EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
       
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 Camps Instructor (Discoveries Day Camp) in Child & Family Programs in the Education Department.

SUMMARY 
The 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.

Instructors are part of a dynamic team including Instructors, Junior Instructors and staff members. The Instructor works with team members to present two cooperative camp curricula. This camp incorporates creative drama and environmental education.

There are half-day and full-day sessions offered for children from preschool (at least 4 years old) through 4th grade (9 years old). Instructors, with the support of Junior Instructors, are responsible for 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: 
• Teach age appropriate curricula conveying awareness of and respect for wildlife and conservation.
• Develop and use creative activities, such as drama games, crafts and zoo tours, to convey camp subject matter.
• Share knowledge of zoology, ecology, conservation, science and the zoo with children and families.
• Interact in a positive manner with camp parents.
• Act as lead for Junior Instructors and Zoo Corp teens.
• Participate as a positive and constructive team member.
• Maintain an environment aimed at the safety and well-being of camp participants.
• 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.
• Demonstrated effective and engaging teaching ability.
• Ability to develop creative lesson plans and follow written curriculum.
• Knowledge of state and national educational standards, early childhood development and educational practices and of the zoo, zoology, ecology, conservation and creative drama.
• Enthusiastic and enjoy working with children of all ages.
• 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.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Knowledge of the zoo, zoology, ecology, and conservation.
• Commitment to the missions of the zoo and Seattle Children's Theatres and the Core Values of both organizations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE  
Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent, preferably in early childhood education or primary grades from two-year college or technical school; or 2 years experience working with children, 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.