Camp Counselor (Summer)

Naples Zoo Inc•Naples, FL

9d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens is seeking enthusiastic individuals to facilitate our Camp WILD summer camp programs. The purpose of this position is to inspire and teach children to appreciate wildlife and the natural world. Naples Zoo prides itself on its mission to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and conserve wildlife and the natural world. Camp WILD engages children in thematic conservation education programming: art, activities, games, tours, exclusive experiences and animal encounters that support the mission of Naples Zoo. Candidates eligible for hire must be available for the all weeks of the summer Camp WILD program.

Requirements

Candidates are required to be at least 18 years of age.
Willingness to support the organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with children in our camps.
Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire – all testing will be offered at the Zoo’s expense.
Must be present and able to attend all required training, program weeks, and clean-up.
Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, flexible, and the ability to provide exceptional guest service.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Willingness to work around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have an enthusiasm for children and wildlife.
Highly motivated, energetic, is a team player, and has a positive attitude.
Ability to speak appropriately, comfortably, and confidently in front of groups of various sizes and ages.
Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that arise.
Have the ability to establish positive and productive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
Proven ability to interact with other staff, guests, and/or volunteers, and to maintain an energetic and positive attitude.
Ability to work independently and follow direction from the Camp Programs Supervisor, Education Programs Supervisor, and/or the Director of Education.
Candidates must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Needs to be able to think logically and solve problems with little or no guidance.
Valid Florida driver’s license or valid state driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

An active CPR certification & first aid training is preferred. If not obtained prior to hire date, CPR certification will be offered within 14 days at the Zoo’s expense.
Experience working in/with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and/or combination thereof is a preferred.
Experience in a leadership role or supervising interns or volunteers is a plus.
Candidates with a minimum of one year of college coursework or professional experience in a related field; education, environmental education, psychology, ecology, biology, or zoology is preferred.
Experience working with elementary aged children in formal/informal settings is preferred.
Experience working in environments with live animals is a plus.
Multi-lingual is a plus.

Responsibilities

Enthusiastically engage campers ages 5 – 10 years old by leading creative, unique, educational and environmental, conservation focused curriculum through techniques, including investigation, exploration, and inquiry.
Provide mission-based zoo tours, animal encounters, arts, games, and activities that support animals, plants, wildlife, and conservation.
Conducts all activities in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums and organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.
Provide excellent guest service to all campers, caregivers, guests, teams, and co-workers.
Adhere to all policies, including but not limited to safety, programs, cleaning etc.
Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport ensuring a fun, safe, and engaging learning environment for the campers.
Promptly document and report all camper related issues; safety, repairs, and hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, camper behavior, incidents, and emergencies.
Complete assigned responsibilities including camp set-up, clean-up, program maintenance, and a tidy working-order classroom.
Supervise campers, camp counselor interns, and education volunteers with direction and support from the Camp Programs Supervisor.
Utilize appropriate classroom management and supervision while managing the campers throughout the day; pick-up, drop-off, daily schedule, and lunchtime activities.
Organize and prepare all daily supplies for activities including free play, arts, and games.
Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to summer camp.
Perform other duties as assigned.