Assistant Educator, Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp

Saint Louis Zoo • Saint Louis, MO

6d • $15 - $15 • Onsite

About The Position

Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp are outdoor day camps (four days and one evening or overnight) at the Zoo for children entering 2nd – 6th grade (Camp KangaZoo) and 7th-9th grade (Teen Camp.) Assistant Educators help with many of the logistic, educational and youth-serving aspects of Camp, and help to create a nurturing and fun environment. At Camp, we care for children from diverse backgrounds, foster appreciation for animals, increase understanding of animals and conservation topics, and inspire conservation action, in a fun and active camp environment at the Zoo. We are looking for team members who are positive, caring, patient, enthusiastic, team-oriented, flexible, willing to learn and willing to be silly, but with a sincere passion for wildlife and conservation, who are dedicated to creating positive lasting connections between animals and children.

Requirements

• Experience with children age 6 – 14.
• Courteous, patient, respectful and able to connect with children, adults and coworkers with a wide range of neurodiversities and from diverse financial, cultural, and racial backgrounds.
• Able to nurture a culture of inclusion and respect.
• Have an interest in biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation concepts and a desire to share the wonders of the natural world with children.
• Must be flexible and be able to work efficiently and effectively in a high-energy and ever-changing outdoor, public environment.
• Able to stay calm and function during stressful situations.
• Must possess excellent customer service and communication skills, and exemplify the Zoo’s values, as well as the Youth Programs Unit values of Initiative, Self-awareness, Teamwork, Eco-consciousness, Positivity, Understanding, and Professionalism (I STEP UP.)
• Must follow all Youth Protection Code of Conduct guidelines and other policies.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test.
• As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory.
• The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
• Must be willing and able to work outside daily in hot, humid, sunny, or rainy summer conditions, and walk/move around the Zoo up to 5-6 miles per day, and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Educators are required to attend trainings from Tuesday, May 26, through Saturday, May 30, and Monday through Friday, June 1–5, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including evenings if necessary.
• Must be available to work at Camp from June 8th – August 6th, except June 29th- July 3rd (no camp).
• Typical Camp hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Thursday evening 5-11 p.m.
• Teen Camp Educators also work overnight Thursday evening 5 p.m. – Friday morning 10 a.m.
• Additional Training and Zoo Orientation (virtual and in-person) will be required prior to June 1.
• If hired, you will be required to come to the Zoo in person to submit required paperwork before May 15th during Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. office hours.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team to create an educational, fun and safe environment for children with the goal of making their week at Camp KangaZoo/Teen Camp the best week of their summer.
• Assist the Camp Educators with activities, crafts, games, Zoo tours, skits and songs for campers
• Get to know campers and their individual needs, personalities, interests, etc.
• Help campers with social interactions
• Attend to the needs of the campers
• Maintain the Camp area including setting up and cleaning up each day
• Model conservation behavior
• Follow all of the Camp safety policies and procedures

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed