We're looking for individuals who have experience working with children in an educational setting who are energetic, flexible, and creative, with a positive attitude and strong interest in education, wildlife, and conservation.

Tacoma Parks is a CAPRA and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the district is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the Parks Tacoma system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
OUR CORE VALUES
These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which Parks Tacoma treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation  •Excellence  •Equity  •Inclusiveness  •Sustainability  •Accountability  •Safety  •Fun

POSITION INFORMATION
Camp Program Instructors are part of the Zoo’s Conservation Engagement Department and work in a collaborative team including other instructors, camp support staff, the Program Specialist and the Program Coordinator. 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees and participants.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

• Engage with campers of all age levels (4-year-olds to 11th grade graduates) in various roles as needed (Previous experience with this entire age range is not required and staff may not work with every age group).
• Present classroom lessons and lead activities in a fun and engaging manner while actively involving the campers in the learning process and keeping in mind their social and emotional needs (This will be covered in training.)
• Build and maintain a strong sense of community between campers, staff, and volunteers (with the support of co-instructors) with competence and patience, individually and as part of a group, in various environments on Zoo grounds, in Point Defiance Park and in a classroom setting.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of the campers under your supervision.
• Adhere to and assist in the enforcement of all policies and procedures for camp operations.
• Work cooperatively and compassionately with other Zoo staff and volunteers. 
• Ensure all materials are prepared for each day.
• Maintain open communication between the Program Coordinator, Program Specialist, and other members of the Program Instructor team, and other departments around the Zoo. 
• Participate in the check-in and check-out process with adults dropping off and picking up their campers.
• Participate in the overall maintenance and cleaning of learning spaces and storage of indoor and outdoor program materials and equipment.
• Uphold all Zoo safety and personnel policies and support the overall mission.
• Exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as initiative, emotional maturity, and self-responsibility.
• Adhere to Camp Team Commitments, which will be discussed during training.
• Adhere to and assist in the enforcement of camper/staff agreements, which will be discussed during training and each day of camp. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

IN ADDITION to the required online application form and supplemental questions, please include a COVER LETTER explaining why you are interested in this position.

• Experience working with children in a fun and educational setting.
• Able to engage school-aged youth during educational experiences with enthusiasm, patience, and a sense of fun. (Or be willing to learn and practice these skills.)
• Able to work indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to lead groups of children throughout the entire zoo grounds and Point Defiance Park gardens, forest, and marine areas within a pre-determined schedule. This requires navigation across steep and uneven, paved and unpaved surfaces.
• Inclusive mindset and openness to working with campers with varying social, emotional and physical needs.
• Able to work cooperatively and supportively with an assigned co-instructor.
• Able to be flexible with changes in assigned duties within the camp program.
• Strong interest in learning about animal adaptations, habitats, ecosystems and caring for animals.
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• At least 18 years old with reliable transportation.
• Provide proof of current valid First-Aid and CPR certification required by June 15th, 2025.

MANDATORY DATES:

• Available to attend the group interview on March 8th. We may be able to accommodate candidates who cannot attend the interview in person.
• Available to work Monday-Friday for at least 8 weeks of camp.
  • Camps sessions run June 19th – August 22nd, 2025.
  • Camp staff daily schedule, approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Working on July 4th is required. (Because this a holiday, camp staff will be paid at time and a half for that day.)
• Available to attend all training sessions:
  • At least two remote orientation meetings on scheduled evenings in early June.
  • In person training dates:
    • June 14th-15th, 17th-18th and June 20th.

DESIREABLE BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Have or be working toward a degree in education, natural sciences, or related field.
• Informal education experience at a zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center or museum.
• Experience working with youth while supporting sensory, social and emotional, and/or behavioral needs.
• Experience working cooperatively with a team in an educational setting, either formally or informally.
• Understanding of the importance of community building in youth programs.

Additional Information

The successful candidate for this position will have a personality and attitude that fosters a friendly environment and commitment to learning. If you feel passionate about our efforts and want to bring your best self to Zoo Camp, we want to hear from you! 

We recognize the historical and ongoing exclusion of diverse voices in conservation, particularly impacting under-resourced groups including people of color, individuals from working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA communities. Therefore, we actively welcome applications from individuals with these identities or those belonging to under-resourced communities.

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

There will be a group interview held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 (1-4 pm). 

• Attendance is required - if you are unavailable, please still consider applying and reach out to cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org. New staff hired for the 2025 season will start at $18.31/hour.

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.
Extensive contact with the public.
 
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Standing for extended periods of time.
Lifting and carrying equipment as needed.
Walking throughout the zoo and park, including stairs, hills and uneven terrain.

HAZARDS:

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or HR@tacomaparks.com.

Employment is subject to a national background check. 

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.