Summer Safari Lead Camp Educator

Job Title: Lead Camp Educator

Department: Edu - Summer Camp

• Reports to: Camp & Community Programs Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Seasonal

Job Purpose: The Summer Camp Lead Educator position advances the mission of Zoo Atlanta by creating experiences that engage, educate, and energize program participants to action. As a Summer Camp Lead Educator, this position assists in facilitating and overseeing daily program logistics, ensuring that Educators are prepared to successfully and safely lead camp groups throughout the summer. Summer Camp Lead Educators facilitate learning for groups of all ages using interactive, STEAM-based curriculum that showcases Zoo Atlanta’s work to conserve wildlife and wild places; how to protect our environment; and how every person can make a difference in these areas. Summer Camp Lead Educators will also play a vital role in enforcing the Safari Camp program’s health and safety policies and protocols. This is a full-time, seasonal position.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assume management of Camp program when program supervisors are not present.  This includes ensuring a high quality, safe, engaging experience for Zoo program participants as well as acting as a support and resource for other program staff.
• Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests.
• Be able to provide excellent customer service to all Zoo guests, including parents/guardians and campers.
• Educate and inspire guests (primarily campers ages 5-14) to be conservation stewards.
• Assist in leading educator orientations, trainings, and the as-needed revision of camp curriculum.
• Build and maintain a respectful working rapport with co-workers, campers and parents/guardians.
• Work in a diverse team environment, creating a safe and fun experience for children of all backgrounds.
• Assist supervisors in managing day-to-day operations of programs, including but not limited to program rules and expectations.
• Maintain clean and safe spaces and ensure that staff follow all safety protocols.
• Lead daily check-in and/or check-out; lead extended care activities as necessary.
• Collaborate with supervisors and other Zoo Team members to ensure all guest or staff issues/incidents. are documented and addressed in a timely and professional manner.
• Model appropriate behavior and professionalism and be a resource to Educators and guests.
• Prepared to act as a back-up Educator as necessary.
• Report program and Educator needs to supervisor as necessary.
• Preparation and breakdown of program materials.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to co-workers and guests.
• Assist with and/or lead on-grounds programming and projects as needed.
• Must attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training as well as Team meetings and workshops.
• Ensure timely communications via email and/or cell phone with program supervisors and manager.
• Completion of various additional duties as assigned.

• Schedule - Minimum 9 out of 10 camp weeks must be available plus all training dates

• Normal Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday
• Lead Training (in person): Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Training (in person): Saturday, May 9, 2026; Saturday, May 16, 2026; Monday, May 18, 2026 – Friday, May 22, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Camp: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026 (no camp July 4th)
• Full time, seasonal, non-benefited
• All requests for time off must be approved in advance by Program Supervisor or Manager and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with interpretation, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting[RB1]
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license
• Must pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and TB test
• Must be able to spend 50% or more of the workday standing/walking
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Experience coordinating programs, preferred
• Experience supervising others
• Experience working with children and families
• Excellent oral communication skills required
• Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Chrome
• Commitment to Diversity – At Zoo Atlanta, we see collective power in our differences and embrace the notion that we all have something special to offer.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, education, psychology, or related field required.
• Animal, science or education academic training in a formal or informal setting is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to spend 50% or more of the workday standing/walking
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must be able to repeatedly lift and/or push 30 pounds.

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment