Educator, Camp KangaZoo/Teen Camp

Saint Louis Zoo•Saint Louis, MO

3d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

Camp KangaZoo is an outdoor day camp (four days and one evening) at the Zoo for children entering 2nd – 6th grade, and our Teen Camp is for youth entering 7th-9th grade (four days and one overnight.) Educators serve as camp counselors for Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp. Educators lead the activities, tours, logistic, educational, and youth-serving aspects of Camp, and work together to create a nurturing, safe 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, respectful and attentive to children; enthusiastic, team-oriented, flexible, willing to learn, and willing to be silly, with a sincere passion for wildlife and conservation education, who are dedicated to creating positive lasting connections between animals and children.

Requirements

High school diploma required, as well a minimum of 2 years of college or 2 years of experience in a similar educational facility (summer camp, school, etc.)
Experience teaching or working with groups of children age 7 – 14 in either a formal or informal setting.
Have skills and experience using positive techniques to guide children’s behavior and help them grow.
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.
Understand biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation concepts and environmental education theory and practice, and 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, organization, 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 be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, Epi-pen and AED use. Training provided if needed.
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.
All successful candidates for this position follow all Youth Protection Code of Conduct guidelines.
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.
Those scheduled for Teen Camp must be willing to stay outside overnight in hot, humid conditions, or inside in the same space as the campers; sleep on the ground or floor one night per week (no mattress,) and help with “night watch” shifts (stay awake from 11 p.m. -2:30 a.m. or 2:30 – 6 a.m.). Teen Camp occurs 5 weeks during the summer.
Educators are required to attend training Tuesday, May 26th – Saturday, May 30th and Monday - Friday, June 1st – June 5th from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and one evening, 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 May 26th.
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.

Nice To Haves

Camp experience helpful
Additional work opportunities may be available (not required) in April and May and after Camp during the school year on weekdays and weekends including overnights, scout programs, and special events.
If you don’t think you meet all of the criteria above but still are interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box—we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas and have interest and capabilities in others and a desire to grow and learn.

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 or Teen Camp the very best week of their summer
Lead crafts, activities, games, Zoo tours, songs and skits
Modify and lead activities and lessons so that the methods and messages are developmentally appropriate for your group of campers (different campers and age group each week).
Share responsibility with another Educator for a group of up to 16 children (18 in Teen Camp)
Get to know your campers and their individual needs, personalities, preferences, health/medical needs, interests, etc.
Supervise and attend to the needs of your campers every day
Use positive techniques to set the behavior expectations for your group and help campers meet those expectations with kindness, respect and consistency.
Help children with social interactions
Mentor and provide direction for an Assistant Educator and one or two Zoo ALIVE teen volunteers each week who help with your camper group.
Maintain the Camp area including setting up and cleaning up each day.
Model responsible conservation behavior