Position Title: Summer Camp Assistant Instructor
Department: Learning and Engagement
Reports To: Learning Programs Supervisor or Manager
Location: Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium
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 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. These positions are great for folks who enjoy working with children and are eager to engage campers in animal, nature, and conservation-themed activities.
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 (Limit to most important/top 10 duties if possible)
· 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 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)
· A least 18 years of age at the time of camp
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds
Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
· Demonstrated experience instructing children in a formal or informal educational setting
· Knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues
Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)
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 included 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:
May be exposed 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 is required
Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required