Job Description
Job Title: Central Park Zoo Conservation Camp Counselor
Location: Central Park Zoo
Department: EDUCATION
Reports to: Manager of Education Programming
Type: Temporary
Rate: $20.00
Schedule
* Bronx Zoo - June 14 – June 25; Sunday – Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
* June 29 -September 4, 2026; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
* Central Park Zoo - June 1 – August 28, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
* Queens Zoo - June 8 – September 4, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm
* (extended-care shifts available, typically 10:00–5:30pm)
* New York Aquarium - June 15 – September 4, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
* Prospect Park Zoo - June 15 – September 4, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
POSITION SUMMARY
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is hiring approximately 40 total Conservation Camp Counselors (CCC) to work with its on‑site summer camps facilitated out of our 4 zoos and 1 aquarium in New York City. This is a unique opportunity to explore education at an informal science institution. You will work part‑time in the WCS Education Department. You will report to work on‑site at the Central Park Zoo; this is not a remote work opportunity. Together with staff you will teach exciting science content, welcome campers with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment. You will have the opportunity to learn about different teaching styles and methods, facilitate fun activities, and utilize restorative practices in group management.
The Candidate
* You are creative, energetic, dependable, and enjoy working as part of a team.
* You are capable of taking initiative and completing tasks assigned in a timely fashion.
* You have experience leading fun activities with children, an enthusiasm for learning and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation science.
* You are committed to instilling a love of learning and fostering a supportive environment for children from all walks of life.
WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo‑based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high‑quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Work on‑site at the Central Park Zoo. This position is fully in person and there is no option for remote work.
* Follow and reinforce all health and safety protocols and procedures while implementing camp activities.
* Lead engaging summer camp programs alongside full‑time education staff for children in grades Pre‑K‑12th.
* Spend the camp day outdoors, supervising campers in the zoo/aquarium and surrounding park space if applicable and travelling safely with campers at all times.
* Foster an inclusive camp environment for all campers.
* Learn and utilize restorative justice practices to create a supportive camp environment and cohesive camp community.
* Facilitate science experiments, art projects, games, and explorations inspired by the zoos and aquarium.
* Inspire campers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds with a love of wildlife and science.
* Support full‑time education staff in re‑working camp activities to fit unique learning styles of campers.
* Prepare and organize materials for camp programs.
* Participate in training before the start of camp and throughout the summer.
* Attend regular meetings.
* Additional responsibilities as required. #LI-DNI
Qualification Requirements
* 18 years or older
* High school diploma or equivalency
* Experience working with children
* Comfortable working outdoors in summer temperatures and all weather conditions.
* Camp or youth education experience preferred
* Teaching experience in formal or informal settings preferred
* Interest in gaining relevant experience in Education, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or Ecology fields
* Must be available to begin working on position start date
* Must be available to work Monday‑Friday until position end date
Salary Range
$20/HR
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