Day Camp Counselor 2025

Summary: The Day Camp Counselor provides leadership and coordination for all wildlife camp activities.  They act as primary instructors for wildlife curriculum for children between the ages of 3 and 16, and up to 30 children per session.  They maintain a high level of professionalism in carrying out all duties and lesson plans and ensure a safe and positive, fun-filled environment for each camper.

Major Functions and Responsibilities

• Responsible for leadership and supervision of all campers
  • Prepare materials and lead campers through all camp activities
  • Foster appreciation for nature and outdoor activities in campers
  • Observe and assess behavior for appropriateness and apply behavior management techniques and problem- solving skills
• Collaborate with others in planning and executing scheduled activities
  • Actively participate in all camp meetings and planning sessions
  • Independently lead both large and small group sessions (craft, game, lesson, animal care, and outdoor activities)
  • Handle live animals and biofacts for teaching sessions
  • Maintain positive working relationship with other staff, volunteers, and campers
• Communicate, interpret and enforce health and safety regulations and emergency protocols
  • Notify supervisor of any and all child behavior problems, accidents or illness or anything that may require contacting parents for guidance
  • Understand and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations
  • Meet and communicate quickly with supervisor regarding concerns
  • Maintain constant focus on safe workplace practices
• Maintain campus cleanliness
  • Take regular inventory of supplies and provide requisitions to supervisor
  • Keep camp supplies and equipment clean, organized, and in good shape
  • Assist in daily/weekly cleaning, set up, and tear down of camp activities
• Personally commit to Ohio Wildlife Center’s values and organizational policies and procedures
• Works evenings and weekends as required
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Required Abilities and Skills

• Experience working with children, one or more years required
• The ability to work in a cooperative, team-oriented atmosphere as well as independently
• Reliability in physical attendance and attitude towards others
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; including public speaking
• Excellent character, integrity, adaptability, and willingness to take steps towards personal and professional growth
• Exhibits enthusiasm, patience, sense of humor, self-control and positive energy
• Understanding of and commitment to the role, policies, and mission of Ohio Wildlife Center and positively promote the organization’s programs and services
• Maintain professional appearance (includes wearing appropriate, well-kept uniform)
• Pass a State of Ohio and FBI background check
• CPR/First Aid certified by start of camp (provided during training)
• Completed at least one year of college and at least 18 years of age, or successful employment/ volunteer service in a leadership/children’s capacity at Ohio Wildlife Center or similar facility
• Possess a valid state Driver’s license and good driving record

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• The following physical requirements must be met by the candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
• Employee is regularly required to work on feet 80% of the workday
• Exposure to weather/outdoor environment
• Work with/near mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds
• Regular exposure to animal dander, fur, feathers and debris