Break Camp Instructor, ZooCamp

ZooCamp is a day camp program for kids currently enrolled in the K-5th Grade, run by the Learning & Engagement Department at the Oakland Zoo. Campers are in our care from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm with possible extended care add-ons. ZooCamp has 3 School-Year Camps that align with seasonal breaks in the academic calendar, such as Thanksgiving (Fall ZooCamp), Winter Holidays (Winter ZooCamp) and Spring Break (Spring ZooCamp). Instructors in this position may work any of these seasons and hours vary season to season. These seasons are condensed versions of our summer camp and only returning staff are eligible as there is no new-hire training. Each instructor is solely responsible for a group of up to 10 campers and up to 2 Teen Assistants. Instructors report directly to the ZooCamp Program Manager.

ZooCamp Mission Statement:

ZooCamp is a space where life is celebrated and nurtured. We respect the diversity of life we find reflected in our people, our plants, and our animals.

Our goal at ZooCamp is to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment in which campers and staff alike develop and practice our skills of communication, compassion, and scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration, play, and community building campers will deepen their connections to themselves, each other, and our natural world.

Dates:

• Dates/Hours: November-April (dates fluctuate annually), 8:00am - 4:30pm.

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• Adapt age-appropriate lessons, games, Zoo tours, and other camp activities
• Participate in, help create, and facilitate all-camp activities like skits, song sessions, and games
• Help campers solve conflicts, provide guidance and manage behavioral expectations as needed
• Work collaboratively with fellow camp staff, Zoo Learning & Engagement team, animal care, operations and administration staff
• Supervise 1-2 Teen Assistants. Have daily check-ins and provide weekly evaluations on their performance. Delegate tasks and facilitation and provide opportunities for them to take on leadership roles in the group
• Communicate with campers’ parents/guardians about issues as well as successes, inform camp managers about any concerns
• Understand and maintain Zoo and ZooCamp health and safety standards
• Follow all Zoo safety protocol to ensure safety of people, equipment, and animals

Who You Are: 

• Experience working at Oakland ZooCamp as a instructor or teen volunteer. 

• Experience working with youth in grades K-8 in education (formal or informal) and/or camp settings 

• Some scientific literacy and experience with science concepts and thinking 

• General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas 

• Comfort being in front of a group 

• Excellent problem-solving skills 

• Willingness to be silly and add your voice and personality to the ZooCamp culture 

• Must be 18+ years old 

Bonus if You Have: 

• Experience working in a zoo/nature center/museum  

• Experience in outdoor/environmental education 

• Experience supervising others, especially teens 

• Nonviolent communication training/experience 

• Knowledge of climate change and climate-related issues 

• Background in biology, zoology, ecology, and/or environmental science 

• Knowledge of local plant and animal species and ecosystems 

• Experience working with animals 

Some notes: 

• ZooCamp is an active and high sensory environment. Instructors should expect to spend the majority of their day outside in the sun and often in dirt/grass. Instructors should expect to spend much of their time standing, walking, and sometimes other types of physical movement (running, dancing, etc) when playing with campers. Sometimes instructors will need to carry things from place to place. 

• Instructors are required to provide a recent (within the last 2 years) TB test or acquire one before the start of camp. 

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Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.  

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision  
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor  
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.  
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems  
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times  
• Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences  
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department  
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems  
• Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments  
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally.  This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife  
     

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