2026 Zoo Camp Instructor- Seasonal

Position Type:
Education

Date Posted:
12/18/2025

Location:
Zoo Knoxville Job Description

Job Title: Zoo Camp Instructor

Department: Education Date Updated: 12/15/2025

Reports To: Zoo Camp Coordinator Status: Seasonal

Supervises: Camp Volunteers

Pay rate: $14.00/hour

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Zoo Camp Instructor is a seasonal position responsible for prepping and teaching day camp programs for children ages 4-17. Camps typically occur Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 3:00pm with occasional 3-day camps. Summer camp groups are divided by age into 4-5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 11-13 year olds and 14-17 year olds. Spring and (optional) fall break camps are a single group ages 6-10 years. 2025 camps occur March 9-13 (Spring Break), May 20 - July 29 (Summer Camp) and October 5-9 (Fall Break). Training days include working one day of spring break camp (March 9-13) and three training dates on May 2nd, May 9th, and May 23rd. Programming will strive to achieve the Education Department's vision to create conservation leaders by creating opportunities for learning to inspire and empower community action for wildlife and wild places.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's Core Values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
• Learn and implement a pre-written curriculum for each week of camp you are scheduled to teach. This includes testing and practicing the activities beforehand, preparing materials and supplies, and leading the activities. Instructors are also responsible for leading provided "down time" or "rainy day" activities. Instructors are welcome to use their own games and activities if they are approved beforehand.
• Prepare all camp materials before each camp to ensure camp activities run smoothly. Instructors will get one full day of camp preparation for each camp theme they are assigned to teach. Prep can include things such as: making slime, soaking/washing t-shirts for tie dye, cutting out paper puppet pieces, etc.
• Provide all instruction and camper supervision for the week, with the assistance of the co-instructor and adult and youth volunteers in a way that creates a fun, positive and safe learning environment.
• Arrive by 8:00am each day and stay until clean-up and the next day's preparations are complete. Typically, the day ends around 4:00pm.
• Attend all staff training days and staff orientation.
• Complete online safety trainings, including CPR certification and Epi-pen training.
• Supervise youth and adult volunteers that are assisting with the camp, creating a positive volunteer experience while meeting the needs of the camp. Most volunteers will be new to working in a camp environment.
• Present camp programs, including both interpretation of science and conservation concepts in an immersive, engaging, knowledgeable and inspiring way.
• Maintain all equipment and facilities to keep them clean, safe, and professional in appearance. This includes a full classroom clean-up at the end of each week.
• Work closely with the Zoo Camp Coordinator and other Education Staff to communicate with parents about the camp schedule, camper needs, concerns, and discipline.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a high school diploma.
• Experience teaching children in a classroom, camp, or professional informal learning setting.
• Able to research, understand and interpret science concepts in an engaging fashion.
• Comfortable being around a wide variety of animals including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Available to teach at least seven weeks of the eleven weeks of camp offered in 2026.
• Able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, text, 2-way radio and e-mail.
• Able to lead a group of children 3-5 miles per day through the zoo in hot weather over uneven terrain.
• Able to manage groups of children ages 4-17 while maintaining a positive environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work well with others in a team setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Current knowledge of and ability to use modern electronic technology.
• Knowledge and understanding of general science concepts, especially biological concepts.
• Comfortable interacting with children and adults of all ages.
• Comfortable speaking to large groups and diverse audiences.
• Able to supervise adults and youth while maintaining a positive environment.
• Familiarity with current conservation issues.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to handle unexpected situations.

Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.