Job Description
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Summer Camp Instructors
The educational vision of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is to provide quality experiences that foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places.
Job Description:
Do you enjoy the outdoors, children, and being in constant danger of loving your job? The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Education Department is seeking creative, enthusiastic, hardworking individuals with a strong interest in environmental education and working with children, while also enduring extreme heat, pounding rain and infectious giggles. All successful applicants will walk away forever changed by the knowledge that they have inspired wonder, knowledge, and action in their campers.
Through live animal encounters, interactive games, crafts, Zoo hikes, and conservation challenges, instructors will help children develop a sense of wonder, build knowledge, and encourage environmental action with wildlife and wild places. In addition, instructors will be able to work with our experienced staff of environmental educators to further develop their animal handling, educational, and interpretive skills.
Flexibility, a sense of humor, and a willingness to be totally immersed (literally and figuratively) in nature with children ages 4-14 years old is a must.
Job Duties:
Summer camp instructor responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Successful completion of Animal Handling Training and Camp Training
Availability 8:15-4:15pm, weekdays M-F, May 18-Aug 14, 2026
Occasional hours may be required for pre- and post- camp extended care as assigned.
Conducting summer camp programs for up to 12 children 4-14 years old in accordance with provided curriculum and training
Setting up and breaking down classroom before and after camp each day
Making sure all necessary supplies and documentation are accounted for
Utilizing and supervising teenage volunteers who assist with summer programs
Display competency and comfort with live animal handling and interpreting in the classroom setting including species such as snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, small mammals, birds, and arthropods.
Qualifications:
Progress toward university degree in biology, education or related field; equivalent experience in the field accepted as alternative
Experience and/or a strong interest in working with children
Strong communication skills
Willingness to learn to work with a variety of animals.
Ability to lift and carry 25lbs with limited assistance and lead hikes on varied terrain, in all weather conditions, for up to two hours
Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, and background check.
Reports To: Education Program Managers
Duration: May 18 - August 14, 2026 (includes two weeks of mandatory orientation and training)
Starting pay rate: $14/hour
Applications will not be reviewed before January 21, 2026.
Applications must be received by February 28, 2026
Applications must include a Cover Letter.
To Apply: Visit the Cincinnati Zoo's Job Opportunities webpage. Please include a cover letter and a resume in your online application. For assistance creating a resume and/or cover letter, please visit the webpage for Miami University's Center for Career Exploration & Success.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer
