Zoo Camp Programs Coordinator

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to add an enthusiastic Camp Programs Coordinator to join its Camp programs. This is a professional role responsible for growing and maintaining the camp programs. This includes research, design, development, coordination, marketing, and evaluation of the Summer Camp programs as well as creating new holiday and school break camp programs for school-age participants.  Camps are designed to reach a wide range of camper’s needs including specialized camps designed for accessibility (e.g., Kidzu – Sensory Friendly and virtual).  Programs take a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on STEM education and conservation action through place-based learning while getting campers outdoors.

Position Responsibilities:

• Set camp dates, create annual camp themes, develop curricula, teaching methods and activities, resources.
• Coordinate with other Zoo units, and any additional material that supports the programmatic elements for camp programs.
• Must be proficient in public speaking, including but not limited to dealing effectively with large numbers of people of all ages.   
• Train, handle, and present a variety of animals (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) for programs as part of all camp programs. 
• Supervise, schedule, coach, and train up to six seasonal education staff. 
• Serve as a regional content expert for community members. 
• Create marketing materials for Communications and social media needs.

Position Requirements: 

• Required to obtain National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training within one year of the hire date.
• Required to work rotating weekend, evening, and holiday work. 
• Employee considered “Essential Staff” and required to make good faith effort to get to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license to drive a state vehicle. 
• Must be able to safely handle and present live animals during programs and become proficient in the Zoo’s Animal Handling Training Program for animals such as small mammals, raptors, snakes, turtles, amphibians, invertebrates (including tarantulas) and others while interacting with and responding to questions from the audience.
• Must have the agility and physically ability to: regularly and safely lift up to 25 pounds occasionally with or without an accommodation.
• Negotiate uneven outdoor terrain on foot.
• Required to participate in the Zoo’s occupational health program due to exposure of animal containment areas.                                                                                 

Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org   

Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefitsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**

• Demonstrated experience with development, implementation, marketing, and/or evaluation of camp programs focused on conservation and/or animal education for a wide range of audiences. 
• Demonstrated working experience in weeklong and/or day camps with a variety of scientific topics such as conservation, animal wellbeing, ecology, and natural history. 
• Demonstrated experience using a variety of interpretive techniques in informal, outdoor, and place-based settings in a zoo, aquarium, nature center, museum, park or similar location.  
• Demonstrated experience using live animals, biofacts, educational props, and other standard educational equipment. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Management Preferences:

• Certified Interpretive Guide with National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAI) is preferred. Will be required to obtain Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training within one year of the hire date.
• Oral and written communication experience with participants who are neurodivergent or have different sensory needs.
• Demonstrated working experience with a combination of digital still cameras, digital video cameras, iPhones, iPads, microphones, and video editing software.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution ANDtwo years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs; ORan equivalent combination of education and experience.Supplemental and Contact Information

 Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit: 
The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina’s citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world’s wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.
 
Department Information:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z. The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else – parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library and Archives, historic preservation, land and water stewardship, and more. These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground. Everyone is welcome. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state’s diverse population, culture, and history. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Check out this amazing video about our Department.  

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.
 
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  “See Resume” or “See Attachment” will NOT be accepted.
 
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.
 
To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
 
Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.
 
Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax.  Please call the human resources office for assistance.
 
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are “Under Review” and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.  
 
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.   We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

 CONTACT INFORMATION: 
   N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
   Division of Human Resources
   Ellie Meadows
   4401 Zoo Parkway
   Asheboro, NC 27205
   336-879-7310
   [email protected]
 
 Visit our website at www.nczoo.org.