Camp Program Assistant

The Camp Program Assistant Role involves championing specific curricula(s) and activities, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations by tracking inventory, maintaining supply spaces, and providing support for the team of Camp Guides. This role proactively reports staff and program needs, supports staff growth and development, provides feedback to Guides throughout the camp week, and assists with camp opening and closing responsibilities. Requires a high level of energy and enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work with guides, and groups of all ages in both in and outdoor settings. The Program Assistant will take part in mentoring new and returning staff in group management, interpretation, and facilitation of camp activities. Individuals filling this role are expected to work a minimum of 4 weeks during the summer and at least 3 days of camp during fall or winter camp in November and December.     

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. 

As a Camp Program Assistant, you will:

• Supports Camp Guides in ensuring the health and safety of all campers is maintained throughout the day.
• Provides basic first aid when needed.
• Champions the curricula, and the activities to support camp guides in training, facilitation, and implementation.
• Responsible for tracking inventory, maintaining stocked, clean, and organizing supply and storage areas, and reporting to leadership of any program needs ahead of time.
• Partners with leadership and assists in the evaluation of camp guides and provides support and feedback throughout the week.
• Adds to the camp environment by demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
• Enthusiastically provides group coverage for part or all a given camp day in the event of call outs.
• Mentors new and returning camp guides in areas of group management, interpretation, and facilitation at an age-appropriate level.
• Assists with opening and closing responsibilities, as well as logistics throughout the day.
• Incorporates feedback into their daily work to improve and build upon skills.
• Delegates tasks to staff in a reasonable and approachable manner as instructed by leadership.
• Influences positive decision making as it pertains to guide support, safety, activity planning, and facilitation.
• Responds to minor camper first aid and behavioral calls, as qualified and necessary.
• Interacts in a creative, positive, and educational way with all Zoo guests including campers, parents and siblings of campers, as well as general Zoo guests.
• Prepares and breaks down facilities and materials used in camp programs and activities.
• Establishes and maintains a positive atmosphere to ensure the highest level of performance and guest service.
• Abides by all Houston Zoo policies and procedures, including safety protocol and wearing the appropriate Zoo uniform.
• Assists with camper drop-off and pick-up, including verification of parent/guardian photo identification and signatures, ensuring special needs (if any) are identified and information communicated to appropriate staff, answering parent questions, and reviewing camp rules and expectations w/students.
• May be assigned “float” shifts as needed to support daily camp operations.
• Assists full time Camp Staff with coordination and mentoring of Zoo Crew Program Teens involved in Camp Zoofari.  Provide input into the evaluation of teens at the end of Camp.  Teens will also be providing evaluation of camp guides in the role of mentor.
• Completes online Abuse Prevention Training by first date of camp training.
• Submits evaluation feedback at the end of camp programs as requested by Camp Supervisor.
• Inform Camp Zoofari supervisor on duty if any emergencies or significant discipline issues arise.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-saving actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position includes:

• Interacting on a child’s level, chairs and tables are available.
• Maneuvering on uneven terrain.
• Spending up to two hours at a time outdoors.
• Navigating zoo-grounds, which have varying light, noise, and temperature levels.

Experience Required:

• Previous experience examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school
  • Six months to one-year related experience and/or training in a camp environment
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Successful completion of a full season with Camp Zoofari, AZA facility camp, or ACA camp with no significant performance deficiencies.
• High level of communication skills, with strong attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse environments, while treating everyone with respect.
• Ability to facilitate programs effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Willingness to learn.
• First Aid/CPR Certification Required.

Commitment:

• Attend mandatory training days:
  • May 23 & 30 for role specific training & set up, as well the week of June 1-5 for all staff training.
• Work four weeks of summer camp, scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:15 am –4:30 pm.

Summer Camp Dates: Ultimate Zoofari * will not be a part of the required time commitment but will be available for extra hours.

• • Tentative role specific training May 23 & 30
  • Week 1: June 1-5 (Staff Training)
  • Week 2: June 8-12
  • Week 3: June 15-19
  • Week 4: June 22-26
  • Week 5: June 29-July 5 (Ultimate Zoofari*)
  • Week 6: July 6-10
  • Week 7: July 13-17
  • Week 8: July 20-24
  • Week 9: July 27-31
  • August 3-7