Seasonal Zoo, Aquarium & Museum Camp Counselor

Education staff promotes the mission of Chehaw, the Flint RiverQuarium and Thronateeska by delivering interactive programs to the public. This position’s primary purpose will be to instruct children for weeklong day camps at Chehaw (primary facility), Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska.  While this person’s primary duties revolve around camps, delivering weekend programs and assisting with outreach presentations is required. On grounds housing available!

Job Duties: 

Lead groups of campers ages 4-12 in an outdoor setting (camps are outside 80% of the day)

• Includes daily camp set up, clean up, and record keeping
• Manage camper’s behavior
• Maintain clear communication with parents and other education staff about: behavioral or physical issues, dress code, materials to bring to camp
• Lead nature-based programs on and off grounds which includes scouting areas in advance for potential hazards and inspecting equipment; areas such as the zoo, nature trails, and play park
• Manage youth volunteers helping with camp
• Act as camp runner

Deliver and assist with education presentations to the public including both on and off grounds

• Lead weekend public programming:  exhibit interpretation, public animal feedings (alligators, aviary, petting zoo), and handling ambassador animals 
• Assist Educators II & III with off grounds presentations and youth overnights (sometimes utilizing education animals)

Work with Ambassador Animals

• Handle for on and off grounds presentations
• Provide occasional care for Ambassador Animals including small mammals, reptiles, small raptors, amphibians, and invertebrates

Record and relay information such as program attendees, animals’ usage, and animal behavior to appropriate authority or location (husbandry staff, supervisory education staff, and/or logged on computer)

QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of post-secondary education in a related field, three seasons, or two years of experience
• Preferred experience, outdoor nature camps, zoo camps, or recreation camps
• Must be comfortable with public speaking
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from sister sites (less than 10 miles from location to location)
• Proof of tetanus vaccination within 10 years prior to hire or willingness to be vaccinated upon hire
• Fully Vaccinated and boosted for COVID 19 is recommended but not required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Must be able to lift 25 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally.  Must be able to work outdoors for 90% of the day in all-weather conditions; be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, animal fur, hair, and dander.  

How to apply:

Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to the Director of Education, Jackie Entz, at jentz@chehaw.org