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:

• Successful candidates must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Persons search prior to their first day of work.

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:

• Competitive compensation
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada's leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
2. Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
3. Fill in the application questions:
   • Please confirm that you are available to start on April 28, 2025
   • Please list your vacation/time-off requirements for the duration of the contract
   • Please confirm if you have a valid First Aid Certificate.
   • Please briefly describe your experience working with children in a camp setting or educational setting.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter no later than March 21, 2025 @ 4:00pm.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the Zoo's mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.