Summer Camp Assistant (Seasonal)

Position Title:          Summer Zoo Camp Assistant

Department:          EdVenture

Reports to:             Community Programs Supervisor and Director of EdVenture Programs

Supervises:           None

FLSA Status:            Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Summer Zoo Camp Assistant is a role model for excellent communication with camp families, age appropriate group management, engaging interpretation skills, and exemplary developmentally appropriate practices.  The Summer Zoo Camp Assistant will be able to teach and mentor newly hired and current Summer Zoo Camp Mentors on expanding techniques of effectively working with children of all ages. This position includes walking, spending time outside in all weather and working with children on a daily basis. The Summer Zoo Camp Assistant is counted on to assist Summer Camp Mentors in proper implementation of Summer Zoo Camp curriculum, policies, and procedures, in support of the Zoo’s mission “to connect people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action.” This position takes a leadership role in all aspects of Summer Camp including communicating with parents, coordinating check-in and check-out each day, supporting Summer Camp Mentors and teenage volunteers, fine-tuning curriculum, as well as maintaining supplies and inventories.  The successful candidate for this position will have a personality and attitude that fosters a friendly environment by proactively engaging our camp staff, campers and their parents.

The Summer Zoo Camp Assistant works 30-40 hours per week from May-August, and is required to work the duration of that time. Up to one week of requested time off will be allowed. Some heavy lifting and extended time standing will be required. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong communication skills.
• Previous experience working in a children’s camp setting.
• Interpretive teaching skills to capture interest of children and adults. Excellent oral presentation skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Experience working with children (Pre-K to middle school).
• Proof of first aid and CPR training required in application.
• Coursework in environmental education or outdoor leadership.
• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and criminal background check.
• Must be able to provide proof that you can legally work in the United States.
• Must have a high attention to detail.
• Take ownership and pride in responsibilities.
• Ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of children, animals, guests and organization.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work at a fast pace while still paying attention to details.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Works closely with Community Programs Supervisor and the Lead Camp Mentor in supporting Summer Camps, including Summer Camp Mentors, Interns and teenage volunteers.
• Present exceptional and dynamic interpretive programs featuring live animals, biofacts, games, crafts, and on-site zoo hikes on our nature trail.
• Maintains inventories and monitors use and inventories of supplies such as t-shirts and craft supplies.
• Lead camp groups as a mentor if needed.
• Oversees check-in and check-out procedures each camp day.
• Identify and demonstrate conservation efforts for all education programs.
• Ability to multi-task and pay attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure discretion with confidential information.
• Maintains courteous, helpful and professional behavior on the job. Will support the success of the entire team by promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Adheres to all CMZoo Policies and Procedures, CMZoo Safety Policies and Procedures, USDA guidelines and OSHA safety guidelines.
• Consistently contributes to problem-solving and cooperates with identified resolutions.
• Must demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
• Brings issues and process improvement ideas to the attention of the Supervisor.
• Maintains verbal and written skills required for the position.
• Completes trainings as required.
• Adheres to Company Dress Code Policy. Always “Zoo Crisp!”
• Demonstrates appropriate level of time management in support of co-workers and the entire team.
• Represent the Zoo in a professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.                 

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:

To include but not limited to the following:

• Assist and implement interpretive programs for Pre-K through teenagers.
• Assist in overseeing teenage volunteer(s) in our Zoo Crew program.
• Create and present exceptional and dynamic interpretive programs that may feature live animals, biofacts, games, crafts, and on-site zoo hikes on our nature trail.
• Identify and demonstrate conservation efforts for all Summer Zoo Camp programs.
• Complete internal training programs necessary to working with children of all ages.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of program facilities at all times.
• Ensure the safety of all program participants.
• Assists with preparation of Summer Zoo Camp programs.
• Must be able to work with our experienced staff of environmental educators to further develop their educational and interpretive skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Must be a self-starter, take initiative, possess a high level of multi-tasking ability under high degree of pressure and be able to work with limited supervision.

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Must be a cooperative and collaborative member of the team and able to handle interruptions and requests for information and assistance from employees with an attitude of good customer service. 

Works with Community Programs Supervisor, Lead Camp Mentor, Zoo volunteers and guests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Requirements - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; lift heavy objects; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk, see, hear and smell.  Responsible for handling all types of animals, engaging guests in animal husbandry practices or interpretive programs. The employee is occasionally required to reach and stretch with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to endure extremes in temperature and may work in hazardous environments where personal protective equipment is required. Requires full range of body motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination; requires the ability to use department equipment, to communicate effectively; requires standing, walking, sitting (possibly for long periods of time) and performing repetitive tasks (including working on the computer) for up to the entire work day; requires the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds using appropriate body mechanics.
• Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements - Requires corrected vision and hearing to within normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation.  
• Environmental Conditions – Working in a closed office environment and an outdoor environment.  Work space may be shared.  Working conditions may be noisy with fluctuating indoor and/or outdoor temperatures.  May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, substances and other conditions common to an office or Zoo environment.  Subject to exposure to animals or Guests which may have the potential for physical aggression. May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, bodily fluids, animal attack, communicable diseases, outdoor weather conditions and other conditions common in a Zoo environment. Subject to unpleasant odors. May be exposed to wet/humid/sunny conditions.

Pressure Factor - Requires working under stressful conditions. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled and recurring deadlines. The work week will contain 40 hours a week throughout the Summer Camp weeks. We do not guarantee a maximum/minimum number of hours as that is all dictated by the volume of programs we have on any given week throughout the year.