Zoo Camp Counselor - Temporary

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Education leadership, this position enthusiastically represents the Abilene Zoo by displaying a positive attitude, high energy level, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Implements educational opportunities for the zoo and helps educate zoo camp participants about animal conservation.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position oversees Zoo volunteers and maintain and enforce guests’ safety and animal habitats throughout the zoo.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Responsible for implementing and managing camp and program activities, which includes maintaining a safe, positive, and enjoyable camp environment at all times.

Learn the proper animal handling techniques for animals used in programming, including all policies and procedures

Utilize excellent communication and guest service skills (both oral and written) to greet and welcome campers and parents who arrive for Zoo Camp programs and the general public.

Organize and take inventory of program materials as well as maintain cleanliness of designated camp areas.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Practical application of principles and practices of education and interpretation programs.

Animals, including ecology, animal classification, and conservation.

Skill to:

Maintain accurate records, prepare and submit detailed reports as required, including documents related to animal care, inventory, and worksheets.

Operate personal computers and software applications in a business environment, including MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google products.

Understand and follow written and verbal instructions, work individually with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under time constraints.

Communicate verbally and in writing with co-workers, outside recreation organizations, program participants, and the public.

Ability to:

Direct educational and interpretive programs, activities, and operations consistent with program goals.

Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the environment with our guests.

Demonstrates flexible group leadership and delivers high-profile animal programs.

Conduct informative and fact-based animal presentations and interact with campers of all ages.

Conduct Education Programs, including Field Trips, Camps, Birthday Parties, Homeschool, and Pre-school classes.

Able to engage, motivate and interact with children and adults

Proficient in talking on a microphone to large crowds of guests

Deliver Off-Site Outreach programming.

Represent department and market education programs at On-Site and Off-Site events.

To effectively monitor animal behavior, handle and care for various animals, including amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Work on several tasks simultaneously and complete assignments efficiently and effectively amid distractions and interruptions.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.  

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

Experience:

At least (1) one year of working with children is required.

At least (2) two years of experience working with the public, especially children, in an educational or scientific setting is preferred.

At least (2) two years of Abilene Zoo Teen volunteer experience is preferred.

Education/Training:      

A high school diploma or GED is required.

License or Certificate:       

A valid Texas driver’s license is preferred.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Ability to work both indoors and outside and must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.

Daily contact with plants and animals, including being subject to bites, stings, and scrapes.

Able to maintain composure and objectivity in all situations when interacting with guests and animals.

Able to follow all zoo and departmental policies and procedures.

Able to stand and walk for an entire shift.

Able to work indoors/outdoors with or without A/C for a whole shift

Must comply with all grooming guidelines and employment standards.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E__   Standing

_M__  Sitting

_E__   Walking

_M__  Lifting

_E__   Carrying

_E__   Pushing/Pulling

_I__    Overhead Work

_E__   Fine Dexterity

_E__   Kneeling

_E__   Crouching

_E__   Crawling

_E__   Bending

_E__   Twisting

_I__    Climbing

_M__  Balancing

_E__   Vision

_E__   Hearing

_E__   Talking

___     Other:  _____________________