Camp Counselor

Duties Under the direction of the Children and Family Programs Coordinator and the Manager of School and Family Programs, seasonal Camp Counselors facilitate summer camp programs June-August. Counselors will take an active role in all camp activities and interact with children ages 3 to 15, volunteers, staff and Zoo guests. Counselors will perform camp-related duties such as implementing educational lessons, keeping campers engaged with related age-appropriate games and activities, formal and informal interactions with campers and Zoo guests, educational interpretation of the animal collection, staffing before and after-care programs, and assisting with logistics.

Educators are the ambassadors of the Zoo’s mission: conservation, education, science and recreation. Candidates should be available May 29 – August 17, 2012, including Wednesday July 4th.

• Within a provided framework, implement high energy, cognitively appropriate and non-discriminatory lesson plans, developed by Zoo staff, which align with the Zoo’s mission.
• Provide an enhanced camper experience through positive interactions with the students and teambuilding activities within the camp.
• Create a safe and rewarding program for every camper. Implement an effective educational experience, which demonstrates consistent conservation messages.
• Possess knowledge of all exhibit policies, procedures and animal safety issues.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Zoo’s animal collection and specific knowledge of Zoo grounds.
• Consistently demonstrate a positive and welcoming demeanor in interactions with guests, camp participants, staff and volunteers.

Requirements

• Working towards or holds a degree in Education, Biology, or related field.
• Past experience working with children is essential.
• Ability to work accurately and problem-solve while remaining calm under stressful conditions, including emergency situations.
• Capacity to learn detailed information about the Zoo’s animal collection and exhibits.
• Possess excellent customer service skills; ability to communicate effectively with campers, parents, supervisors and co-workers.
• Display a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Exhibit excellent presentation skills and the ability to provide engaging demonstrations to camp audiences of different ages and sizes.
• Capability to provide age appropriate supervision and instruction in all settings and activities.
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and daily assigned responsibilities and ability to work well with a large and diverse team of campers, volunteers and staff.
• Display excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel. Experience with photography, video, GIS a plus.
• Successful completion of post-offer FBI Fingerprinting and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.

Availability Candidates should be available May 29 – August 17, 2012, including Wednesday July 4th.

All applications received by human resources will receive an acknowledgement. However, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted directly.