Summer Safari Camp Administrative Lead

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

Summer Safari Camp Administrative Leads provide responsible care and a safe environment for camp participants by executing daily operations and logistics, supporting Summer Safari Captains and Instructors, and facilitating pre-written camp programming.  Additionally, Summer Safari Camp Administrative Leads help to problem solve and resolve challenges and opportunities, including behavioral, health, and other camper-related issues.  These positions support the Conservation Engagement and Learning Department’s strategic direction, focusing on engaging elementary – middle school aged children in wildlife conservation learning and action.  

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1 - Program Leadership

• Support instructors and volunteers in applying positive behavior management techniques to working with children, and successfully executing weekly/daily camp curriculum
• Attend and facilitate weekly instructor meetings; Model and guide other Summer Safari Staff, provide timely feedback to program leadership, as needed.
• Responsible for adherence of all environmental, safety and health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Problem solve and resolve challenges and opportunities, including behavioral, health, and other camper-related issues; Drafts and delivers incident and behavioral reports to parents/caregivers as needed and appropriate.

Priority 2 - Program Implementation

• Display a high level of patience and respond well under pressure.
• Prepare, maintain and clean-up program materials and supplies.
• Facilitate science and conservation learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs. Adapts curricula to changing circumstances, when necessary;
• Flexibility to alter teaching style or method to best meet the needs of participants.
• Represents Denver Zoo to the community in a professional and positive manner; Models outstanding customer service and engagement with program participants.

Priority 3 - Communication

• Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust use of language to participants’ level.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all other Denver Zoo staff members, volunteers, camp participants and their parents/caregivers. Proactively communicate with program leadership about program needs and concerns.
• Provide timely feedback as part of program evaluation and reporting efforts.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Camps and Special Programs Coordinator and Conservation Learning Manager: Children and Family Programs to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• This position will interact with staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a or high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience; candidates must be at least 18 years of age.  
• Academic, work, volunteer, or internship experience with elementary – middle school aged students/children including proficiency in positive behavior management required; or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo’s philosophies to pr