Job Postings

Director of Camps & Classes

Facility

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Closing Date
October 30, 2022
Description

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”). The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 C’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it. The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

SUMMARY: The incumbent manages all aspects of Zoo Camp, classes and programs for the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. These are revenue-oriented and the incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the curricula are tied to the Zoo’s mission, DEAI and conservation initiatives. Finally, the incumbent is in charge of all facets of summer camp, which attracts approximately 1,000 campers each year. Ideal candidates are creative, enthusiastic, hardworking and have a strong interest in environmental education and working with children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned, as needed.
1. Assists in setting goals and objectives for Zoo Camp program & other educational related classes and activities and ensures they are met. Evaluates program and takes action as necessary to best advance the Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
2. Manages all administrative aspects of the Zoo Camp program including outreach, registration, database management, evaluation, internal & external stakeholders’ inquiries, cash processing and reporting, and when necessary, assists with yearly budget.
3. Conducts Zoo Camp staff training and provides ongoing support and mentorship throughout camp sessions. May step in as a camp instructor.
4. Maintains level of excellent customer service with program participants, prospective participants, families, and Zoo guests at all times. This includes daily communication, making phone calls, assisting with emails and fielding feedback.
5. Assists Human Resources Division in identifying under-served & under-resourced communities in the Bay Area and participates in outreach efforts to encourage members from those communities to enroll in Zoo Camp
6. Ensures the safety of all campers and staff while participating in Zoo Camp; including responding to emergency situations, administering first aid and adhering to applicable Covid-19 health regulations. Oversees the check-in and checkout process to ensure a smooth, safe and efficient experience for all Zoo Camp participants. Conducts regular safety training with seasonal staff.
7. Provides oversight for other Education Department programs as needed or directed. Communicates effectively with members of the Education Department staff, as well as members of other Zoo divisions/departments. This includes both time-sensitive and secure communications.
8. Assists in evaluating existing Zoo Camp programs, curricula, and like to ensure content relevancy and meet the Zoo’s Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion (“DEAI”) goals, objectives, and initiatives. May serve on the Zoo’s DEAI committee and may participate in community meetings, events and activities to promote the Zoo’s educational activities.
9. Other duties as needed or required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages and supervises seasonal camp staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bilingual skills (Spanish or Chinese) preferred but not required.

EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree with a background in education, biology, zoology, environmental studies, or a related field; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
• Demonstrated experience and ability to supervise or mentor staff and volunteers.
• Familiarity with technology relevant to an informal education setting.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, and physical abilities.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques and social-emotional learning theory.
• Highly motivated with excellent project management and organizational skills, public speaking, guest engagement, and customer service.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Camp management experience and familiarity with Camp & Class Manager (CCM) software are a must

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
• First Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided, if not already certified)
• Successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, squat, talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and use hands for grasping, fine work and assembly, reaching, kneeling, or twisting. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to push/pull, crawl, taste, or smell. The employee must frequently lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

WORK SCHEDULE (subject to change): 5-day workweek, Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day. Weekends and holidays may be required

Application: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Application: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.