Lead Camp Couselor

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Supportive work environment

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

A local non-profit zoo in Des Moines seeks a Lead Camp Counselor to oversee summer camp activities for children aged 3-12. The role involves creating engaging experiences and ensuring safety while mentoring Assistant Camp Counselors. Ideal candidates will have a degree in education or related field and at least one season of paid experience working with children. This position offers an opportunity to inspire young minds while working in a fun, educational environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• At least 1 season of paid experience working with children.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Create a fun and engaging summer camp experience for campers aged 3-12.
• Ensure the safety of campers while providing educational growth opportunities.
• Mentor Assistant Camp Counselors and volunteers.

Skills

Resourcefulness

Flexibility

Independence

Positive attitude

Communication

Critical thinking

Innovation

Efficiency

Customer service

Team player

Education

Progress toward a degree in education or related field

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 Lead Camp Counselor position at the Blank Park Zoo is to create a fun and engaging summer camp experience for our campers. This includes interacting with the campers (ages 3-12), overseeing the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, creating unique educational opportunities and providing information about our animals and exhibits. The Lead Camp Counselor is responsible for ensuring guest and animal safety, while assisting with summer camp and working in various public positions throughout the Zoo.

Essential Functions

• Guide camper experience to ensure a memorable and positive learning environment; this includes ensuring comfort and safety of campers while fostering educational growth
• Collaborate on lesson preparation as directed by the curriculum and engage in educational discussion throughout camp
• Responsible for working with Inclusion Specialists to implement positive behavior management and support plans for campers
• Mentor and lead Assistant Camp Counselors and teen volunteers with positive instruction
• Communicating daily with parents/guardians about their camper’s experience at camp
• 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
• Respectful of camp schedule and is prompt and on time to activities
• Assists with checking campers in and out as needed
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Resourceful – Understanding of 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 the entire day with children. The noise level is moderate.

Physical Requirements

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

☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

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

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Communication.

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

☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Repeating motions.

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

☑ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Operating machinery and/or power tools.

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

☑ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

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

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work.

Driving.

☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Driving.

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Reaching with hands and arms.

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly – Reaching with hands and arms.

Tasting or smelling.

☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly – Tasting or smelling.

Vision

Required Education and Experience

• Progress toward a degree or recently graduated from a college or university majoring in education, environmental interpretation, theatre, or related field.
• At least 1 season of paid experience working with children.

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 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.
• May need to provide proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Ability to obtain:
• • Universal Precautions
• • First Aid/CPR Training
• • 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.