This is a seasonal position in the Guest Engagement division of our Animal Care department. The primary responsibility of this position is facilitating camp curriculum, including activities, hands-on animal interactions, and arts and crafts for campers K-6. As Lead Counselor, this team member will be responsible for ensuring the daily schedule is followed, camp theme is incorporated, and campers are supervised and managed while moving throughout the zoo. The Lead Counselor will help train and mentor Zoo Camp Counselors and Volunteers assisting with camp. This position is expected to work well within a team and to enthusiastically deliver hands-on educational information to campers. A positive attitude, interest in animals and conservation, and a passion for education are key to being successful in this position.

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Camp Counselor:

• Enthusiastically engage campers by leading them through animal care, environmental, and conservation education lessons related to the camp’s daily/weekly theme.
• Lead Zoo tours, hands-on projects, games and activities for age groups ranging from Kindergarten- 6th Graders (5-12 years).
• Supervise and motivate groups of 15-20 children per week, including managing group behavior and acting as a positive role model.
• Supervise and mentor Camp Counselors and Volunteers by offering support, constructive feedback, and guidance.
• Document all camp issues as needed, including camper behavior and incidents.
• Complete assigned responsibilities including set-up, clean-up and program maintenance. Assist with daily check-in and check-out.
• Supervise lunchtime activities.
• Build and maintain a good working rapport with co-workers, campers, and parents.
• Work in a team environment, creating a safe and fun experience for children.
• Help maintain clean and safe spaces and follow all safety protocols.
• Other duties as needed, including cooperation with other departments.

Experience:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have experience working with animals or children.
• Must be comfortable with engaging with children, public speaking and professional writing.

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent Required.
• 1-2 years of undergraduate study required.
• Preference will be given to candidates who are pursuing an education in conservation, zoology, biology, animal science, education, or related field.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, scanner, and copy machine.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding work several hours a day.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: occasional lifting of varying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information.
• Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
• Ensure that camper areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.

Personal Attributes:

Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. Comfort with public speaking. High attention to detail. Ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of children, animals, guests, and the organization. Ability to remain calm under pressure. Ability to serve as a mentor and offer constructive feedback. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.

Hours:

This is a seasonal 40 hour per week position with required availability from June to the end of July. Working hours for this position range from 7 am to 5:30 pm, depending on scheduled responsibilities.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Gulf Shores, AL 36542: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person