The primary responsibility of a Camp Floater position at the Blank Park Zoo is to provide support and help maintain staff coverage for summer camp programs. This includes interacting with the campers (ages 3-12), assisting with the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, creating unique educational opportunities and providing information about our animals and exhibits. The Camp Floater is responsible for ensuring guest and animal safety, while assisting with summer camp and working in various public positions throughout the Zoo.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervise the safety and well-being of campers during camp Before/After Care
Supervise camp lunches
Act as a substitute in the event Lead or Assistant Counselors are absent
Serve as a 1:1 for campers with special needs
Serve as a role model for our summer campers, working to ensure they have a safe and fun camp environment all summer long
Interact with parents, guardians, staff and guests in a professional manner
Report suggestions and observations to supervisors
Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to Summer Safari Camps
Assists with camper drop off and pick up
Work with and supervise volunteers

Competencies

Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics related to modern zoological management, operations of an attraction and customer service.
Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills.
Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
Innovative – Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern.
Efficient – Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner.
Customer-oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with m many different types of people and situations.
Team Player – Collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for camp activities. The incumbent will be required to spend significant parts of the day with children. The noise level is moderate.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described 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 successfully perform the essential functions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☒ Never          ☐ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally         ☒ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally          ☒ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally       ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐ Never      ☐ Occasionally          ☒ Constantly

Driving.
☒ Never        ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling –
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally          ☒ Constantly

Reaching with hands and arms.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally         ☒ Constantly

Tasting or smelling.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Vision
☒ Close vision; ☒Distant vision; ☒ Color vision; ☒ Peripheral vision; ☒Depth perception; ☒ Ability to adjust focus

Lifting Requirement.
☒ > than 50 pounds ☐ Up to 50 pounds ☐ Up to 40 pounds ☐ Up to 25 pounds ☐ Up to 10 pounds

Required education and experience

One season of paid experience working directly with children.
Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus.

Additional eligibility requirements

Must be 18 years or older.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo
Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid motor vehicle license
Ability to obtain:
- Universal Precautions
- Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART)

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking, and seek fulfilling employment. In return, Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.