Camp Programs Lead Counselor (Seasonal)

Are you looking for a job with a true sense of purpose with a mission-based organization? Do you like working with kids and love animals? The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is currently looking to fillCamp Programs Lead Counselor. This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing the highest level of quality customer service and top-quality programming to camp and specialty program participants in order to further the Society’s mission of inspiring conservation leadership and providing excellent guest experiences.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Assist in managing the daily program needs of camp staff and campers; monitor camper check-in and check-out, arrange catered lunches, prepare activities, and develop program content. Assist in pick-up and drop-off of programs in accordance with established protocol. Maintain and organize program supply inventory including art supplies, t-shirts, program tools, etc.
Maintain open communication on a daily basis with parents and/or guardians of program participants regarding questions or concerns, discipline issues, extended day care, etc.
Facilitate Camp sessions in the absence of Seasonal Camp Programs Counselors. Supervise program participants through different exhibits and facilitate projects, games, and activities.
Provide coaching/feedback to Seasonal Camp Programs Counselors on a regular basis. Support Seasonal Camp Programs Counselors and Assistant Counselors in the absence of the Manager.
Other related duties as assigned.

The requirements for this position include:

• High School diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
• Two years paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
• Knowledge of how to send and receive emails, and basic word processing skills required.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment required.
• Must be a flexible and creative team player in order to accommodate changing camp and camper needs.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills required. English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Ability to provide a safe, fun, and appropriate learning environment for school-aged children is required.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents

Preferred qualifications:

• One year of college or the equivalent of two years’ experience preferred, including coursework in education, biological sciences, communication, therapeutic recreation, or other directly related field or subjects, such as public speaking, interpretation, theater, recreation, environmental studies, children and families, or art and interpretation.
• Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus.
• One-year supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Salary is $20.90 per hr.
Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Camp programs typically run from June through August. Pre-school camp is for children 4 and 5-years old. School-age camp is for children in grades K–5. The work schedule for Zoo Camp is generally Monday through Friday, 7 to 8 hours per day, based on camper enrollment. All schedules are based on the needs of the operation, up to 40 hours per week. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays. Must be available to work the weeks of summer camps, June through August. Incumbent must be enthusiastic with demonstrated abilities to engage with guests and other staff. Must represent the Chicago Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times. This is a temporary position.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

Education and Community Engagement

Conservation, Education & Training

Non-Union