Supervisor, Camp Programs

Leads and mentors a team of full-time and seasonal who implement camp programs and experiences for youth with the goal of connecting guests to nature and igniting a passion for saving animals in the wild. Helps shape wildlife-saving identities by cultivating a community of citizens who are interested, aware, equipped, and ready to take action to save wildlife. Utilizes engaging learning strategies and best practices to shift program participants’ attitudes and awareness. Promotes a positive culture of innovation, empowerment, and collaboration to meet the Zoo’s mission.

Our Mission:

• Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.  

Our Vision:

• Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the development, implementation, marketing, and evaluation of camp programming in collaboration with other Zoo stakeholders.
• Leads the development of key program components and resources; sources and adapts existing resources for culturally responsive environmental learning and action.
• In collaboration with the Family Programs Supervisor and School Partnership Coordinator, develops and aligns programming to create a continuum of year-round engagement for school partner campuses and communities the Zoo has not previously engaged.
• Supports the facilitation of pre-scheduled on-site and off-site education programs for individuals and groups of all ages.
• Supervises, coaches, and mentors a team of full-time and seasonal staff to include recruitment, selection, scheduling, training, development and evaluation. 
• Completes regular performance evaluations of employees and guides and encourages them in the development of new skill sets.
• Communicates and partners effectively within the team, across all Zoo departments, and with outside organizations, including other zoos, museums, and aquariums, community and education organizations, and program funders.
• Utilizes sound evaluation principles to drive program modifications and development, including designing evaluation tools to measure program impact. 
• Provide up-to-date program statistics and stories of impact for fundraising and marketing efforts; inform, and/or review grant proposals as needed.
• Schedules programs and staff, orders materials, prepares and maintains facilities and vehicles related to education-based programming.
• Manages the education programs budget for all programs underneath their supervision.
• Reviews and updates operational procedures for staff and volunteers for educational programming.
• Assists in setting Conservation Education Department long-term goals and objectives and implements new initiatives accordingly.
• Uses proper techniques to confidently handle and present ambassador animals to Zoo guests in an engaging and age-appropriate manner that prioritizes exemplary animal care, health, and well-being.
• In collaboration with Conservation Education and Animal Care teams, develops and facilitates Conservation Education staff trainings for proper ambassador animal handling techniques.
• Supports other team members in their roles by assisting in program instruction, collaborating on program development, and creating a culture that values the team above individual achievement.
• Encourages and models the core values of the Houston Zoo including passion, inclusion, excellence, integrity, unity and stewardship..
• Makes decisions with the best interest of the Zoo—our mission, our guests, and our collection—at heart.
• Represents the Zoo and themselves in a professional and positive manner.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through the reduction of waste, water, and energy use and by inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and organizational communication.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse environments, while treating everyone with respect.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Comfortable taking risks to try approaches and solutions that have not been tried before.
• Comfortable learning from failure.
• Willingness to learn.

About Houston Zoo

• Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care, and, yes, even education!
• There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
• Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
• We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
• Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
• The Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.