Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $23.21 to $25.09 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer. This is a seasonal position.
Applications are due by March 16, 2026.
Position Summary
ZooCamp is a summer day camp program for kids entering grades K-8th Grade, run by the Learning & Engagement Department at the Oakland Zoo. Instructors play a distinct role in setting the tone for camp and will be assigned a single age group for the duration of the summer. This role involves leading zoo tours and activities, supervising campers, and ensuring the overall well-being of all participants. Instructors report directly to the ZooCamp Program Manager.
ZooCamp Mission Statement: ZooCamp is a space where life is celebrated and nurtured. We respect the diversity of life we find reflected in our people, our plants, and our animals.
Our goal at ZooCamp is to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment in which campers and staff alike develop and practice our skills of communication, compassion, and scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration, play, and community building campers will deepen their connections to themselves, each other, and our natural world.
Dates: May 26 -August 7, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
Essential Job Duties
- Supervise a group of up to 10 campers, ensuring the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all campers in accordance with the ZooCamp Mission.
- Lead various camp activities, such as Zoo tours, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and safe.
- Assist in maintaining a positive and inclusive camp environment.
- Monitor campers' behavior and ensure campers follow camp rules and regulations and address any issues promptly in accordance with the ZooCamp behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the ZooCamp Program Manager.
- Assist in implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols, administering first aid as needed.
- Communicate effectively with campers and their caregivers about both challenges and successes.
- Work collaboratively with fellow camp staff and other Zoo departments, such as Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, Guest Services and Administration.
- Mentor 1-2 Teen Assistants (“TAs”), delegating tasks and providing opportunities for them to take on leadership opportunities in the group.
- Assist with camp setup and cleanup.
- Fill out weekly evaluations for the Lead Instructor in your group.
Who You Are:
- Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, including with youth in grades K-8.
- Experience with scientific literacy, scientific concepts, and critical thinking.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills such as high emotional intelligence, patience and compassion for others.
- General openness towards people, experiences, and ideas.
- Physically able to navigate uneven terrain.
- Comfort being in front of a group.
- Willingness to be silly and add your voice and personality to the ZooCamp culture.
- Must be 18+ years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Medical requirement: Negative TB test within the last 2 years
Bonus If You Have:
- Experience working with animals, in a zoo/nature center/museum and/or in outdoor/environmental education
- Nonviolent communication training/experience
- Background in education, biology, zoology, ecology, climate change, and/or environmental science, which can include a BA or college credits
- Knowledge of local plant and animal species and ecosystems
Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
- Able to stand, walk, and sometimes other types of physical movement (run, dance, etc) when playing with campers.
- Able to carry things such as a backpack or a wagon from place to place.
- Able to lift and carry objects weighing 35 lbs.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
- Work in both an indoor and outdoor environment in varied weather conditions and often in dirt/grass.
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
- Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
- Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
- Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
- Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
- Inclusive Facilitation – able to comfortably move a group through pre-determined content while balancing inclusion and timing; able to flexibly weave in related content to make connections for learners and adjust or pivot when needed 
- Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
- Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences
- Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
- Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
- Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers seasonal and part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.
Who We Are
Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.
Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access
We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.
