Summer Zoo Camp Instructor

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.

SUMMARY: The candidate in this position will support the mission of the San Francisco Zoo by inspiring youth to connect, care and conserve through the summer Conservation Camp program. The primary responsibility of a Zoo Camp Instructor is to create a fun, safe and educational experience for campers Grades PreK-8^th Grade.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Daily supervision of Zoo Camp participants.
• Develop curriculum that correlates to camp learning objectives and themes, with support from Zoo Camp management.
• Facilitates age-appropriate games, activities and art projects for program participants.
• Works effectively as a member of a diverse team.
• Willing to mentor other camp staff and teen volunteers.
• Ensures the safety of campers, staff and Zoo guests at all times; including adhering to applicable health regulations.
• Supports camp participant's social-emotional learning and creates a productive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and core values of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as outlined in the employee handbook.
• Provides excellent customer service during interactions with Zoo guests and program families.
• 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:

• Ability to work full-time, Monday through Friday, for the entire camp season from June 17^th to August 9^th. Attendance for mandatory in-person training for all new zoo camp staff the week of June 5^th. Attendance for mandatory in person training for new AND returning zoo camp staff the week of June 10^th.

 

EDUCATION:

• 2+ years pursuing a degree in an education or science-related field; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

 

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• 1+ years of paid experience working with children in a formal or informal educational setting.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver information to groups of children.
• Experience with behavior management and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, experiences and directives.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn animal-science and conservation terms and concepts.
• Ability to work in a semi-structured environment with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, and physical abilities.

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, 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.

 

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. 

 

Salary: $22.00/hour

 

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Summer Zoo Camp will run Monday through Friday from June 17^th through August 9^th, 2024. Training will take place June 5^th through June 14^th. Note: No Zoo Camp the week of July 4^th.

 

Note: Instructors are expected to work all assigned weeks unless specific days off are approved by the Director of Camps and Classes prior to employment.

 

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