Substitute Zoo Camp Instructor

Lincoln Children's Zoo • Lincoln, NE

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Substitute Camp Instructor assists the Zoo’s education department by enthusiastically delivering hands-on, educational programming to children ages 4 to 13 years old when full-time camp counselors call out sick or have scheduled leave throughout the summer. This position is responsible for stepping in to administer the designated curriculum, ensuring the safety of all campers in their care, and supporting the mission of the Zoo “to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things.” Substitute instructors may be asked to fill a Lead Instructor or Assistant Instructor role depending on the day and needs, so flexibility and creativity are key. Lead Instructors are responsible for maintaining ownership of their class by leading games and activities, managing conflict between campers, and communicating with their Assistant to delegate tasks and responsibilities. Assistant Instructors are responsible for maintaining a positive culture within their group by directly interacting with campers in games and activities, organizing materials and supplies, and aiding the Lead Instructor. Summer camp at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is ten weeks long, beginning the week of Memorial Day. Camp hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm Monday through Friday, with instructors’ contract hours somewhere between 7:30am and 5:00pm. A typical day of camp includes approximately two hours of interactive, STEM-based lessons, lunch and free-play time, crafting, snack time, and a series of activities throughout the zoo including scavenger hunts, zookeeper chats, and various science and nature exploration activities. While curriculum is provided, instructors are expected to be able to work collaboratively and with exceptional creativity, knowing that working with children creates its own unique challenges and things do not always go according to plan. A sense of humor and adaptability is a must, as well as the ability to actively and independently problem-solve when issues arise. Training, materials, and support from administrative leaders will be provided to help you be successful! This is a seasonal, on-call position for summer 2026. Applicants must be willing to be called into work with last-minute notice and have a wide range of availability through July 31, 2026.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a background check
• Ability to work collaboratively and with creativity
• Enthusiasm for nature and wildlife
• Superior organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to supervise children with a kind yet firm authority

Nice To Haves

• Extensive experience facilitating education or teaching/mentoring youth
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children of varying ages and abilities
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences
• Deliver STEM-based, educational programs to summer campers
• Introduce program participants to a variety of animal species through lessons, activities, and games
• Serve as a team player and work collaboratively with your co-teacher
• Communicate with families before and after camp
• All other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed