Summer Camp Lead Instructor

Position Title: Summer Camp Lead 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. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in

their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by 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. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating

our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek

smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

Summer Camp Lead Instructors (“Lead Instructors”) are seasonal camp staff who are directly responsible for the delivery of programming and activities for their assigned camp group as well as the personal safety and positive experience of their campers. They are classroom leaders and act as mentors for Assistant Instructors and Counselors-in-Training (teen volunteers) assigned to their group. These positions are great for folks who enjoy working with children and have prior experience with managing groups of children in a classroom, camp, or other educational environment.

This position is Monday-Friday with a shift time of 7:30AM-4:00PM Monday-Thursday and 8:00AM- 4:30PM on Fridays. Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks starting the first week of June with no camp the week of July 4th. There are also mandatory in person training days during the last week of May before camp starts.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Supervising campers entering Kindergarten through 7th grade 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 entering 8th

thought 12th grade)

• Following established schedules, policies, protocols, and guidance from camp management

• Moving groups of campers through their facility in an engaging and safe manner

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

manner

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

• Leading and modeling classroom management expectations and strategies in cooperation with

Camp Management

• Leading classroom team pre/post-shift feedback sessions with assistant instructors and CITs

• Ensure completion of classroom tasks and checklists

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

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful

culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: (required for the role)

• Be at least 18 years or older

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

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds

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

Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)

• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring peers

• Knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues

Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)

Physical Demands:

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Conditions:

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

o    Works effectively in a moderately noisy office

o    Constant contact with co-workers required

o    Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required

o    Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required