JUNIOR CAMPS INSTRUCTOR (Discoveries Day Camp)

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic education team at Woodland Park Zoo! Applications are now being accepted for Junior Camps Instructor (Discoveries Day Camp) in Child & Family Programs in the Education Department.

SUMMARY 
The Junior Instructor is an integral part of the Discoveries Day Camp (DDC) curricula's execution; responsible for creative drama role play and guiding student instruction. The person in this position is a Woodland Park Zoo employee, but is responsible to two organizations, Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Children's Theatre, to support the mission and Core Values of both organizations.

Junior Instructors are part of a dynamic team including Instructors, Junior Instructors and staff members. The DDC Junior Instructors support the Instructors in presenting two cooperative camp curricula. This camp incorporates drama and environmental education.

There are half-day day and full-day sessions offered for children from preschool (at least 4 years old) through 4th grade (9 years old). Junior Instructors are responsible for supporting instructors and educating children in order to promote awareness, respect and caring for wildlife and conservation and engaging children in a creative drama adventure.

SCHEDULE 
June 14 - September 3, 2010: approximately 35-40 hours per week
June 14-18, 2010: 40 hours during training week
June 5 & June 12, 2010 – Additional required training

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 
• Assist the Instructor with teaching DDC Camp.
• Assist with supervising children in the classroom, on zoo grounds and during bathroom breaks.
• Assist Instructor with classroom materials and snack preparation.
• Assist with participant check-in and check-out procedures including parking lot and door duty.
• Accompany child to first aid station when needed and supervise child while waiting for parental pick-up.
• Attend training sessions and scheduled meetings as needed.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS  
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, and independently with little supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Enjoy working and teaching as a team member.
• Knowledge of the zoo, zoology, ecology, and conservation.
• Enthusiastic and enjoy working with children of all ages.
• Ability to assist in the development of creative lesson plans.
• Ability to present dynamic, fun programming to children.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution's Core Values.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE  
Two year certificate from college or technical school in the natural sciences or education preferred; or one year related experience working with children preferably with a strong background in early childhood education or primary grades and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. College-level education with course work in the natural sciences or education. At least two years drama/theatre experience.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS 
Online application is greatly preferred. Please visit our main Jobs page at www.zoo.org for full job posting and to apply.  Cover letter and resume are required when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 1, 2010

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.