What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safari Camp Instructor position at Detroit Zoological Society?
General Description
As a member of the Education Team, the seasonal full-time Safari Camp Instructor will work to lead groups of campers in the Safari Camp program as part of the Camp Staff.
Day camps run between June 18 and August 19, Monday through Friday most weeks. Evening camps are offered on select dates during the camp season. Camp staff is expected to be available for at least eight weeks of camp plus training dates.
All candidates are required to attend paid training dates:
May 31 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
June 5 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.)
June 11 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.)
June 13 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
June 16-17 (8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
Education and Experience
Schedule that will include mainly weekday shifts and the potential for occasional evening shifts. Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions through the summer.
Physical Requirements
This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods. This position can expect employees to walk two to three miles a day. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds. The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily, with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
As a member of the Education Team, the seasonal full-time Safari Camp Instructor will work to lead groups of campers in the Safari Camp program as part of the Camp Staff.
Day camps run between June 18 and August 19, Monday through Friday most weeks. Evening camps are offered on select dates during the camp season. Camp staff is expected to be available for at least eight weeks of camp plus training dates.
All candidates are required to attend paid training dates:
May 31 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
June 5 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.)
June 11 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.)
June 13 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
June 16-17 (8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead groups of 10-14 youth in grades K-12 for weeklong and two-day daytime camps throughout the Zoo on hikes, hands-on activities, art projects, games, and singing
- Camp Instructors are paired with a Camp Aide, and may also direct a teen volunteer as they assist with their camp group throughout the week
- Greet guests, caregivers, and program participants with enthusiasm and provide information to enhance each person’s Zoo experience and provide campers with a positive and memorable camp program
- Engage with campers as a group and individually to create a welcoming and inclusive community amongst the group
- Be familiar with all facets of the Zoo in order to answer questions properly
- Contribute to a positive, energetic, and safe experience for campers, colleagues and guests
- Must be available for a weekday work schedule, usually 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Staff may also be scheduled to cover extended care (shifts either 7:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.)
- Assist with program setup and breakdown
- All other responsibilities and tasks as assigned
Education and Experience
- Must be 18 years or older as of June 1, 2025
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology, or other related field OR completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent with four years of experience in a zoological institution or a youth organization preferred
- Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning environments
- Familiar with concepts of biology, environmental science, or animal welfare and a willingness to learn more
- Must learn to use a computer, printer, two-way radio, and iPad
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Must be reasonable, diplomatic, and use common sense to make sound decisions
- Must have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to participant, caregiver or guest issues before they escalate and report issues and challenges to supervisors and camp directors
- Must be professional and have a positive, friendly, social disposition
- Must clear a background check and pre-employment drug screening before hire
Schedule that will include mainly weekday shifts and the potential for occasional evening shifts. Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions through the summer.
Physical Requirements
This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods. This position can expect employees to walk two to three miles a day. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds. The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily, with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.