Responsible for overseeing the management of the Camp WILD program; the development, instruction, and evaluation of camp programs for a variety of audiences. Lead, supervise, and inspire education and camp staff to advance the mission of the Naples Zoo through conservation education programs and provide opportunities for professional growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as the primary camp coordinator for educational/operational needs by creating, developing, and executing a comprehensive assortment of developmentally appropriate camp programs
- Oversee the implementation and evaluation of innovative, creative and effective camp programs for a variety of ages
- Serve as the supervisor to all part-time camp staff and assigned volunteers. Carry out recruitment, onboarding, off-boarding, training, professional development, program development, and tracking.
- Create complete lesson plans for all camp programs with goals and objectives with the assistance of the education team that align with the organizations mission and values.
- Master all education programs as appropriate, including but not limited to camps, family programs, school/group programs, behind-the-scenes experiences, events and outreach.
- Provide excellent guest service when communicating with all guests and program participants, administration, and departments in the Zoo to ensure successful programs. Serve as liaison between the camp program and staff in the organization and with partners.
- Learn camp related aspects of the education program database(s) and manage program reservations in the absence of the Education Experience Coordinator and/or the Education Programs Supervisor.
- Assist in the daily care, husbandry and well-being of the education ambassador animal collection; including but not limited to feeding, habitat maintenance, behavioral observation, enrichment, record keeping, and handling.
- Assist the Director of Education in the management of grants; application, tracking, and expenditures of funds for the duration of grant(s) as applicable.
- Research and make purchases for supplies for the Education Department and its associated program materials as requested needed.
- Assist in the maintenance and effective use of the Education Department’s technology, equipment, inventory, and education accessories.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time Camp Counselors, Camp WILD Interns and associated volunteers.
- Generate, communicate, and maintain work schedules for the part-time Camp Counselors, Camp WILD Interns and associated volunteers.
- Lead, train, mentor, and support education staff on the development of camp related curriculum.
- Oversee, maintain, and assess program quality through staff observation, evaluation, and training/retraining.
- Lead, facilitate and support a safe, fun, team-driven work environment that empowers staff, encourages cooperation, and instills motivation in our programs, participants and others.
- Create and implement standard operating procedures for the camp program and education department to ensure best practices, quality programming, and professionalism in the workplace.
- Provide professional development to camp staff to stay relevant. Create, implement, and lead training, including but not limited to; guest service, interpretation, and best practices in camps and informal education.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Willingness to support and implement the Naples Zoo’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
- Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
- Must be energetic, creative, responsible, and dependable and have an enthusiasm for wildlife and children.
- Experience in creating developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching children in formal/informal settings required.
- Experience supervising volunteers, interns, and/or paid staff is required.
- Experience working with camp programs, camp staff, and/or children in camps required.
- Experience in leadership and customer service with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate with guests and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors and co-workers. Ability to be a team player, be sympathetic to others.
- Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions and use good judgment.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
- Willingness and ability to work with and around animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, Google, Outlook, Adobe, and other computer programs and technologies.
- Must be willing to consent to a comprehensive background check.
- Must provide proof of a TB test within the last twelve months or be willing to consent to obtaining one upon hire.
- Must have proof of valid tetanus vaccination or consent to obtaining one upon hire.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, science, fine arts, interpretation, early childhood education, biology, environmental studies or related field required. An equivalent combination of training and/or eight years of experience are acceptable but must include:
- Two years as a camp counselor, supervisor or director
- Supervising staff, volunteers, and/or interns
- Planning, development, management, facilitation of activities for children 5 – 10 years old and/or families
- Experience working in an interpretive educational setting with children and adults required.
- Experience creating educational age-appropriate content and/or curriculum required.
- Experience in customer service and interacting with diverse groups of people; ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Have a minimum of one year experience in a supervisory role, at a zoo or aquarium is preferred.
- Experience working with or around animals, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and invertebrates preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
- Valid Florida state driver’s license.
- Valid CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or willing to obtain within 90 days of hire required.
- National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide is preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:
- Must be able to repeatedly lift and/or push 50 pounds.
- Standing/walking (four-five hours per day)
- Sitting (three-four hours per day)
- Viewing a computer screen for extended periods of time
- More than average talking
- Exposure to or daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in Zoo in a southwest Florida climate
- Subject to bites, stings and scrapes
- Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
- Ability to travel and drive a Zoo vehicle (car/SUV/cargo van/golf cart) as needed
- Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Working conditions for this position are normal for an outdoor environment.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- While camp is in session the schedule will be Monday – Friday, but other days or evenings may be required.
- This schedule is subject to change as staffing, programming and/or animal care needs change
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
- Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.
- Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.
- As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
- Employee Eligible Benefits & Employment Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage
- Company paid Life Insurance policy of $25,000
- Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care)
- 403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities
- Accrued Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement Program available
- Holiday Premium Pay
- Employee Referral Bonuses
- Complimentary Zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment
- Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families
- 30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes
