Summer Camp Instructor

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Summer Camp Instructors

The educational vision of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is to provide quality experiences that foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places.

Do you enjoy the outdoors, children, and being in constant danger of loving your job? The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Education Department is seeking creative, enthusiastic, hardworking individuals with a strong interest in environmental education and working with children, while also enduring extreme heat, pounding rain and infectious giggles. All successful applicants will walk away forever changed by the knowledge that they have inspired wonder, knowledge, and action in their campers.

Through live animal encounters, interactive games, crafts, Zoo hikes, and conservation challenges, instructors will help children develop a sense of wonder, build knowledge, and encourage environmental action with wildlife and wild places. In addition, instructors will be able to work with our experienced staff of environmental educators to further develop their animal handling, educational, and interpretive skills.

Flexibility, a sense of humor, and a willingness to be totally immersed (literally and figuratively) in nature with children ages 4-14 years old is a must.

Summer camp instructor responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Successful completion of Animal Handling Training and Camp Training
• Availability 8:15-4:15pm, weekdays M-F, May 18-Aug 14, 2026
  • Occasional hours may be required for pre- and post- camp extended care as assigned.
• Conducting summer camp programs for up to 12 children 4-14 years old in accordance with provided curriculum and training
• Setting up and breaking down classroom before and after camp each day
• Making sure all necessary supplies and documentation are accounted for
• Utilizing and supervising teenage volunteers who assist with summer programs
• Display competency and comfort with live animal handling and interpreting in the classroom setting including species such as snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, small mammals, birds, and arthropods.

• Progress toward university degree in biology, education or related field; equivalent experience in the field accepted as alternative
• Experience and/or a strong interest in working with children
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to learn to work with a variety of animals.
• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs with limited assistance and lead hikes on varied terrain, in all weather conditions, for up to two hours

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, and background check.

Reports To:

Education Program Managers

Duration:
May 18 – August 14, 2026 (includes two weeks of mandatory orientation and training)

Starting pay rate: $14/hour

Applications will not be reviewed before January 21, 2026.

Applications must be received by February 28, 2026

Applications must include a Cover Letter.

To Apply:

Visit the Cincinnati Zoo’s Job Opportunities webpage. Please include a cover letter and a resume in your online application. For assistance creating a resume and/or cover letter, please visit the webpage for Miami University’s Center for Career Exploration & Success.