Instructor

Organization

Woodland Park Zoo

Job Posted

January 10, 2023

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Website

zoo.org/jobs

Contact Name

Emily Palena

Contact Email

emily.palena@zoo.org

Location

Seattle, WA
United States
Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Camps Instructor. We have 44 full-time, seasonal positions open.

Woodland Park Zoo is seeking Instructors for the 2023 summer camp season. We offer day camps for ages 4-13 focused on conservation, building connections to nature, and exploring the animals of our world. Our wildly popular camps pull from our large community of the greater Seattle area. For a full description of our camp programs please visit our website.

We are looking for Instructors who are dedicated to conservation and improving their teaching practice. They should have some experience with natural sciences and environmental education. The ideal candidate will be an excellent multitasker with a genuine passion for working with and empowering young people. Applicants should be patient, fun-loving and confident in their ability to motivate and assist campers in learning new skills and exploring a zoo environment.

Camp Instructors work under the Children’s Program Manager, with support from the Camp Coordinator and Lead Instructors, to host Monday-Friday camps, working outside with children up to 8 hours a day. Summer camp season at Woodland Park Zoo lasts for 10 weeks, starting June 26 and ending September 1. Camp Instructors must be available for pre-camp training, starting mid- June.

Summary

This position is responsible for the presentation of programs, experiences, and activities for the zoo’s camp programs for youths.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Exhibit integrity and values to a successful team at all times; equally share in the hard, fun, and dirty work associated with camp programming.
  • Facilitate and present engaging age-appropriate curriculum to youth participants.
  • Mediate conflict and provide supervision for youth camp participants.
  • Plan and execute daily transitional activities, including songs and games.
  • Facilitate reflection activities to ensure processing of curriculum content.
  • Provide feedback on curriculum, programs, and activities.
  • Respond to the needs of campers throughout the day.
  • Provide group management, and basic customer service.
  • Maintain an environment aimed at the safety and well-being of youth camp participants following all safety protocols.
  • Attend training sessions and scheduled meetings as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • One (1) or more years of combined education and experience in early childhood, natural science, or environmental education.
  • Experience presenting thematically based interpretive programs or classes to audiences of all ages.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with high energy and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Ability to present creative, mission-driven programming.
  • Possess general knowledge of zoology, ecology, and conservation.
  • Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
  • Flexibility in dealing with program delivery and changes in deadlines and operation protocol.
  • Ability to work independently as well as within diverse teams and environments, while treating everyone with respect.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and to complete online timesheets.
  • Ability to listen patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.
  • Ability to employ best practices associated with position, with an approach to accuracy, while displaying an on-going commitment to learning and self-improvement.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • First Aid and CPR certificates

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This position may be required to lift up to 35 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

Pay: $20 per hour

Employment Requirements: 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of the selected applicant. This role is not remote. Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.  

COVID-19 Vaccination  

  • As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment. 
  • People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. 
  • Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation. 
     

To Apply: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Resume is required and a cover letter is optional.  

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status. 
 

Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org

Compensation Information

$20/hr

Temporary employees are eligible for the following:  

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan  
  • 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • Sick Leave Accrual  
  • Working for an organization that cares about wildlife conservation!