Zoo Camp Educator Intern
DESCRIPTION
The Brandywine Zoo Education Department is seeking fun, mature and engaging educators for our seasonal full-time Zoo Camp Educator Internships. These internships are through the Delaware State Park Internship Program. A limited number of stipend internships are available for highly qualified candidates. However all internships will have the opportunity to apply for free housing. The Brandywine Zoo’s Internships offer hands-on experience for individuals who want to explore a profession in Zoo Education and Day Camp Management. We’re looking for people with great people skills (especially children!), self-starter, mature, energetic, positive, creative, fun, safe, conscientious, and a natural leader who gets along well with others.
The Brandywine Zoo offers children the chance to spend a week at the zoo learning about animals, zoos, and wildlife conservation. Each week is filled with Zoo visits, live animal presentations, crafts, animal – related games, songs, stories, and learning projects. Interns will also work with adult and teen volunteers, live animals, and will help children learn about our natural world.
Interns will primarily be responsible for the management, supervision, and facilitation of full day camps for campers ages 4 to 17. Selected candidates will be responsible for the implementation for full day and half day camps, including but not limited to: lesson plans, camp materials, and evaluation tools. Interns will assist by overseeing our Summer Zoo Camp program and in leading campers through our zoo- themed camps.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise, guide, and teach children ages 4-17
- Share educational animal information in an engaging and exciting way
- Create hands-on activities, games, and crafts that are age appropriate
- Responsible for the proper setup and clean-up of supplies, including valuable and rare biofacts
- Handle and present all program animals as part of camp lessons and programming (this may include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates)
- Serve as a role model and leader for our summer campers, working to ensure they have a safe and fun camp environment all summer long
- Mentor and lead teen camp counselors with positive instruction
- Interact with parents, guardians, staff, and other members in a professional manner
- Report suggestions and observations
- Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Applicants must be working toward or already have a degree in Education, Recreation, Museum Studies, Communications, Animal Science, Zoo Science, Wildlife Conservation, or other Biological Science
- Must have an interest in working with the general public; especially children ages 4-17.
- Must have some experience with children and demonstrate strength in child management and effective public speaking skills such as enthusiasm, voice inflection, and varied facial expressions.
- Candidates must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility.
- Experience working with peers and teens is preferred.
- Previous camp, education and/or science background preferred.
- First Aid and CPR certification is not required but a definite plus!
REQUIRED SKILLS
- At least 18 years old with valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Provide proof of negative TB Test within the last 12 months before start date
- Successfully complete a background check performed by the Division of Parks and Recreation
- Good physical condition: able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, kneel, crouch, and able to work in all weather conditions (Zoo Camp can be a physically demanding activity, requiring long hours outside in the heat of the summer)
- Be able to lift up to 25 pounds
- Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
- Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher
- Good organizational skills
- Basic understanding of age appropriate education instruction, especially for children ages 6 to 10 years
- Able and willing to read and follow verbal and written work instructions and work independently
- Willing to assist with administrative, customer relations, and housekeeping tasks as well as animal care
- Able to commit to upholding all Zoo safety and personnel policies, and support the overall mission of the Brandywine Zoo
For a sneak-peek at what camps this position will assist with, please go to our camp page.
LOCATION
Brandywine Zoo – Wilmington, DE
TERM OF SERVICE
Summer – 12 weeks – Full Time 30-35 hours per week
***A Summer Camp Counselor/Educator Intern is responsible for working with our summer day camps that occur at the Brandywine Zoo from June – August and therefore required to be available the entire time, no exceptions. Those requesting extended periods of time-off during this time frame may not be considered for this internship opportunity.
BENEFITS
Training: A hallmark of the program, interns receive training from the field experts they will be working with. In addition to this formal and informal training to successfully conduct their internship assignment, interns will have the opportunity to build associated skills and share real- time experience with park staff and colleagues. Training will be made available to the interns to further their personal and professional development. Additionally, the position will develop critical skills for those interested in a career in conservation, natural resource management, animal management, or ecological studies. Opportunities for school credit are available.
Housing: Limited co-ed housing is available, at no fee, for interns providing full-time hours (30 or more per week). If selected for housing, an intern will share a house, duplex or dorm facility with other interns.
Activities: Interns will have the opportunity not only to visit ALL Delaware State Parks at no fee, but also participate in many of the tours, programs, and associated events for free. Delaware State Parks span the length of the state and whether it be canoeing at Trap Pond State Park, surfing at Delaware Seashore State Park, attending a concert at Bellevue State Park, or touring the living history facility at Fort Delaware, there is certainly something for everyone.
Stipend Available: Interns are not employees of the State of Delaware- they are considered volunteers and are not paid for their service. Interns may elect to receive a stipend to help cover expenses incurred during their volunteer intern service. The stipend is a fixed amount of $100 per week for service of 30 or more hours per week or $50.00 per week for service of between 20 – 29 hours/ week paid biweekly as a direct deposit into the Intern’s bank account.
- The stipend is not a wage, but does count toward the total income on which the intern’s tax obligation is based. Interns electing to receive the stipend will complete IRS Form W-9 Request for Tax-Payer Identification as self-employed and will receive a Form 1099 at the end of the year that reports the amount of income from the stipend. No taxes are withheld from the stipend.
All Delaware State Parks Interns are required to undergo and successfully complete a background check performed by the Division.