Early Child Education Programs - Camp STEM Activity Coordinator (Seasonal)

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Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing the highest level of quality customer service and extraordinary guest experiences with top-quality programming to participants to further BZC’s mission of inspiring conservation leadership.

2025 Summer Camp dates are: June 9th - August 8th. There is no camp the week of July 4th. Camp staff training will take place the week of June 2nd. The anticipated start date for this role is May 25th to start making preparations for Camp. The typical scheduled hours for camp staff are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; until 5:00 p.m. for aftercare. Each staff member typically gets assigned one week of aftercare coverage. Further information about camp programs can be found here. The pay rate for this position is $21.15 per hour (pay grade S009A). The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the seasonal employees section): Benefits Table and/or details also provided below after the job description information.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

1. *Deliver engaging STEM activities to Zoo Campers (designed for pre-K through 8th grade campers), including set up, execution, and clean up.
2. *Work with the Manager of Early Childhood Education to curate STEM activities.
3. *Partner with Camp Inclusion Specialist to plan for accommodation of participants with special needs.
4. *Facilitate program/activity development, prototyping, and documentation.
5. *Organize all daily supplies for activities.
6. *Maintain open communication on an ongoing basis with parents and/or guardians of program participants regarding questions, concerns, discipline issues, daily activities, etc.
7. *Assist program participants with all activities, games, and projects that relate to the designated program themes.
8. Direct and/or delegate Seasonal Camp Counselor Assistants to complete tasks as appropriate.
9. Other related duties as assigned.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or two years of college education in any area of Science or Science Education, Ecology, Environmental Education, Education, or related field required or four years’ equivalent combination of relevant training and/or experience required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
• One year or more paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
• Must have demonstrated ability to facilitate STEM activities.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills required.
• Must be an enthusiastic and flexible team player and able to work in a stimulating environment.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work with guests effectively.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of college education in any area of Science or Science Education, Ecology, Environmental Education, Education, or related field required or eight years’ equivalent combination of relevant training and/or experience required.
• Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus.
• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Ability to integrate STEM with creative art extensions a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent Brookfield Zoo Chicago in an appropriate and professional manner to campers, families of enrolled campers and Zoo guests. Must have a genuine interest in nature and animals. Must be willing and able to learn play facilitation skills. Incumbent must display a positive attitude and be a positive role model to program participants and provide a fun and positive learning environment for program participants including school-aged children. Pre-school camp is for children 4 and 5-years old. School-age camp is for children in grades K–5. Incumbent may be scheduled to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, overnights, and weekends typically in the fall and spring. Camp programs run from June through August, training takes place in May. The work schedule for Zoo Camp is generally Monday through Friday, 7 to 8 hours per day, based on camper enrollment. All schedules are based on the needs of the operation.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

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BENEFIT INFORMATION:
www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits. Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Seasonal Employees
Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $21