Conservation Camp Instructor
Who Are We?
Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation Camp offers exciting exploration opportunities for animal and nature lovers who are 4 years old to children entering fourth grade. Each Conservation Camp group explores the zoo and participates in activities to discover animal diversity, environmental conservation and the ways Lincoln Park Zoo cares for animals at the zoo and helps to conserve them in the wild.
We Are Looking For…
Lincoln Park Zoo is looking for fun and high energy individuals who enjoy working with children to join the Camp Team as Conservation Camp Instructors. Instructors will provide children with meaningful and memorable summer learning opportunities by teaching a variety of inquiry based and hands-on activities.
Conservation Camp Instructors work Monday-Friday with days beginning at 8am and most days ending at 3:30pm. Conservation Camp Instructors are required to work After Care up to twice a week until 5:15pm and will be asked to work up to two evenings through 6:30 twice during the summer. The length of commitment for this position is offered in three options. In order to be considered for this position you must be able to fully commit to one (or more) of these three options:
Option A:
Training- June 3-7, 2019
Camp Dates- June 10, 2018-July 19, 2019 (July 1-5 serving as a week-long break)
Option B:
Training- June 30- July 3, 2019 and July 5, 2019
Camp Dates- July 22, 2019- August 23, 2019
Option C:
Training- June 3-7, 2019
Camp Dates- June 10, 2019- August 23, 2019 (July 1 will be a working day, July 2-5 serving as a 4-day break, additional hours during this week may be offered and are optional)
Required Qualification and Expectations
The Conservation Camp Instructor is a seasonal, full time position reporting to the Camp Programs Coordinator. Conservation Camp Instructors are responsible for camper safety, delivering teaching content from a pre-developed curriculum in a fun and unique way with a co-instructor, promoting engaging and meaningful interactions with campers, creating strong relationships with camp families, and maintaining a professional and fun work environment.
· At least one year of college completed, must be entering into sophomore year of college to apply
- Previous teaching or interpretation experience in a zoo, nature center, school or other educational/childcare setting is preferred
- Previous camp experience is preferred
- Excellent classroom management skills
- Exceptional problem solving skills with the ability to adapt to changing environments, along with organizational, logistic and operational skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Must be extremely trustworthy and punctual
- Possess a positive attitude
· Complete First Aid and CPR/AED Certification through the zoo or on own
- Capable of being stationary for long periods of time and working in a variety of weather conditions
· Capable of traversing throughout the zoo up to 5 miles a day
· Able to lift and carry program supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
Position Responsibilities
- Teach from a pre-developed curriculum
- Deliver curriculum content in a fun and unique way that will be engaging and connect campers to the natural world
- Be active in all daily camp activities
- Encourage problem solving skills in campers
- Maintain a safe, well managed camp group
- Follow all policies and procedures of Lincoln Park Zoo and Camp Programs
- Assist in maintaining inventory of all camp program supplies
- Communicate effectively and consistently with camper caregivers
- Effectively collaborate with a large summer camp team
- Work directly with co-instructors in a professional, effective, and cohesive manner
- Serve as an inclusive and encouraging role model and an ambassador of Lincoln Park Zoo for campers, participants and peers
- Provide mentorship for the Camp Teen Volunteers assigned to the camp group
- Keep accurate attendance sheets, accident reports, behavior reports, and timesheets
- Supervise After Care up to twice a week
- Have fun!
- Other duties as assigned
What You Gain
· Professional Development
· Youth Development Training
- Class and Behavior Management Practice
- Mentoring Opportunity
- Informal Teaching Experience
· Dynamic Work Environment
· Access to Zoo Professionals
What Happens Next?
The interview process for this position will happen in three stages. If an application is selected, an e-mail directing the applicant to a pre-interview questionnaire will start the interview process. In-person interviews will be held Saturday, April 6, 2019 and Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Lincoln Park Zoo. If an applicant is invited to an in-person interview they must be available for one of these two dates.
Lincoln Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.