Assistant Educator, Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp

Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Part-Time/Seasonal
Hourly Rate: $15/hr.

Position Summary: Camp KangaZoo and Teen Camp are outdoor day camps (four days and one evening or overnight) at the Zoo for children entering 2nd – 6th grade (Camp KangaZoo) and 7th-9th grade (Teen Camp.) Assistant Educators help with many of the logistic, educational and youth-serving aspects of Camp, and help to create a nurturing 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, patient, enthusiastic, team-oriented, flexible, willing to learn and willing to be silly, but with a sincere passion for wildlife and conservation, who are dedicated to creating positive lasting connections between animals and children.

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/Teen Camp the best week of their summer.


• Assist the Camp Educators with activities, crafts, games, Zoo tours, skits and songs for campers


• Get to know campers and their individual needs, personalities, interests, etc.


• Help campers with social interactions


• Attend to the needs of the campers


• Maintain the Camp area including setting up and cleaning up each day


• Model conservation behavior


• Follow all of the Camp safety policies and procedures

Qualifications:

• Experience with children age 6 – 14.


• 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.


• Have an interest in biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation concepts and a 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 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 follow all Youth Protection Code of Conduct guidelines and other policies.


• 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.

Physical Demands: 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.

 Work Schedule: Educators are required to attend trainings from Tuesday, May 26, through Saturday, May 30, and Monday through Friday, June 1–5, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including evenings 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 June 1.

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.

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.

About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/ 

The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/

About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/