Conservation Education Interpreter/summer Camp Leader

Are you looking for a fun and meaningful work experience this summer? Join the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a Conservation Education Interpreter and Summer Camp Leader In this role, you will spend March to mid-June as a Conservation Education Interpreter where you will prepare and present various education programs. These will include curriculum-based offerings to school groups, teachers, corporate groups, and leisure programming for various ages.
As school programs wrap up in mid-June through to August you will transition to a role as a Summer Camp Leader, creating and running a fun, engaging summer camp experience for a specific age/grade. Be part of inspiring the next generation of conservationists by joining our Conservation Education team
Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.
Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.
**Contract Term**:
**Start Date**: April 28, 2025
**End Date**: August 22, 2025
**What you will do**:
Conservation Education Interpreter (May-June)
Deliver high quality, formal and informal programs at all age levels in an entertaining and engaging manner in both a virtual and on-site format
Excellent, positive classroom management and group engagement for a variety of client types
Research and write programs and activities as assigned
Evaluate peers and programs and provide constructive feedback
Maintain and upgrade resource materials
Demonstrate initiative to improve programs and procedures, actively participate in department planning
Incorporate conservation education messaging and activities into programming
Work with multiple program coordinators on a range of program types
Provide exceptional customer service to a variety of internal and external clients
Provide program specific training to Zoo volunteers and seasonal education staff
Maintain a safe, clean working environment for animals, visitors, and zoo staff
Perform all duties in professional manner according to zoo policies and guidelines
Complete all other duties as required, including interpretive programming with Education Department activities
Summer Camp Leader (June-August)
Research, plan and implement a week-long camp program including compelling stories, crafts, games and engaging activities to be run for 7 weeks during summer.
Support before and after care programming team on a rotational basis.
Evaluate the program layout and content based on program performance and adjust where necessary
Provide leadership and guidance in a variety of activities for camp participants.
Ensure the safety and appropriate supervision of all camp participants at all times.
Model leadership and behavior management of campers.
Establish and maintain strong rapport with camper's parents, provide individualized feedback when necessary.
Present engaging education programs and tours ensuring accuracy of information and the maintenance of the conservation message based on the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's mandate
Adhere to organizational policies and guidelines.
Maintain a safe, clean working environment for campers, animals, visitors, and staff.
Other related duties as required.
**What you will bring**:
At least 2 years background in Natural History, Zoology, Biology, recreation/leisure and/or education acquired via university, college or equivalent work experience.
Experience working with children/youth 5-14 years old; experience in a camp setting is preferred
Valid Standard First Aid is required
Ability to present information about nature and nature conservation in an entertaining and educational manner
Experience leading tours, sing-a-longs, games and activities, storytelling and/or presenting zoo education programs
Demonstrated excellence in classroom management and student engagement
Familiarity with the Alberta Curriculum of Studies is an asset
Knowledge of the natural history of Alberta is an asset
Knowledge related to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and its collection is an asset
Demonstrable engaging oral and written communication skills
Demonstrable commitment to providing exceptional customer service
Basic competency in Microsoft Office Suite
**Additional Requirements**:
**Working Conditions**:
Requires considerable on-grounds mobility where there are long periods of time spent on foot indoors and outdoors in all weather
Pulling a wagon of educational resources on grounds to classrooms
Some lifting may be required
Very limited flexibility for multiple days off during summer camp from mid-June to end of August due to the condensed nature of the program
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a no smoking environment including vaping.
**What We Offer**:
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