Summer Camp Support Specialist

Position Title: Summer Camp Support Specialist

Department: Learning and Engagement

Reports To: Learning Programs Manager

Location: Audubon Zoo 

Position Type: Full Time Temporary 

Who We Are 

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do 

Summer Camp Support Specialists (“Camp Support”) provide operational, classroom, and behavioral support for Audubon Nature Institute summer camps. Support specialists may act as mentors for Instructors and Counselors-in-Training (teen volunteers). These positions are ideal for folks who enjoy working with children, are interested in camp administration and operations, and have prior experience with managing groups of children in a classroom, camp, or other educational environment.

Support specialists will work one of the two available shift times: 

•    7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (camp & before care support)

•    9:30a.m.-6 p.m. (camp & after care support)

Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks starting the first week of June with no camp the week of July 4th. There are also mandatory in person training days during the last week of May before camp starts.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

•    Working collaboratively with camp staff, management, and volunteers to deliver engaging camp programming

•    Supervising campers entering Kindergarten through 7th grade throughout the camp day including during scheduled activities such as animal encounters, playground time, and Cool Zoo 

•    Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating Counselors-in-Training (teen volunteers entering 8th through 12th grade)

•    Following established policies and protocols and guidance from camp management

•    Providing classroom support for instructors, including substituting as a classroom lead instructor or assistant instructor as needed, supporting during scheduled activities and 1:1 camper support for various behavioral needs

•    Reviewing class rosters and checking attendance, utilizing camper information with discretion

•    Completing and submitting daily notes and reports

•    Ensuring classroom and camp supplies are stocked and replenished

•    Preparing and delivering daily camp activities

•    Communicating camper and programming needs or concerns to Camp Management in a timely manner

•    Supporting before & after care operations as assigned 

Additional/Overall Skills:

•    Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

•    Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

•    Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

•    Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

•    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.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: (required for the role)

•    Be at least 18 years of age or older

•    1 years working with children in a camp, classroom, or other formal/informal environment

•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds

•    Demonstrated experience instructing children in a formal or informal educational setting

Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)

•    Demonstrated experience with program operational or administrative support

•    Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring peers

•    Knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues

•     Experience or certification working with children with behavioral support needs  

Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)

Physical Demands:

o    Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.

o    Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.

o    Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds. 

o    Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.

o    Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

Environmental Conditions:

o    May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity

o    Works effectively in a moderately noisy office

o    Constant contact with co-workers required

o    Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required

o    Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required