Camp Operations Assistant

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Summer Safari Camp Operations Assistant provides responsible care and ensures a safe environment for camp participants by facilitating pre-written camp programming, supporting Summer Safari Captains and Instructors, and executing daily operations and logistics in collaboration with the Camp Admin team.  This position advances the mission of DZCA through the support of programs that build foundational connections to nature for students, developing interest in and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.

All applicants must be available for mandatory training: Saturday, May 10th- 9 am-12:30 pm (Virtual); Monday-Friday, May 12th-May 23rd- 4 pm-7 pm (Virtual); Saturday, May 17th & May 24th- 9 am-5:30 pm (In-person). Summer Safari runs May 28 – August 8, 2025, Monday-Friday. 

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Provide classroom support as Instructor or Captain, depending on designated daily needs, including the following:  
  • Facilitate science and conservation learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs.   
  • Demonstrate flexibility to alter teaching style or method to best meet the needs of participants and adapt curricula to changing circumstances when necessary.  
  • Lead after-camp Late Care program; Ensure safety protocols and procedures.  
• Prepare, maintain, and clean up program materials and supplies. 

Program Operations

• Support camp logistics tasks, as assigned, including caregiver communication at the operations desk, reconciling daily attendance, assisting with late drop-offs and early pick-ups for campers, and responding to in-the-moment needs.  
• Support weekly medications check-in and check-out for campers.  
• Problem-solve and resolve challenges and opportunities, including behavioral, health, and other camper-related issues in collaboration with the Camp Admin team.  Draft and deliver incident and behavioral reports to parents/caregivers as needed and appropriate.  
• Attend weekly instructor meetings and support the instructor team in implementing camp curriculum and activities.

Communication

• Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust the use of language to participants’ level. 
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all other DZCA staff members, volunteers, camp participants, and their parents/caregivers.   
• Proactively communicate with program leadership about program needs and concerns. Provide timely feedback as part of program evaluation and reporting efforts. 
• Represent DZCA to the community professionally and positively. Model outstanding customer service and engagement with program participants and caregivers. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Camp Admin in adherence to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals. Other assistance, as designated by the Camps Admin team, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.  DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public. 

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience; candidates must be 18 years of age.
• Academic, work, volunteer, or internship experience with elementary – middle school-aged students/children is required; demonstrated customer service experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires a high level of patience, ability to respond well under pressure, and adaptability to daily tasks and priorities. 
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate DZCA’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism. 

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• This position requires the ability to work in outdoor conditions and hot weather for up to 7 hours of the day.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Schedule Availability: All applicants must be available for mandatory training: Saturday, May 10th- 9 am-12:30 pm (Virtual); Monday- Friday, May 12th-May 23rd- 4 pm-7 pm (Virtual); Saturday, May 17th & May 24th- 9 am-5:30 pm (In-person). Summer Safari runs May 28 – August 8, 2025, Monday – Friday. Position varies between 24-40 hours/week, with daily hours varying between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

• Work Location: On campus.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $20.00.

Benefits

This is a seasonal position and as such is not eligible for benefits at this time; however sick time is accrued.

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: March 10th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately.  Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org