Summer Zoo Camp Instructor

Position Overview: The Summer Zoo Camp Instructors play a vital role in furthering Zoo Boise's wildlife conservation mission by facilitating engaging and interactive educational programs for children. They will utilize a multidisciplinary approach to instruct groups of 16-26 children ranging from Kindergarten to 6th grade.

Employer: Friends of Zoo Boise

Reports to: Education Program Coordinator

Schedule:

May 27-30: Orientation & Training, Tuesday – Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm

June 2 - August 8: Summer Camps (9 – 10 weeks), Monday – Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm (schedule may vary slightly depending on specific program, e.g. June 30-July 4).

Pay Rate: Full time/seasonal position; $15.50 per hour.

Job Duties:

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare classroom, teaching materials & supplies, and clean-up of pre-developed program activities.
• Implement lesson plans by delivering a creative, interactive, age-appropriate learning experience.
• Utilize the zoo and the surrounding park to introduce campers to animals and nature through science projects, art, games, exploration, and observation.
• Conduct camper check-in and check-out.
• May be responsible for handling small education animals for programs.
• Mentor ZooTeen camp assistants in the skills required to work successfully with young children.
• Leave campers with a greater sense of ecological wonder, connection, respect, and stewardship.

Requirements

• Communicates and interacts in a positive, professional, and team-oriented manner with various populations such as colleagues, volunteers, students, the general public, and organizational partners.
• Enthusiastic about working with children of all ages, abilities, and learning styles.
• Ability to work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and to traverse zoo property, bend, twist, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop, speak, and hear regularly for 8 hours per day.
• Committed to the wildlife conservation goals of Zoo Boise.
• Valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and reliable transportation.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Pass a criminal history background check.
• Negative TB test

Preferred Qualifications

• Pursuing (or has received a degree) in education, natural sciences, or related field
• Experience teaching informal classes or in a zoo/nature center/museum/camp environment

About Zoo Boise:  Zoo Boise is a 17-acre zoo located in beautiful Julia Davis Park of downtown Boise, Idaho. Our mission is to connect our visitors with animals to inspire and involve our community in the conservation of wildlife worldwide. It is home to over 300 animals from 100 species, receives 340,000 visitors annually and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Friends of Zoo Boise is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that supports Zoo Boise in the area of animal acquisition, capital improvement projects, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. The goal of each of these components is to increase public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the zoo, wild animals, animal habitats, species conservation, and the environment.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs., rarely lifting/carrying up to 35 lbs. Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 35 lbs. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and smell. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment: The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, in wet and humid conditions, with areas of dust, odors, mist, gases or other airborne matter.

To apply, send a cover letter, resumé, and three references by March 3, 2025 to: zooeducation@cityofboise.org

No phone calls, please.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.50 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16