Summer Camp Educator Guide - Part Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

Req #4407

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Apply

Share

Job Description

Posted Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Expires Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:59 AM

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Educator Guide supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's (SDZWA) mission and vision of saving species worldwide. The Educator Guide leads a variety of programs for diverse audiences, which may include visitors and school groups both on and off Zoo/Park grounds. The Educator Guide adapts presentations using messaging consistent with trends in education and conservation to increase guests' engagement, awareness, and interest in SDZWA wildlife and conservation projects and may be required to operate a vehicle while narrating to guests. This position reports to the department Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Conducts various programs for diverse audiences, including park visitors and school/youth groups on and off Zoo/Park grounds, adapting presentations using best practices in education and conservation to meet program objectives and increase guests' motivation to take conservation action. Safe operation of various vehicles while narrating to guests and use of technology, including audio-visual equipment during programs, is required.
• Participates in monitoring and evaluation of programs by implementing essential program components and measurement tools, collecting data, and providing feedback for program refinement. Contributes to a culture of feedback by providing and receiving constructive feedback to support performance improvement.
• Provides constructive input and support to program developers in creating and refining content.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The San Diego Zoo is seeking enthusiastic team members who will co-lead a camp group to create a fun, welcoming and safe environment for all. You will collaborate with your camp team to provide engaging, hands-on experiences for campers entering grades K-9th, spending a majority of the camp day outdoors. You will facilitate camp activities, art projects, games and explorations inspired by wildlife and wild places, in and around the Zoo. You will create a continuous feedback loop for improvement alongside your camp team, mentor Program Aides, as well as communicate effectively with the Camp Leadership Team and caregivers, ensuring a high quality for the team, campers and their families. This position requires participation in one training session in early-May and availability to work the full length of team training and camp from June 1 – August 10, Monday through Friday.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Two or more years of non-formal education experience working with school-aged kids in a role such as camp counselor, schoolteacher, student mentor, or non-formal educator (e.g., zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center) required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must have completed at least two years of college-level courses related to education, biology, zoology.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Teaching credential preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of principles and practices of biology or zoology, including wildlife behavior.
• General knowledge of current teaching methods and practices and learning theory.
• Ability to teach and motivate all ages on a variety of themes.
• Ability to lead groups of up to 40 people on foot through the facility while teaching.
• Ability to monitor animal behavior to ensure wildlife and participants remain safe.
• Ability to monitor and maintain program materials and props; communicate supply needs.
• Ability to keep records and follow procedures.
• Ability to maintain flexibility with scheduling.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles (e.g., trucks, vans, and cars) safely.
• Ability to operate carts safely while narrating to guests onboard.
• Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and staff.
• Ability to learn and use a variety of technological devices, software, and applications. (e.g., Dayforce, Galaxy, Google Suites, Bookeo, Box, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and guests (verbal and written).
• Ability to communicate science concepts and conservation projects to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to follow a schedule and manage time effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate good independent judgment and problem-solving skills.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: City, San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Seasonal Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $31.02

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Scan this QR code and apply!

Download

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA