2026

Camp Dates
- June 8-26 and July 6
- August 14, 2026 (Camp will not run June 29
- July
3)

Please note, Lincoln Park Zoo Camps cannot support candidates seeking J-1 visas.

Required Qualification and Expectations

Zoo Camp Counselor is a seasonal, full-time position reporting to the Camp Programs Coordinator. Zoo Camp Counselors are responsible for camper health and safety, teaching content from a pre-developed curriculum in a fun and unique way with co-counselors, promoting engaging and meaningful interactions with campers, creating strong relationships with camp families, and maintaining a professional, safe, and fun work environment.

• Must have at least one year of college completed or be at least one year out of high school to apply
• Previous teaching or interpretation experience in a zoo, nature center, school or other educational/childcare setting is preferred
• Previous camp experience is preferred
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to changing environments, along with organizational, logistical, and operational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Spanish-speaking ability is preferred
• Willing and able to faithfully implement Lincoln Park Zoo’s health and safety protocols, including wearing a mask (if policy mandates it for certain experiences), being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and cleaning materials
• Must be extremely trustworthy and punctual
• Possess a positive attitude
• Complete First Aid and CPR/AED Certification through the zoo or on own
• Capable of being stationary for long periods of time and working in a variety of weather conditions for much of the day
• Capable of traversing throughout the zoo up to 5 miles a day
• Able to lift or carry program supplies weighing up to 50lbs
• Able to pass a background check
• Must be able to commit to the full summer schedule; unfortunately, we cannot accommodate a significant number of days off

• Teach from a pre-developed curriculum
• Deliver curriculum content in a fun and unique way that will be engaging and connect campers to the natural world
• Be active in all daily camp activities
• Encourage problem-solving skills in campers
• Maintain a safe, well-managed camp group
• Wear a disposable mask when policy mandates
• Follow all policies and procedures of Lincoln Park Zoo and Camp Programs
• Assist in maintaining inventory of all camp program supplies
• Communicate effectively and consistently with camper caregivers
• Effectively collaborate with the summer camp team
• Work directly with co-counselors, counselors-in-training, and camp teen volunteers in…