Summer Camp Assistant Instructor

Position Title: Summer Camp Assistant Instructor

Department: Learning and Engagement

• Reports To: Learning Programs Supervisor or Manager

Location: Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date Revised: February 2026

Position Type: Full Time Temporary

WHO WE ARE:

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do:

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Activating Impact: Integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.

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Empowering Optimism: Using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.

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• Create Connection: Engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.

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Le Bon Temps: Embodying the spirit of Louisiana by infusing joy and vibrant culture into our everyday work.

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• Leaders of the Pack: Seeking smarter, innovative solutions and challenging conventions to drive change.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Summer Camp Assistant Instructors ("Instructors") are full-time seasonal camp staff who deliver and facilitate engaging programming for Audubon camp participants. Working alongside a Summer Camp Lead Instructor, they are responsible for the personal safety and positive experience of their campers. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children and are eager to engage campers in animal, nature, and conservation-themed activities.

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• Schedule: Monday–Friday.

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Shift Times: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday–Thursday) and 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Fridays).

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Duration: Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks starting the first week of June (no camp the week of July 4th).

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• Training: Mandatory in-person training days occur during the last week of May before camp starts.

DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervising campers entering Kindergarten through 7th grade throughout the camp day.

• Facilitating scheduled activities such as animal encounters, playground time, and Cool Zoo (for Zoo camp).

• Providing support, mentorship, and feedback to Counselors-in-Training (teen volunteers entering 8th through 12th grade).

• Preparing for, setting up, and delivering educational content following established lesson plans and guidelines.

• Providing guided facility tours to program participants in an engaging and safe manner.

• Following established departmental and organizational policies and procedures.

• Collaborating with other Learning and Engagement staff members.

• Maintaining an organized, clean, and welcoming classroom and ensuring non-wasteful use of educational supplies.

• Participating in pre/post-shift feedback sessions.

• Communicating issues or concerns to Camp leadership in a timely manner.

• Providing program feedback and evaluations utilizing established methods.

ADDITIONAL/OVERALL SKILLS:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Thrive in a team environment, using organizational and technical skills to ensure the execution of creative projects.

• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work.

• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Must Haves (Required):

• At least 18 years of age at the time of camp.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred):

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

• Knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for up to $2/3$ of the day.

• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.

• Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations, including moderate to loud crowds.

• Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.

• Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

Environmental Conditions:

• Exposure to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

• Works effectively in a moderately noisy office.

• Constant contact with co-workers required.

• Exposure to fluctuations in temperature.

• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions