About this position
Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselor (Seasonal)
Shape Young Minds & Create Magical Summer Memories as one of our Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselors!
Are you passionate about working with young children and sparking their curiosity about wildlife and the world around them? ZooTampa is looking for dedicated Kindergarten Camp Counselors to lead our Summer Camp programs for children entering Kindergarten! This is the perfect opportunity to make learning fun, nurture young explorers, and create lasting memories in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Why Join Our Team?
- Inspire & Educate – Help introduce young minds to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities and exciting animal encounters.
- A Unique & Rewarding Experience – Spend your summer teaching, playing, and exploring in an immersive zoo environment.
- Build Valuable Early Childhood Experience – Ideal for aspiring teachers, educators, and childcare professionals looking to enhance their skills.
Position runs from May 4th – August 7th, 2026
40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
If you have the energy, creativity, and passion to make a difference in a child's first summer camp experience, we want to hear from you! Apply today and make this summer truly unforgettable!
Position Summary
This position reports to Education Programs Leadership and assists with the facilitation of ZooTampa's summer camp programs for children entering Kindergarten.
Candidates must have experience working with young children, be organized, creative, flexible, and have high energy and a positive attitude. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills and work well in a team environment.
Candidates must be able to attend New Hire Orientation the week of May 4th, and be available every week from May 18th-August 7th, 2026, to be eligible for hire.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
Essential Functions
- Supervises and leads groups of up to 12 Kindergarten campers and Zoo Teens throughout the Zoo.
- Provides a fun and safe learning environment for campers at all times.
- Implements and teaches thematic lesson plans, activities, and crafts designed by ZooTampa.
- Uses appropriate classroom management techniques and manages camp groups while still giving individual attention as needed.
- Operates the classroom in compliance with all child care licensing standards and those of our accrediting agency.
- Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques and implements different coaching strategies to minimize camper challenges and conflicts.
- Assists in before and after care for campers of various ages, Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
- Provides excellent guest service to all campers, parents, and other Zoo guests.
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Assists with older camp groups and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to manage workload, as well as flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of children under your supervision.
- Ability to work well with all ages but primarily working with children entering Kindergarten.
- Ability to work well with other counselors, but primarily working with Kindergarten co-counselor for the duration of the summer.
- Ability to provide a high level of service to Zoo staff, visitors, and program participants.
- Ability to speak in front of groups of various sizes and ages.
- Ability to employ effective educational techniques.
- Ability to work independently, with general direction from leadership.
- Ability to establish positive and productive relationships with co-workers, children and families.
- Ability to communicate openly and to utilize excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to physically and mentally maintain control during emergencies that may arise.
Other Requirements:
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to play actively with children on their level, bend over, stand for extensive periods of time, and move quickly when necessary.
- Must be able to work and move outside in the typical Florida climate, at times temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
- Must be able to successfully complete a Level II background screening.
- At least 1 year of college preferred, with a focus in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
- Experience and/or certification in Early Childhood Education preferred. Must complete DCF trainings within 90 days and 1 year of hire to continue or retain new employment in the Early Childhood Education field.
- Experience in an informal educational setting such as a zoo, aquarium, or museum preferred.
- Current CPR and First Aid training preferred.
- Fluency in Spanish preferred.
Compensation:
- This is a Seasonal Hourly position working 40 hours per week during the camp season.
- Pay rate is $14.00/hour.
Other Information:
- 8.5-hour shifts with 30-minute unpaid lunch break
Must pass a Level II Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (https://info.flclearinghouse.com)
Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free membership to the Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, MOSI, and Glazer Children's Museum
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
- And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace