Education Seasonal Camp Counselor

Buffalo. Education Seasonal Camp Counselor. The Buffalo Zoo. Part Time. Seasonal

Seasonal, part-time, non-exempt positions

18 years , Teachers and College students preferred

Availability: The standard camp shift is 8:15am to 3:45pm Monday-Friday.

Pay Rate: $16 per hour.

To Apply

Please download employment application: https://buffalozoo.org/about/#careers

Email completed application to: buffalozoosummerjobs@buffalozoo.org with the subject line:

Seasonal Jobs Camp

Or send Application by regular mail to: Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214

Attn: Seasonal Jobs Camp

No phone calls please

Basic Purpose And Responsibility

Summer Zoo Camp Counselors supervise and lead groups of campers ages 6-12 Monday-Friday during the six-week summer camp program. Counselors are responsible for overseeing the fun, safety, and wellbeing of campers and assisting with delivery of camp curriculum and activities. Daily activities include educational lessons, active games, Zoo tours, and crafts. This is a seasonal, temporary position for the duration of camp (June 27 August 17, 2026).

Education And Experience (Minimum Desired)

• Previous experience working with children required.
• Previous experience in camp, zoo, aquarium, or nature center education preferred.
• Enthusiasm for learning and interest in animals and/or conservation science.
• Current or retired teachers and college students majoring in Education, Biology or related fields are encouraged to apply.
  
  

Skills/Abilities

• Enthusiastic, creative, and dependable.
• Capable of taking initiative and conducting activities on a timely schedule.
• Able to maintain attention and high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Committed to contributing to the positive and inclusive culture of camp and fostering a love of learning in campers.
• Current First Aid certification preferred.
  
  

Other

• Must support Buffalo Zoos Vision, Mission and Core Values, including the Buffalo Zoos DEAI values.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
• Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
• Must be willing to comply with departments Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work weekdays and requested overtime as necessary.
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  
  

Job Perks

• Accrued sick time - one (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours of work.
• Associates are eligible to receive up to two (2) free family passes to the Zoo annually. These associates are required to work a minimum of 30 days per season to qualify.
• Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop. Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more).
• Discounts on Zoo events may be offered, i.e. discount on the price of a ticket to a Zoo event or free tickets.
  
  

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 stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time.
• And more