Position Description

Title:  Summer Safari Day Camp Teacher
Department:  Education Programs

Job Summary: Friends of the National Zoo is seeking experienced teachers to instruct elementary and middle school-aged children in week-long summer camps at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Applicants must have knowledge of natural sciences, love and appreciation for wildlife, and experience teaching children. This position is required Monday – Friday, 7:45 – 3:30.  There will be a brief weekly staff meeting on Tuesday afternoons that may require teachers staying beyond 3:30pm.

Reports to: Summer Safari Day Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director

Job Requirements:

• College degree
• Background in education or environmental and wildlife topics preferred.
• Experience teaching elementary-school children.

Abilities and Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong curriculum and lesson development skills.
• Confident classroom management.
• Ability to supervise children effectively in a public space.
• Ability to work with and mentor teen volunteers effectively.
• Organizational skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Team player.

Duties and Responsibilities: Summer Safari Day Camp Teachers manage all aspects of each camp to which they are assigned. The responsibilities of this position will include: 

• Lead full-day week-long camp(s).
• Develop detailed, daily lesson plans using the FONZ template and submit for review at least two weeks prior to camp start date.
• Provide varied, educational, hands-on experiences to campers utilizing Zoo resources.
• Lead daily Zoo walks.
• Supervise campers and class aides at all times.
• Delegate tasks to teenaged class aides and give them a positive volunteer experience.
• Keep all classrooms neat and organized.
• Attend both mandatory training sessions (May 12 and May 19).
• Other duties as assigned.

Contact to receive contract bid packet: Molly Luby, FONZ Assistant Camp Director :lubym@si.edu;

Application Materials: Request for Quote, cover letter, and resume