Camp Inclusion Specialist

Are you passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences for kids of all abilities? As a Camp Inclusion Specialist, you’ll be the go-to support for campers who need a little extra help, ensuring they feel happy, comfortable, and cared for. From facilitating fun Zoo tours and animal encounters to leading arts, crafts, and games, you'll inspire campers aged 4-17 to connect with nature while promoting the Zoo’s mission. If you’re ready to make a difference and create lasting smiles, we’d love to have you on our team! 🐾✨

Employment Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay Rate: $14.75/hr

Experience Required: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age with at least six (6) months of experience working with children of differing abilities to successfully perform the duties of the job.

Minimum Education Requirements: High School degree and college coursework in education, special education, recreation therapy, human development and family sciences, social work, or counseling.

Department: Conservation, Education, Science

Direct Supervisor: Assistant Director of Education

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0)

Primary Work Location: Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Other: This position is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and restricted registry checks. An employee in this position is required to complete CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.

Job Summary: The Camp Inclusion Specialist position provides direct support to campers who need assistance while at camp. This includes facilitating support for mental, emotional, physical, and social health needs, with the aim of helping everyone to feel safe, happy, and comfortable while ensuring the supervision and safety of campers at all times. This position assists with engaging campers using environmental and conservation education lessons that support the Zoo’s mission, vision and values. Camp activities include: Zoo tours, animal encounters, arts and crafts, games and activities for age groups ranging from 4-17 years of age.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Collaborate with camp leadership staff to provide resources, suggestions, and direct support for campers who need extra attention due to behavior, health (mental and physical), or life circumstances.
• Respond to mental, emotional, or social health-related emergencies.
• Communicate and help manage relationships with parents/caregivers regarding camper needs.
• Review camper paperwork in advance to help identify campers with special needs.
• Teach scripted, animal and plant-oriented programs. This includes properly handling and storing biofacts from the educational collection and leading outdoor tours
• Supervise children for the duration of camp
• Have appropriate interactions with camp parents and zoo staff;
• Provide safe learning environment.
• Follow OKC policies and procedures, including those related to medical and corrective action situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Work with campers and their Shadow Para/Aide per the Education Department Aide Polices.
• Be comfortable with and have the ability to handle animal ambassadors with provided training.
• Document all camp issues as needed including camper behavior and incidents.
• Complete assigned responsibilities including set-up, clean-up and program maintenance. Assist with daily check-in and check-out as needed.
• Drive excellence in guest interactions and satisfaction.
• Represent the zoo in a professional manner at all times.
  
  

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.