Summer Camp Mentor (Seasonal)

POSITION SUMMARY: Summer Camp Mentors take a leading role in environmental education for preschoolers through 8th graders in the Zoo’s, summer camp programs. The goal of these programs is to instill and foster a lifelong love for nature and animals as well as introduce or develop lifelong passions for activities that tie youth directly to wildlife and/or wild places. Through live animal presentations, games, Zoo hikes and time with nature, camp mentors will help children provide a link between people and natural world. Promotes professional working relationships with both internal and external customers. This position is non-supervisory in nature. Adheres to and supports all organizational policies and procedures and standards. Promotes teamwork!

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (not to expire during summer camp program: May- August).
• Experience working with diverse audiences and varying group size, including children (Pre-K through high school) in a formal or informal educational setting is a plus.
• Willingness to work with children on a daily basis.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.
• This job requires great flexibility in work schedule with week day, evenings and occasional late nights as necessary to fulfill job duties and program requests.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external customers.
• 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.
• Computer efficiency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, internet and email.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, Zoo staff, and the public.
• Must have a high attention to detail. 
• Take ownership and pride in responsibilities.
• Possess the ability to organize and prioritize while working with strict deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and pay attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of children, animals, guests and organization.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to work alone or with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Ability to work at a fast pace while still paying attention to details.
• Superior customer service skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• 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 CM Zoo Policies and Procedures, CM Zoo 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.
• Attends meetings and participates in committees as required.
• 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.

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATIONS: To include but not limited to the following:

• Assist and implement interpretive programs for 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 education programs. 
• Complete internal training programs including youth protection.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of program facilities at all times.
• Ensure the safety of all program participants.
• Assists with preparation of new 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.