Title: Camp Inclusion Specialist
SALARY & FLSA: $23.00 per hour; FLSA non-exempt
OPENING DATE: 02/20/2024
CLOSING DATE: 04/08/2024 (May close sooner if a sufficient number of qualified applications is received.)
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Temporary
UNION: Non-Represented
OPENINGS: 2
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Learning and Innovation
This is a seasonal position beginning June 3 and finishing September 6.
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.
WHO YOU ARE
As our new Camp Inclusion Specialist, we know you will be successful in this role because you:
Facilitate Inclusion Work: You ensure inclusion of all camp participants, emphasizing both individual abilities and common ground with peers. Providing direct support to campers with all abilities as needed during camp activities and while moving around the zoo excites you.
Are a Supporter for Team Growth: Supporting the facilitation of inclusion training for Camp Instructors is important to you. You are ready to engage in peer observation and mentoring with Camp Instructors as a support and resource for inclusion procedures and best practices. Your ability to provide suggestions and adaptations to camp staff that will assure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate in camp programs.
Are an Expert in Your Field: As an experienced professional, you can review the curriculum for proven accessibility practice and universal design. You are excited to adapt activities, rules, equipment and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation and fun is had by all camp participants.
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure inclusion of all camp participants, emphasizing both individual abilities and common ground with peers.
Provide direct support to campers with all abilities as needed during camp activities and while moving around the zoo. This includes coordinating accommodations, so the instructors and supervisors are aware of how to best support the campers.
Provide suggestions and adaptations to camp staff that will assure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate in camp programs.
Create a debrief report at the end of the summer camp season, including data on the number and nature of support requests, summaries of changes made to camp’s inclusion practices, materials, and training, and recommendations for further improvement.
Communicate with caregivers prior to and during camp to gather information about the camper’s needs and provide follow up on camper successes and challenges.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus.
Experience and/or education in biological sciences, education, communication, or other directly related field or subjects, such as public speaking, interpretation, theater, or art and interpretation are preferred.
Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
Working knowledge of American Sign Language, behavior management strategies, or Crisis Prevention Institute Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS
Associates degree in social services, paraprofessional or similar field, or entering junior year of college, or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred, including coursework in special education, therapeutic recreation, or behavioral analysis.
One year of direct experience working with individuals with various physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
Minimum three months experience working with children in an educational setting, e.g., camp, day care, student teaching, school, park district, Special Recreation Association, or cultural institution
Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Successful applicants must be willing to live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.
BENEFITS
The Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits:
4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
403(b) Retirement Plan
Free staff parking
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.
This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].
Screening: We will review applications. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person group interviews.
Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a driving record review.