Zoo Camp Tadpole Academy Counselor

RWPZ is currently recruiting for a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt, ZooCamp Tadpole Academy Counselor. Tadpole Academy Counselors are responsible for supervising, guiding, and teaching children ages 4-5 as they learn about animals and experience the Zoo. ZooCamp Tadpole Academy Counselors also mentor and evaluate teen volunteers, ages 12-17.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Enthusiastically engage campers in a theme-based curriculum that incorporates hands-on and inquiry-driven activities, crafts, animal encounters and zoo tours.

· Ensure the safety of all ZooCampers while participating in ZooCamp - will require enforcing policies and responding to emergency situations and administering first aid as needed.

· In the event of the Early Childhood Specialist’s absence, oversee the Tadpole Academy camp day

and provide supervision & support to a substitute co-counselor.

· Set and maintain behavioral expectations for campers.

· Utilize a variety of behavioral support tools, when applicable, to ensure a fun, safe and inclusive environment for campers of all abilities.

· During events act as a liaison for the Evening and Special Events Manager to ensure they are kept to a timely schedule, ensure a high-quality experience for patrons, and operate efficiently.

· Functional supervision, training, and oversight of event support staff

· Develop and communicate relevant information to create effective schedules for the event support team and determine appropriate staffing.

· Build and maintain a good rapport with campers and parents.

· Introduce play options that support early learners social, emotional, and physical development.

· Assist early learners in daily tasks such as getting ready for the day’s schedule, backing back packs,

setting up lunches, and other responsibilities as needed.

· Help ZooCamp Administration with photo documenting camp days as needed, for use in generating a daily ZooCamp newsletter.

· Actively participate in trainings, teambuilding, and daily ZooCamp team meetings.

· Work effectively as a member of a team, including moving between different camps to support the overall team and program.

· Oversee the daily clean-up and continual organization of the Tadpole Academy classroom and assist with clean-up and organization of ZooCamp when needed.

· Foster development of teen Counselors-in-Training through clear direction, consistent verbal, and written feedback, and engaging in teambuilding activities.

· Maintain open, clear, and productive communication with ZooCamp Administration.

· Demonstrate & encourage respect for Zoo exhibit animals & animal ambassadors during Zoo tours & animal encounters.

· Assist with initial and continual camp curriculum development.

Other functions and responsibilities:

· Support both the mission of the Zoo and the related mission of the education department by performing other duties as assigned by the ZooCamp Administrator, Assistant ZooCamp Administrator, Manager of Family Programs, and/or the Director of Education.

Required Experience, Training and/or Education

Required Experience and Education:

We will consider a various combination of relevant experience and education providing they meet the minimum requirements. The minimum requirements for this position consider a combination of education and work experience that demonstrate the following:

· Non-formal science, environmental education, camp and/or conservation education program facilitation

· One year program facilitation with children ages 4-5

· Managing program participant safety

Preferred Experience and Education:

The following experience, training and/ or education would be valued in a candidate:

· Experience working with children of varying abilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder is preferred.

· Experience mentoring teens

· Familiarity with informal education and summer camp environment.

· Recent experience working with a diverse population and fluency in speaking additional languages.

Competencies

· Demonstrate a strong interest and/or experience in education, environmental education, and conservation.

· Enjoy working with children ages 4-5 of all abilities.

· Ability to make quick, responsible decisions and improvise when needed.

· Display a high level of patience and respond well under pressure.

· Demonstrated ability to work as a productive member of a team.

· Proficient in applying positive behavior management techniques to working with children.

· Comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people.

· Extremely strong organizational and time management skills.

· Demonstrated ability to lead through supportive feedback and direction.

· Enthusiastic, open-minded, creative, flexible, adaptable, patient, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

· Self-directed.

· Able to function in a professional environment, demonstrating responsibility, creative problem solving, and excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

· Able to communicate openly, thoroughly, respectfully, and clearly with campers, parents, volunteers, and other staff.

• Frequently:

o lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

o walk, move, and stand for prolonged periods of time.

o exposed to weather conditions.

· The environment is split between indoor classroom spaces with moderate to loud noises and outdoors in various weather conditions with similar noise levels.

Supervisory Responsibilities:Not Applicable.

Additional Requirements

• At least 18 years of age (necessitated by supervision of teen volunteers ages 12-17).

• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.

• Successful completion of a background check.

• Valid driver's license.

Flexibility to work occasional evenings & weekends

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to be a team member at a well-renowned Zoo in the New England area, send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Roger Williams Park Zoo

ATTN: ZooCamp Tadpole Academy Counselor

1000 Elmwood Ave

Providence, RI 02907

-or-

employment@rwpzoo.org

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person