Summer Zoo Camp Coordinator-Temporary, Full-Time

The San Francisco Zoological Society ("Society") is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens ("Zoo").  The Society's mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 C's: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society's leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums ("AZA"). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

It is expected for all employees to uphold the Society's mission, its core values (respect, professionalism, resiliency, efficiency and equality) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

 

SUMMARY: The candidate in this position will support the mission of the San Francisco Zoo by inspiring our youngest guests to connect, care and conserve through the popular summer Conservation Camp program. Zoo Camp is a daytime program that serves children Grades PreK - 8^th Grade. The primary responsibility of the Zoo Camp Coordinator is to assist with day-to-day camp operations and provide overall support of the program. Ideal candidates are creative, enthusiastic, hardworking and have a strong interest in environmental education and working with children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned, as needed.

1. Works with Director of Camps & Classes to oversee summer Zoo Camp and related activities
2. Assists with Zoo Camp staff training and provides ongoing support and mentorship throughout the summer camp session.
3. Provides administrative support including creating reports, processing refunds and transfers, etc.
4. Builds and maintains a good rapport with Zoo Camp families, includes daily communication via phone/email/camp blog.
5. Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and core values of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as outlined in the employee handbook.
6. Communicates effectively with members of the Education Department staff, as well as members of other Zoo departments. This will include both time-sensitive and secure communications.
7. Acts as an alternate instructor, as needed.
8. Ensures the safety of campers and staff while participating in Zoo Camp; including responding to emergency situations, administering first aid and adhering to applicable health regulations.
9. Assists with the supervision of teen volunteers including: behavioral management and support, daily record keeping, and regular correspondence with volunteers and their parent/guardians.
10. Enforces Zoo Camp policies with campers, volunteers, staff & parents.
11. Monitors and maintains inventory of Zoo Camp supplies.
12. Interacts with Zoo guests courteously and offers proper attention at all times.
13. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

COMMITMENT:

• Availability to work full-time, Monday through Friday, for the entire camp season from June 17^th to August 9^th, and part-time for training starting in May based on the applicant's availability.

 

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree with a background in education, biology, zoology, environmental studies, or a related field; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

 

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• 2+ years teaching experience with children in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise or mentor staff and volunteers.

• Familiarity with technology relevant to an informal education setting.
• Highly motivated with excellent project management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, and physical abilities.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques and social-emotional learning theory.

• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

 

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

• First Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided, if not already certified)
• Successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, squat, talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and use hands for grasping, fine work and assembly, reaching, kneeling, or twisting.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to push/pull, crawl, taste, or smell. The employee must frequently lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outdoor weather conditions. 

 

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Salary: $25.00/hour

Note: The Zoo Camp Coordinator is expected to work all assigned weeks unless specific days off are approved by the Director of Camps & Classes prior to employment.

                   

Summer Zoo Camp will run Monday - Friday from June 17^th through August 9^th, 2024.  Training will take place on a part-time basis beginning in May, based on applicant's availability. Teaching staff training will take place the week of June 5^th.  Note: No Zoo Camp the week of July 4^th.

 

APPLICATION:  Please apply via our website at www.sfzoo.org.  Please attach a cover letter with your resume.