Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselor; Seasonal

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Shape Young Minds & Create Magical Summer Memories as one of our Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselors!

Are you passionate about working with young children and sparking their curiosity about wildlife and the world around them?
Zoo Tampa is looking for dedicated Kindergarten Camp Counselors
to lead our
Summer Camp programs for children entering Kindergarten
! This is the perfect opportunity to
make learning fun
, nurture young explorers, and
create lasting memories
in a one-of-a-kind setting.

• Inspire & Educate
  – Help introduce young minds to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities and exciting animal encounters.
• A Unique & Rewarding Experience
  – Spend your summer
  teaching, playing, and exploring
  in an immersive zoo environment.
• Build Valuable Early Childhood Experience
  – Ideal for aspiring teachers, educators, and childcare professionals looking to enhance their skills.

Position runs from May 4th – August 7th, 2026

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

If you have the energy, creativity, and passion to
make a difference in a child’s first summer camp experience
, we want to hear from you!
Apply today
and make this summer truly unforgettable!

Position Summary

This position reports to Education Programs Leadership and assists with the facilitation of Zoo Tampa’s summer camp programs for children entering Kindergarten.

Candidates must have experience working with young children, be organized, creative, flexible, and have high energy and a positive attitude. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills and work well in a team environment.

Candidates must be able to attend New Hire Orientation the week of May 4th, and be available every week from May 18th-August 7th, 2026, to be eligible for hire.

Who We Are

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission
is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision
is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions

• Supervises and leads groups of up to 12 Kindergarten campers and Zoo Teens throughout the Zoo.
• Provides a fun and safe learning environment for campers at all times.
• Implements and teaches thematic lesson plans, activities, and crafts designed by Zoo Tampa.
• Uses appropriate classroom management techniques and manages camp groups while still giving individual attention as needed.
• Operates the classroom in compliance with all child care licensing standards and those of our accrediting agency.
• Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques and implements different coaching strategies to minimize camper challenges and conflicts.
• Assists in before and after care for campers of various ages, Kindergarten through 8thGrade.
• Provides excellent guest service to all campers, parents, and other Zoo guests.
• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Assists with older camp groups and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications,

Skills and…