Lead Camp Counselor_ Franklin Park Zoo

Description 

The Lead Camp Counselor is responsible for assisting in making our summer ZooCamp program safe, fun, educational, and aligned to our mission. Specifically, the Lead Camp Counselor is to help the Camp Director prepare and execute all camp activities, crafts, games, animal encounters, tours through the Zoo, and all other aspects of ZooCamp. This applicant must be willing to lead and work well with other camp counselors, interns, volunteers, CITs and other staff. This position is for someone who is hardworking, enthusiastic, creative, and eager to learn and facilitate learning. The applicant must have prior experience that shows they have been successful engaging children with educational activities.  

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Assist in conducting all aspects of daily operations for our summer ZooCamp for ages 4-14, including modeling for other staff members. 

• Facilitate educational activities and games for up to 30 campers. 

• Assist with the preparation of schedules, activities, and crafts. This also includes cleaning the Camp space. 

• Lead before and/or after-care for up to 20 campers. 

• Seek to continue learning more about our animals at Franklin Park Zoo, to be able to better teach campers. 

• Provide guidance for other camp counselors about zoo interpretation based on knowledge of our zoo and animals. 

• Ability to communicate with Zoo guests and provide excellent customer service and positive interactions with all Zoo guests, employees, and camp families.  

• Fill in for the ZooCamp Director when needed. 

• Work collaboratively with other staff, Education volunteers, CITs, and interns. 

• Assume other duties as assigned by the ZooCamp Director. 

Minimum Job Requirements 

• Must be 18 years or older 

• Available to work a minimum of 40 hours per week (8 hours/day) Monday-Friday 

• Previous experience working with children such as, have at least four weeks experience as a junior counselor, have participated in structured group camping, or have at least four weeks experience in a supervisory role with children. 

• Ability to work with children of all ages 

• Outstanding customer service skills, both internal and external 

• Excellent oral presentation skills 

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team 

• A strong desire to share and support ZNE’s mission and goals to our campers 

• Reliable transportation to and from Franklin Park Zoo 

• Willingness to spend long periods of time outdoors 

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain 

• Must pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check 

• Must agree to abide by all Zoo New England regulations concerning safety and conduct 

Preferred Job Requirements 

• Previous experience in a leadership role 

• Previous camp experience as a camp counselor 

• Previous experience working with multiple age groups 

• Previous experience with kids in an educational setting 

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply 

• Preferred candidates are usually enrolled in, or have completed, an undergraduate program or studies in zoology, education, biology, or a related field, or they have related life experience 

• Current CPR / First Aid certification 

Hours, Location, and Term of Appointment 

Hours: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:30pm, 5 days/week, Monday – Friday 

Term: Maximum of 14.5 weeks, June 9 – August 22 

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

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