Lead Camp Counselor 2025

Summary: The Lead Counselor acts as the primary instructor and organizer for wildlife curriculum for children between the ages of 3 and 16, and up to 30 children per session.  They are the main point of contact with the education program coordinator and camp counselors regarding camp communication and all camp related activities. 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

• Collaborate with and lead counselors to carry out camp activities
  • Lead all camp meetings and planning sessions
  • Assist in planning weekly schedules prior to the start of camp
  • Independently lead both large and small group sessions (craft, game, lesson, animal care, and outdoor activities)
  • Facilitate and train camp staff to handle live animals and biofacts for teaching sessions
  • Maintain positive working relationship with other staff, volunteers, and campers
• Provides primary leadership and supervision of all campers and camp counselors
  • Lead camp counselors in daily transitions and tasks
  • Prepare counselors for leading activities and prep materials prior to the start of the camp day
  • Foster appreciation for nature and outdoor activities in campers
  • Observe and assess behavior for appropriateness and apply behavior management techniques and problem solving skills
  • Facilitate daily check in and check out of campers
• Communicate, interpret and enforce health and safety regulations and emergency protocols
  • Notify supervisor of 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
  • Apply conflict resolution skills amongst counselors and campers
  • 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
  • Lead daily/weekly cleaning, set up, and tear down of camp activities
• Personally commit to Ohio Wildlife Center’s core 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, two or more years required
• Experience with animals preferred
• Leadership experience in a cooperative, team-oriented atmosphere
• Mental and physical organizational skills
• Reliability in physical attendance and attitude towards others
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; including public speaking and conflict resolution
• 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 a 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 work day
• Exposure to weather/outdoor environment
• Work with/near mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds
• Regular exposure to animal dander, fur, feathers and debris