Inclusion Specialist, ZooCamp

Oakland Zoo • Oakland, CA

1d • $27 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

ZooCamp is a summer day camp program for kids entering grades K-8th Grade, run by the Learning & Engagement Department at the Oakland Zoo. The ZooCamp Inclusion Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to ensure that all campers feel valued, supported, and have equal opportunities to participate in camp activities. The ZooCamp Inclusion Specialist will report directly to the ZooCamp Program Manager.  ZooCamp Mission Statement: ZooCamp is a space where life is celebrated and nurtured. We respect the diversity of life we find reflected in our people, our plants, and our animals. Our goal at ZooCamp is to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment in which campers and staff alike develop and practice our skills of communication, compassion, and scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration, play, and community-building, campers will deepen their connections to themselves, each other, and our natural world. Dates: May 1 -August 7, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, which must include 1 year of experience working with students in grades K-8 in special education, or as a personal aid in a similar learning environment
• Experience working in a collaborative team 
• High emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others
• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas
• Must be 18+ years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Medical requirement: Negative TB test within the last 2 years
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
• Able to stand, walk, and sometimes other types of physical movement (run, dance, etc) when playing with campers.
• Able to carry things such as a backpack or a wagon from place to place.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 35 lbs or more.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Nice To Haves

• Credits or BA/Certification in Special Education, California Special Education Teaching Credential , Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or similar
• Nonviolent communication training/experience.
• Interest and passion for wildlife conservation and informal science education.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements comprehensive inclusion plans for the camp program, which includes up to 164 campers per week.
• Identifies and addresses potential barriers to inclusion for campers with neurological or physical differences or from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborates with camp staff to ensure that all activities and accommodations are accessible to all campers.
• Provides training to camp staff on inclusive practices and strategies, specifically for working with neurodivergent campers.
• Fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect among camp staff.
• Works with campers and their families to develop individualized support plans, as needed.
• Steps in as a substitute instructor if there are excessive callouts.
• Acts as a point of contact for any personal support people (such as paraprofessionals) assisting campers in a 1:1 capacity.
• Provides direct support to campers during camp activities, as necessary.
• Maintains open and effective communication with parents, campers, and staff about campers’ experience and needs at camp.
• Prepares weekly camper reports and creates a plan with Instructors and Lead Instructors to support campers’ individual needs.
• Monitors campers' behavior and ensures campers follow camp rules and regulations; addresses any issues promptly in accordance with the ZooCamp behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the ZooCamp Program Manager.

Benefits

• Oakland Zoo offers seasonal and part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership.
• They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED