Seasonal Camp Counselor

This is a seasonal entry-level position in the Education division of our Animal Care department. The primary responsibility of this position is facilitating camp curriculum, including activities, hands-on animal interactions, and arts and crafts for elementary school aged campers. They will assist with before and after-care supervision, lunch supervision, check-in/out, and craft preparation. This position is expected to work well within a team and to enthusiastically deliver hands-on educational information to campers. Position requires the supervision of the children enrolled in the seasonal program by implementing daily activities and ensuring the safety and physical well-being of the campers. A positive attitude, interest in animals and conservation, and a passion for education are key to being successful in this position. Counselors are expected to be available from beginning June to the end of July. Must be able to attend a mandatory week of training sessions in June.

Key Responsibilities of the Seasonal Camp Counselor:

• Enthusiastically engage campers by leading them through animal care, environmental, and conservation education lessons related to the camp’s daily/weekly theme.
• Lead Zoo tours, hands-on projects, games and activities for elementary school aged children.
• Supervise and motivate groups of 15-20 children per week, including managing group behavior, acting as a positive role model.
• Facilitate extended-care games and activities with campers.
• Document all camp issues as needed, including camper behavior and incidents.
• Complete assigned responsibilities including set-up, clean-up, and program maintenance.
• Assist with daily check-in and check-out .
• Supervise lunchtime activities.
• Build and maintain a good working rapport with co-workers, campers, and parents.
• Work in a team environment, creating a safe and fun experience for children.
• Help maintain clean and safe spaces and follow all safety protocols.
• Other duties as needed, including cooperation with departments.

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have experience working with animals or children.
• Must be comfortable with engaging guests, public speaking. and professional writing.

Education:

• Preference will be given to candidates who are pursuing an education in conservation, zoology, biology, animal science or related field.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, scanner, phone and copy machine.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding work several hours a day.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Occasional lifting of varying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information. Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
• Ensure that areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites. and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.

Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. Comfort with public speaking. High attention to detail. Ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of children, animals, guests, and the organization. Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Able to respond to campers throughout the day maintaining a positive and supportive environment. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and the campers.

Hours:This is a seasonal position with required availability from the beginning of June and the end of July. Working hours for this position range from 7 am to 5:30 pm, depending on scheduled responsibilities. (Allowances may be made for part time hours)

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: From $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12