Zoo Camp Student Worker

Zoo Camp Student Worker

Minnesota Zoo

13000 Zoo Boulevard

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Salary Range: $17.84 / hour.

This position is limited with an intermittent fluctuating work schedule depending on the season and event needs, and may work up to 32 hours per week. The specific days and hours per week will vary and include evenings, weekends, school breaks, and holidays.

Estimated work timeframe: mid-April to end of August.

This position assists camp staff in in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences for PreK-12th grade in support of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist Zoo Camp Instructors in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences according to agreed-upon protocols and best practices so that campers are engaged, and educational outcomes are achieved.
• Supervise zoo campers during transition times such as before care, after care, and lunches.
• Assist with program logistics so that that all camp spaces, materials and staff are available when needed, activities run smoothly, and program goals and outcomes are met. 

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment, and every (6) six months thereafter. Must be at least 16 years of age and a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months.

Other requirements:

• Must be a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months
• Experience working with children, either paid or volunteer 
• Knowledge of natural sciences, conservation, and sustainability issues
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to respond to coworkers and guests with courtesy, respect, and interest in positive problem solving
• Ability to work with individuals from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse and traditionally underserved communities 
• Ability to learn and share information about the Minnesota Zoo’s programs, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children in the role of nanny, babysitter, camp counselor, academic tutor, sports coach, and/or lifeguard
• Knowledge of environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
• Knowledge of current educational methods such as inquiry-based learning and/or strategies for building empathy for others
• Demonstrated teaching, presentation, and behavior management skills with preschoolers and/or K-12 audiences
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals, their needs, and their importance in the environment
• Passion for and commitment to informal education, and enthusiasm for the potential impact conservation education and experiences can have on participants