Lead Camp Counselor

Company: Zoo New England
Location: Mattapan
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Description : The Lead Camp Counselor is responsible for assisting in making our summer ZooCamp program safe, fun, educational, and aligned to our mission. Specifically, the Lead Camp Counselor is to help the Camp Coordinator plan, prepare, and execute all camp activities, crafts, games, animal encounters, tours through the Zoo, and all other aspects of ZooCamp. This applicant must be willing to lead and work well with other camp counselors, interns, volunteers, teen counselors, and other staff. This position is for someone who is hardworking, enthusiastic, creative, and eager to learn and facilitate learning. The applicant must have prior experience that shows they have been successful engaging children with educational activities. Duties & Responsibilities •Assist in conducting all aspects of daily operations for our summer ZooCamp for ages 4-14, including modeling for other staff members. •Facilitate educational activities and games for up to 30 campers. •Assist with the preparation of schedules, activities, and crafts. This also includes cleaning the Camp space. •Lead extended care for up to 20 campers. •Collaborate with other camp staff to facilitate one to two, single-day, weekend camp sessions in June. •Seek to continue learning more about our animals at Franklin Park Zoo, to be able to better teach campers. •Provide guidance for other camp counselors about zoo interpretation based on knowledge of the zoo and animals. •Ability to communicate with Zoo guests and provide excellent customer service and positive interactions with all Zoo guests, employees, and camp families. •Fill in for the ZooCamp Coordinator when needed. •Work collaboratively with other staff, Education volunteers, teens, and interns. •Assume other duties as assigned by the ZooCamp Coordinator or Education Manager Minimum Job Requirements •Must be 18 years or older •Available to work a minimum of 40 hours per week (8 hours/day) Monday-Friday •Previous experience working with children such as; at least four weeks experience as a junior counselor, have participated in structured group camping, or at least four weeks experience in a supervisory role with children. •Ability to work with children of all ages and aptitudes •Outstanding customer service skills, both internal and external •Excellent oral presentation skills •Ability to work independently as well as in a team •A strong desire to share and support ZNE’s mission and goals to our campers •Reliable transportation to and from Franklin Park Zoo •Willingness to spend long periods of time outdoors •Ability to navigate over uneven terrain in all weather •Must pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check •Must agree to abide by all Zoo New England regulations concerning safety and conduct Preferred Job Requirements •Previous experience in a leadership role •Previous camp experience as a camp counselor •Previous experience working with multiple age groups •Previous experience with kids in an educational setting •Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply •Current CPR / First Aid certification Hours, Location, and Term of Appointment Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm or 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 5 days/week, Monday – Friday, with 1-2 Saturday/Sunday single-day sessions in June Location: Franklin Park Zoo Term: Maximum of 13 weeks, June 1 – August 21 Salary: $18.25/hr

Keywords: Zoo New England, East Providence , Lead Camp Counselor, Education / Teaching , Mattapan, Rhode Island