Summer Camp Support Specialist

Position Title: Summer Camp Support Specialist

Department: Learning and Engagement

Reports To: Camp & Family Programs Supervisor

Location: Hiring for 3 locations: Zoo, Aquarium & Insectarium, and Nature Center

General Summary:

Summer Camp Support Specialists (“Camp Support”) provide operational and classroom support for Audubon Nature

Institute summer camps. These positions are ideal for folks who enjoy working with children, are interested in camp

administration and operations, and have prior experience with managing groups of children in a classroom, camp, or other

educational environment.

We are hiring Camp Support positions for the following facilities:

• Audubon Zoo

• Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium

• Audubon Louisiana Nature Center

Shift times may vary depending on facility and assigned responsibilities:

• 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Zoo & Aquarium/Insectarium – camp & before care support)

• 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Zoo, Aquarium/Insectarium, & Nature Center – camp support)

• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Zoo & Aquarium/Insectarium – camp & after care support)

2024 Summer Camps run Monday-Friday from June 3-August 2, with a week off July 1-5. Mandatory staff training will be

held May 28-31.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, Support Specialists will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality by…

• Working collaboratively with camp staff, management, and volunteers to deliver engaging camp programming

• Supervising campers ages 4-13 throughout the camp day including during scheduled activities such as animal

encounters, playground time, and Cool Zoo (for Zoo camp)

• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating Counselors-in-Training (teen volunteers ages 14-17)

• Following established policies and protocols and guidance from camp management

• Providing classroom support for instructors and campers, including substituting as a classroom instructor as needed

• Reviewing class rosters and checking attendance, utilizing camper information with discretion

• Communicating with camp families by phone, email, and in person

• Completing and submitting daily notes and reports

• Ensuring classroom and camp supplies are stocked and replenished

• Preparing and delivering daily camp activities

Position Title: Summer Camp Support Specialist

Department: Learning and Engagement

Reports To: Camp & Family Programs Supervisor

Location: Hiring for 3 locations: Zoo, Aquarium & Insectarium, and Nature Center

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date Written/Revised: March 2023

Job Description

Summer Camp Support Specialist

Camp Support Specialist Job Description, page 3 of 3

• Communicating camper and programming needs or concerns to Camp Management in a timely manner

• Supporting before & after care operations as assigned

Educate our diverse audience about the natural world by…

• Utilizing provided activities to talk about animals, nature, and conservation in an age-appropriate manner

• Communicating accurate information about Audubon facilities, animals, nature, and conservation

• Encouraging curiosity and storytelling among campers as a means of engagement

The above-listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed regularly. They do

not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, Support Specialists will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.

• Wear an appropriate uniform and identification badge.

• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spills, pick up trash).

Share

• Maintain a positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).

• Coach coworkers on service expectations.

• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.

• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.

• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and

wait for response before placing caller on hold).

• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.

• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.

• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

Supervision: Responsible for supervising assigned campers (ages 4-13) and Counselors-In-Training (youth volunteers

ages 14-17).

Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• 1+ years working with children in a camp, classroom, or other formal/informal environment is required

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds

• Demonstrated experience instructing children in a formal or informal educational setting

• Demonstrated experience with program operational or administrative support preferred

• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring peers preferred

• Knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues preferred

Camp Support Specialist Job Description, page 3 of 3

Education: Bachelor’s degree or coursework in Education, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Studies, or a related field,

and/or equivalent work experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing or walking for up to ¾ of the day and the ability to carry items weighing up to 30 lbs.

• Ability to perceive visual or behavioral changes in children to determine general wellbeing. Must have excellent

peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for child safety during programming

• Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds

• Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions

and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required

• Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected

• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required 

• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity 

• Constant contact with co-workers required

• Working with and around children required

• Affinity for animals required

• Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures is required

• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required

Other Abilities, skills, knowledge:

• Must be goal-oriented and self-motivated

• Must have willingness and ability to take initiative

• Must have willingness to promote and practice Stand Out Service

• Must work effectively in a team environment