Camp Floater

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,981,000 - 63,039,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Benefits package

Excellent working environment

Job summary

A premier wildlife park in Des Moines is seeking a Camp Floater to assist with summer camp programs. The role involves ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children aged 3-12, providing educational engagement, and completing necessary paperwork. Applicants should have at least one season of paid experience with children, a valid motor vehicle license, and a willingness to learn about animals and conservation. The job requires flexibility and professionalism in various situations.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to maintain calm in emergencies.
• Willingness to learn new information.
• Ability to pass MCART or become eligible for certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the safety and wellbeing of campers during camp.
• Engage in educational discussions with campers.
• Complete camp paperwork as per policies and procedures.
• Enforce positive behavior management and support plans.
• Mentor teen volunteers with positive instruction.
• Complete camp paperwork and assist with set up/breakdown of activities.
• Check campers in/out during drop off and pick up.
• Work indoors and outdoors with seasonal weather and variable noise levels.

Skills

Positive behavior management

Effective communication

Critical thinking

Customer service skills

Team collaboration

Education

1 season of paid experience working directly with children

Knowledge of animals and the outdoors

Tools

Motor vehicle license

Job description

FLSA Classification: Exempt ☐ Nonexempt ☒ Salary Grade: To Be Determined

Reports to: Education Manager Department: Engagement

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Position Purpose

The primary responsibility of a Camp Floater at the Blank Park Zoo is to provide support and help maintain staff coverage for summer camp programs. This includes interacting with the campers (ages 3-12), assisting with the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, creating unique educational opportunities and providing information about our animals and exhibits. The Camp Floater is responsible for ensuring guest and animal safety, while assisting with summer camp and working in various public positions throughout the Zoo.

Essential Functions

• Supervise the safety and wellbeing of campers during camp Before/After Care
• Act as a substitute in the event Lead or Assistant Counselors are absent
• Engage in educational discussion with campers throughout camp
• Understand and help enforce our positive behavior management and support plans for campers
• Mentor teen volunteers with positive instruction
• Report suggestions and observations to supervisors
• Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
• Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to Summer Safari Camps
• Responsible for checking campers in and out during drop off and pick up
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
• Other duties as required
• Resourceful – understanding or can research all applicable topics as they relate to conservation education
• Flexible – ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful
• Independent – must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up
• Positive – must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
• Communicator – communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills
• Critical Thinker – ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily
• Innovative – ability to propose solutions to areas of concern
• Efficient – ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner
• Customer-oriented – always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations
• Team Player – collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for camp activities. The incumbent will be required to spend significant parts of the day with children. The noise level is moderate.

Physical Requirements

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Driving.

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Reaching with hands and arms.

Tasting or smelling.

Vision.

Required education and experience

• 1 season of paid experience working directly with children.
• Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid motor vehicle license.
• Ability to obtain:
• Universal Precautions.
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.