Camp Educator (Seasonal)

Date Posted: October 2, 2019
Type: Seasonal

Job Details

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Under the direction of the Onsite Class and Camp Manager, Camp Educators will facilitate Summer Safari Camps, which are weekly themed day camps scheduled throughout the summer months. Children ages 3 years through 7^th grade may participate in Summer Safari Camps. Camp Educators will promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; and create a positive learning experience for children.

This is a seasonal position with both three-quarter time and full-time opportunities. Three-quarter time employees must be available to work between 28-33 hours per week. Days of the work week will be Monday-Friday. Dates of employment May 18-August 17, 2020.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Present engaging programming for students attending summer camps (age range 3 years-7^th grade)
Develop curriculum under the guidance of the Onsite Class and Camp Manager
Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
Organize classroom spaces, materials and supplies before and after camps
Gain an in-depth knowledge of materials available for programming including, but no limited to: animal artifacts, zoo exhibits, staff and other zoo resources
Make sure all necessary supplies and documentation are accounted for
Ability to work with and direct teen volunteers that assist with camps

Requirements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May be assigned teen volunteers, “Zoo Crew”

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience or a strong desire to work with children
Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus.
Available to work a flexible schedule Monday-Friday between the hours of 7 am-6 pm
Must be 18 years or older
Must be able to pass a background check
Ability to provide own housing – Blank Park Zoo does not provide housing

COMPETENCIES

Educators must be creative, enthusiastic and hardworking individuals with a strong interest in environmental education.
Individuals should aspire to teach children about the natural world through hands-on inquiry, zoo tours and animal related activities.
Educators will encourage active involvement and help children develop a sense of wonder for wildlife and wild places.
Educators must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships to grow and develop team members. Must know and practice SWEET leadership values.
Educators must be able to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Progress toward a degree or recently graduated from a college or university majoring in education, environmental interpretation, theater, biology, zoology or related field.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are required. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate to all ages of children, parents and staff.

COMPUTER SKILLS

All normal computer business skills required (Google – Drive/Docs/Sheets/Forms). Must be able to effectively operate an iPad on a daily basis.

CERTIFICATES

Iowa motor vehicle license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

Ability to bend, twist, lift >20 pounds

Ability to walk on uneven surfaces such as hills, grass, mud, gravel, etc.

Ability to be outside in all weather including extreme heat and rain

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

Ability to function in all types of weather. The majority of the job involves being outside.