Seasonal Inclusion Specialist

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Excellent working environment

Benefits package

Job summary

A local zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a Seasonal Inclusion Specialist to promote inclusive practices within their Summer Safari Camps. This role involves working closely with camp supervisors to ensure a positive learning environment for all children, particularly those with special needs. Applicants should have experience working with children and be pursuing a degree in education or a related field. The position includes various responsibilities, including training staff and supporting campers. Join a passionate team dedicated to inspiring appreciation for the natural world.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• At least 1 year of experience working directly with children including those with special needs.
• Progress toward a degree in education or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inclusive practices in Summer Safari Camps.
• Train camp staff on inclusion practices.
• Support behavior concerns and create camp support plans.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Education

Progress in education field

Tools

Motor vehicle

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

Under the direction of the education manager, the seasonal inclusion specialist works with Safari Camp supervisors to implement inclusive practices in Summer Safari Camps to promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; and create a positive learning experience for all.

Essential Functions

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

• Assist Safari Camp supervisors with the coordination of inclusion practices in Safari Camps:
• Review camper applications for allergies, medications and support needs
• Conduct trainings for camp staff on inclusion practices
• Contact camper parents to work on a camp support plan
• Provide support for behavior concerns that arise
• Provide one‑on‑one support for campers
• Make sure all necessary supplies and documents are accounted for
• Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
• Understand resources available for inclusion purposes at the Zoo, including but not limited to: guest experiences, zoo exhibits, staff and other zoo resources
• Ability to work with and direct camp staff and volunteers on implementation of positive behavior management and support plans for campers
• Research and maintain best inclusion practices pertaining to education in a zoo setting
• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to inclusion in informal 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 supervisor 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

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

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

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 work‑site 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

• Progress toward a degree or graduated from a college or university majoring in education, special education, psychology or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working directly with children including children with special needs.
• 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)
  • Medication Administration Training

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.