What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Instructor position at Columbus Zoo Family of Parks?
Overview
From animal visitors to zoo walks and art projects to hands on activities, the Zoo’s Summer Camp Counselor is one of the most fun jobs that you can have here at the Zoo! If you’re good with kids, have a positive & flexible attitude, are able to multi-task and want to have a fun filled exciting summer, then you just might be the person we’re looking for to work with our summer camps in our Conservation Education and Engagement Department!
Responsibilities
- Responsible for instruction of planned lessons and activities for children in Grades 1-7.
- Responsible for overall safety and well being of assigned groups (e.g. being aware of any medical problems or special needs of the children).
- Delivers programming and actively participates in activities.
- Set-up and clean-up of program activities and/or arts and crafts.
- Maintains proper check-in and checkout procedures and assists in enforcing rules of the program.
- May prepare classroom, teaching materials and art supplies prior to student’s arrival.
- Must be able to work Monday through Friday for the duration of the camp. Position also may include a few extended care shifts and Thursday overnights during the extent of the program.
- Camp begins Monday, June 1 and runs through Friday, August 7, 2026. Staff training is Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29 from 8:00-5:00.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Pursuing BA/BS in education, natural sciences, or other related field preferred.
- Experience teaching informal classes or in a camp environment preferred.
- Able to work well with children.
- Able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
- Able to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, rain).
- Able to work in a high energy setting for long periods of time.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.
- Able to maintain positive, courteous and helpful behavior.
- Able and willing to rotate time within and outside of assigned region.
- Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance (see uniform guidelines in the employee handbook).