Instructor, ZooCamp

Oakland Zoo • Oakland, CA

1d • $23 - $25 • 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. Instructors play a distinct role in setting the tone for camp and will be assigned a single age group for the duration of the summer. This role involves leading zoo tours and activities, supervising campers, and ensuring the overall well-being of all participants. Instructors 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 26 -August 7, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, including with youth in grades K-8.
• Experience with scientific literacy, scientific concepts, and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills such as high emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others.
• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas.
• Physically able to navigate uneven terrain.
• Comfort being in front of a group.
• Willingness to be silly and add your voice and personality to the ZooCamp culture.
• Must be 18+ years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical requirement: Negative TB test within the last 2 years

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with animals, in a zoo/nature center/museum and/or in outdoor/environmental education
• Nonviolent communication training/experience
• Background in education, biology, zoology, ecology, climate change, and/or environmental science, which can include a BA or college credits
• Knowledge of local plant and animal species and ecosystems

Responsibilities

• Supervise a group of up to 10 campers, ensuring the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all campers in accordance with the ZooCamp Mission.
• Lead various camp activities, such as Zoo tours, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and safe.
• Assist in maintaining a positive and inclusive camp environment.
• Monitor campers' behavior and ensure campers follow camp rules and regulations and address any issues promptly in accordance with the ZooCamp behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the ZooCamp Program Manager.
• Assist in implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols, administering first aid as needed.
• Communicate effectively with campers and their caregivers about both challenges and successes.
• Work collaboratively with fellow camp staff and other Zoo departments, such as Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, Guest Services and Administration.
• Mentor 1-2 Teen Assistants (“TAs”), delegating tasks and providing opportunities for them to take on leadership opportunities in the group.
• Assist with camp setup and cleanup.
• Fill out weekly evaluations for the Lead Instructor in your group.

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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED