Blank Park Zoo
FLSA Classification: Exempt ☐ Nonexempt ☒ Salary Grade: To Be Determined
Reports to: Education Manager Department: Engagement
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.
Position Purpose The primary responsibility of a Camp Floater at the Blank Park Zoo is to provide support and help maintain staff coverage for summer camp programs. This includes interacting with the campers (ages 3-12), assisting with the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, creating unique educational opportunities and providing information about our animals and exhibits. The Camp Floater is responsible for ensuring guest and animal safety, while assisting with summer camp and working in various public positions throughout the Zoo.
Essential Functions
Supervise the safety and wellbeing of campers during camp Before/After Care
Act as a substitute in the event Lead or Assistant Counselors are absent
Engage in educational discussion with campers throughout camp
Understand and help enforce our positive behavior management and support plans for campers
Mentor teen volunteers with positive instruction
Report suggestions and observations to supervisors
Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to Summer Safari Camps
Responsible for checking campers in and out during drop off and pick up
Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
Other duties as required
Resourceful – understanding or can research all applicable topics as they relate to conservation education
Flexible – ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful
Independent – must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up
Positive – must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
Communicator – communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills
Critical Thinker – ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily
Innovative – ability to propose solutions to areas of concern
Efficient – ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner
Customer-oriented – always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations
Team Player – collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals
While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for camp activities. The incumbent will be required to spend significant parts of the day with children. The noise level is moderate.
Physical Requirements Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Driving.
Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Reaching with hands and arms.
Tasting or smelling.
Vision.
Required education and experience
1 season of paid experience working directly with children.
Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus.
Additional eligibility requirements
Must be 18 years or older.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
Licenses/Certifications
Valid motor vehicle license.
Ability to obtain:
Universal Precautions.
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART).
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.
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Reports to: Education Manager Department: Engagement
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.
Position Purpose The primary responsibility of a Camp Floater at the Blank Park Zoo is to provide support and help maintain staff coverage for summer camp programs. This includes interacting with the campers (ages 3-12), assisting with the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, creating unique educational opportunities and providing information about our animals and exhibits. The Camp Floater is responsible for ensuring guest and animal safety, while assisting with summer camp and working in various public positions throughout the Zoo.
Essential Functions
Supervise the safety and wellbeing of campers during camp Before/After Care
Act as a substitute in the event Lead or Assistant Counselors are absent
Engage in educational discussion with campers throughout camp
Understand and help enforce our positive behavior management and support plans for campers
Mentor teen volunteers with positive instruction
Report suggestions and observations to supervisors
Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to Summer Safari Camps
Responsible for checking campers in and out during drop off and pick up
Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
Other duties as required
Resourceful – understanding or can research all applicable topics as they relate to conservation education
Flexible – ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful
Independent – must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up
Positive – must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
Communicator – communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills
Critical Thinker – ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily
Innovative – ability to propose solutions to areas of concern
Efficient – ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner
Customer-oriented – always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations
Team Player – collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals
While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for camp activities. The incumbent will be required to spend significant parts of the day with children. The noise level is moderate.
Physical Requirements Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Driving.
Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Reaching with hands and arms.
Tasting or smelling.
Vision.
Required education and experience
1 season of paid experience working directly with children.
Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus.
Additional eligibility requirements
Must be 18 years or older.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
Licenses/Certifications
Valid motor vehicle license.
Ability to obtain:
Universal Precautions.
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART).
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr