What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp Program Lead position at Naples Zoo Inc?

Job Description

CAMP PROGRAM LEAD

Position Information :

May 01, 2025 – August 31, 2025 (start / end dates may be flexible)

The workweek is Monday – Friday, the workday varies from 8 : 00 am – 5 : 00 pm, based on camper enrollment.

Position Summary :

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is seeking an enthusiastic individual to assist in the oversight and facilitation of our Camp WILD summer camp program. The purpose of this position is to assist the Camp Program Supervisor in the daily operational and programming needs as well as camp staff and camp participants. Camp WILD engages children in thematic conservation education programming : art, activities, games, tours, exclusive experiences and animal encounters that support the mission of Naples Zoo. Candidates eligible for hire must be available for all weeks of the Camp WILD summer program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Assist in preparing materials for camp activities and lessons.
Assist the Camp Program Supervisor in the training of Camp Counselors and operational program needs.
Assist and support camp staff in managing campers throughout the day, and activities in the classroom and in the zoo such as before / after care, pick-up, drop-off, lunchtime activities, zoo tours, animal encounters, art, games, etc.
Maintain open and honest communication with camp adults regarding questions, concerns, behavior, medical etc. on a daily basis.
Monitor camper check-in / check-out with the support of the Camp Program Supervisor and the Education Experience Coordinator.
Promptly document and report all camper related issues, safety, repairs, and hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, camper behavior, incidents, illness and emergencies.
Maintain and organize program supplies inventory (art materials, t-shirts, program equipment, etc.) and ensure preparation of all supplies needed for daily activities.
Complete assigned responsibilities including camp set-up, clean-up, program maintenance, and a tidy working-order classroom.
Take photos of campers and activities in accordance with established policies and utilize the Homeroom app to create educational and engaging posts to connect camp families as needed.
Enthusiastically engage campers ages 5 – 10 years old by leading creative, unique, educational and environmental, conservation focused curriculum through techniques, including investigation, exploration, and inquiry in the absence of camp counselors.
Supervise camp staff in the absence of the Camp Program Supervisor and oversee the daily camp operation and program.
Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport ensuring a fun, safe, and engaging learning environment for the campers.
Adhere to all policies, including but not limited to safety, programs, building management etc.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Candidates are required to be at least 18 years of age.

Willingness to support organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with children in our camps.

Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire.

An active CPR certification & first aid training is preferred. If CPR certification is not obtained prior to hire date, CPR certification will be offered within 14 days at zoo’s expense.

Must be present and able to attend all required training, program weeks, and program clean-up.

Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, flexible, and the ability to provide exceptional guest service.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.

Willingness to work around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have an enthusiasm for children and wildlife.

Highly motivated, energetic, is a team player, and has a positive attitude.

Ability to speak appropriately, comfortably, and confidently in front of groups of various sizes and ages.

Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that arise.

Have the ability to establish positive and productive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

Proven ability to interact with other staff, guests, and / or volunteers, and to maintain an energetic and positive attitude.

Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests or complaints from guests and / or staff in a kind and courteous manner.

Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Needs to be able to think logically and solve problems with little or no guidance.

Ability to work independently and follow direction from the Camp Program Supervisor, Education Programs Supervisor or other supervisory staff.

Education and / or Experience :

Candidates must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent.

A minimum of two years of college coursework or professional experience in a related field; education, environmental education, psychology, ecology, biology, or zoology is preferred.

Experience working with elementary-aged children in formal / informal settings is required.

Experience working in / with Microsoft products and Google is required.

Experience working in / with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and / or combination thereof is preferred.

Experience in a leadership role or supervising interns or volunteers is preferred.

Experience working in environments with or around live animals and plants is a plus.

Multi-lingual is a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

Valid Driver’s License

Physical requirements :

The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, walk moderate distances, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

Must be able to play actively with children on their level, bend over, stand for extensive periods of time and move quickly when necessary.

Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (at times temperatures exceeding 90 degrees).

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

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