Summer Camp Counselor

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Summer Camp Counselor

Looking for a summer job that’s meaningful, fast-paced, and genuinely fun? Join our Education team as a Summer Camp Counselor and spend your days guiding campers through hands‑on activities, wildlife exploration, and unforgettable zoo experiences at an AZA-accredited facility.

This is a valuable opportunity for anyone passionate about education, the environment, and working with kids in an energetic outdoor setting.

Schedule & Timeline

• Camp Season: Varies by summer
• Hours: Monday–Friday, typically 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Counselors are expected to work all weeks of camp during scheduled camp hours
• Some flexibility required due to extended care programming

About the Role

Under the guidance of the Director of Education and Education Lead, Camp Counselors play a key role in creating safe, engaging, and educational camp experiences. You’ll work closely with the Education team to ensure camps run smoothly, campers feel supported, and learning happens through exploration and play.

Counselors stay with their assigned camp group throughout the day and serve as mentors, role models, and enthusiastic ambassadors for conservation.

Note:

While counselors do not handle animals, you’ll have countless opportunities to talk about wildlife and conservation throughout the zoo.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise and engage your assigned camp group throughout the day
• Assist with daily camper check-in and check-out
• Lead and participate in camp activities while modeling positive behavior
• Support and reinforce camp rules, policies, and safety protocols
• Help manage camper behavior and mediate conflicts with guidance from Education staff
• Assist with setting up, maintaining, and cleaning camp spaces
• Monitor camper health and safety and report illnesses or injuries immediately
• Complete incident reports and follow emergency procedures when necessary
• Work collaboratively and positively with Education staff and zoo team members
• Communicate openly and professionally with campers, families, staff, and guests

Ideal Candidate

You might be a great fit if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Are enrolled in or have completed coursework toward a degree in education, biology, environmental science, or a related field (or have equivalent experience)
• Have experience working with children in group settings (preferred)
• Are enthusiastic, reliable, and confident communicating with kids and adults
• Have a genuine passion for animals, nature, and environmental education

First Aid and CPR certification are a plus but not required.

Physical & General Requirements

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently when needed
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to learn and communicate technical information to diverse audiences
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Physically able to stand or sit for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license required
• No allergies to plants or animals that would interfere with job duties
• Successful completion of criminal background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse history clearance required
• Must adhere to all Education Department SOPs and zoo-wide policies
• Honesty, transparency, and open communication are essential

Why This Role Matters

As a Camp Counselor, you’ll help shape how young people see wildlife, conservation, and their role in protecting the planet. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in informal education, develop leadership and communication skills, and be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact.

If you’re energetic, responsible, and excited to inspire the next generation of conservationists, we’d love to have you on our team.

• Make a real impact: You’ll help spark…