NYA Conservation Camp Counselor

Job Description

Job Title: New York Aquarium Conservation Camp Counselor

Location: New York Aquarium

Department: EDUCATION

Reports to: Manager of Education Programming

Type: Temporary

Rate: $20.00

Schedule: New York Aquarium - June 9 - August 29, 2025, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm

Position Summary

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is hiring approximately 40 Conservation Camp Counselors (CCC) to work with its on-site summer camps facilitated out of our 4 zoos and 1 aquarium in New York City - 6 (Central Park Zoo), 6 (Queens Zoo), 11 (Bronx Zoo), 7 (Prospect Park Zoo), & 8 (New York Aquarium). This is a unique opportunity to explore education at an informal science institution. You will work part-time in the WCS Education Department. You will report to work on-site at the New York Aquarium- this is not a remote work opportunity. Together with staff you will teach exciting science content, welcome campers with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment. You will have the opportunity to learn about different teaching styles and methods, facilitate fun activities, and utilize restorative practices in group management.

The Candidate

• You are creative, energetic, dependable, and enjoy working as part of a team.
• You are capable of taking initiative and completing tasks assigned in a timely fashion.
• You have experience leading fun activities with children, an enthusiasm for learning and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation science.
• You are committed to instilling a love of learning and fostering a supportive environment for children from all walks of life.
  
  

WHO WE ARE

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

The WCS Education Department works across our Zoos & Aquarium. We inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connections with animals and nature, improving scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities

As a Conservation Camp Counselor (CCC) you will:

• Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. This position is fully in person and there is no option for remote work.
• Follow and reinforce all health and safety protocols and procedures while implementing camp activities.
• Lead engaging summer camp programs alongside full-time education staff for children in grades Pre-K-12 th .
• Spend the camp day outdoors, supervising campers in the zoo/aquarium and surrounding park space if applicable and travelling safely with campers at all times.
• Foster an inclusive camp environment for all campers.
• Learn and utilize restorative justice practices to create a supportive camp environment and cohesive camp community.
• Facilitate science experiments, art projects, games, and explorations inspired by the zoos and aquarium.
• Inspire campers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds with a love of wildlife and science.
• Support full-time education staff in re-working camp activities to fit unique learning styles of campers.
• Prepare and organize materials for camp programs.
• Participate in training before the start of camp and throughout the summer.
• Attend regular meetings.
• Additional responsibilities as required.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes YOU, then YOU are highly encouraged to apply.

• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Experience working with children
• C omfortable working outdoors in summer temperatures and all weather conditions.
• Camp or youth education experience preferred
• Teaching experience in formal or informal settings preferred
• Interest in gaining relevant experience in Education, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or Ecology fields
• Must be available to begin working on position start date
• Must be available to work Monday-Friday until position end date
  
  

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

• We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife.
• We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.
  
  

WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.

Salary Range

$20/hour