Educator - Zoo Camp (Seasonal)

Santa Barbara Zoo; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Part-Time, Seasonal Zoo Camp Educator to inspire children with hands-on wildlife and environmental activities.

Under the Education Manager, you will lead camp sessions, supervise groups up to 15 children, and ensure safety while engaging in science-based activities, crafts, and stories in an outdoor setting. Weekend or school-break availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Authorized to work in the United States and not sponsor visas.

Responsibilities

• Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner for ages 3–13.
• Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.
• Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of the group.

Skills

Public speaking

Environmental education

Hands-on activities

Team collaboration

Education

2 years college coursework in life sciences/education/environmental sciences

First Aid & CPR certification

Job description

Are you passionate about connecting people of all ages to the wonders of wildlife and conservation? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking enthusiastic Educators to bring our mission to life through engaging Zoo Camp experiences. Join our team to inspire curiosity and foster a love for nature in a hands-on, fun, and creative environment!

Note: This position is fully outdoors and requires extensive walking through Zoo grounds (hills and inclines) in all weather conditions.

Position Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Requirements: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age. At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Compensation: $18.40/hour

Schedule: Seasonal position, Up to 16-40 hours/work week during school breaks, vary during school year.

Spring Camp: March 30 - April 3

Summer Camp: June 15 – August 14 (Must commit to min 7 of the 10 weeks of Summer Camp)

Fall Camp: Nov 23-25 & 27

Winter Camp: Dec 21 - Dec 31 (No camp on Christmas Day 12/25 or New Year's Day 1/1)

Job Description

SUMMARY: Under general direction of the Education Manager and Education Team, Zoo Camp Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing Zoo Camps.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

• Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with a particular age group within the 3-13 age range.
• Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.
• Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of assigned group.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
• Ensure the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer experience in an environmental education setting
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.
• First Aid and CPR certification required
• TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary
• Authorized to work in the United States
• At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of biology and zoology preferred.
• Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
• Skilled in improvisation.
• Energetic and engaging personality.
• Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences and large groups of people.
• Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.
• Ability to contribute to the creative process.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing and database programs.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Physical Demands; Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods.
• Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage.
• Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including, electric carts, telephones, printers, two-way radios, projectors, and copiers.
• Ability to work outdoors most of the day.

Tools Used:

• Two-way radios
• Electric cart
• Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Printer
• Telephone system
• Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
• Wagons

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not guarantee employment for any specified period. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.