Early Child Educ Progrms - Inclusion Specialist (Seasonal)

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing the highest level of quality customer service and top-quality programming to camp and specialty program participants with a focus on creating and supporting inclusion practices in BZC programs. This role serves to further BZC's mission of inspiring conservation leadership and providing extraordinary guest experiences.

2025 Summer Camp dates are: June 9th - August 8th. There is no camp the week of July 4th. Camp staff training will take place the week of June 2nd. The anticipated start date for this role is May 4th to start making preparations for Camp. The typical scheduled hours for camp staff are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; until 5:00 p.m. for aftercare. Each staff member typically gets assigned one week of aftercare coverage. Further information about camp programs can be found here. The pay rate for this position is $21.15 per hour (pay grade S009A). The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the seasonal employees section): Benefits Table and/or details also provided below after the job description information.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. *Ensure inclusion of all individuals that participate in Zoo Camp programs, emphasizing all individual abilities and similarities. Supervise support of camp programs participants throughout the zoo during program activities; maintain staff to camper ratios as required by American Camp Association accreditation standards. Sign campers in and out at drop-off and pick-up as needed.
2. *Communicate with parents prior to and during camp to gather information about the camper's needs. Adapt activities, rules, equipment and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation by all program participants. Provide coaching and feedback to Camp staff as needed.
3. *Provide support plans to Camp staff that will assure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate with other Camp programs participants. Facilitate Camp and specialty programing as needed.
4. *Deliver and document effective behavior management strategies as necessary. Meet with Camp staff on a weekly basis or more frequently, as needed, as a support and information resource for inclusion program procedures and best practices.
5. *Create a summary report at the end of the summer zoo camp season that reviews specific inclusion situations which occurred throughout the season, the response/steps/actions taken or not by zoo camp staff relative to the situation, and strategies/best practices for how to improve in the future.
6. *Support and mentor the Camp Inclusion Counselors. Work with the Camp Supervisor to ensure that Camp Inclusion Counselors have appropriate assignments.
7. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
• Two years' direct paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with individuals having a variety of physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
• Two months verifiable paid or unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Must be a flexible and creative team player in order to accommodate changing camp and camper needs.
• Able to work in a stimulating environment.
• Experience with sending and receiving email and basic word processing skills required.
• Must have excellent customer service skills and ability to work with guests effectively.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year of college or two years of equivalent experience preferred, including coursework in special education, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation, applied behavior analysis, or other directly related field or subjects.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel a plus.
• Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus
• Experience and/or education in biological sciences, education, communication, or other directly related field or subjects, such as public speaking, interpretation, theater, or art and interpretation are preferred.
• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
• Working knowledge of behavior management strategies a plus.
• Training or certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Safety Care, Handle with Care or other related certification a plus.

• Multilingual ability, Spanish and/or American Sign Language fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. In order to successfully create a safe, fun and positive learning environment for program participants, daily interactions with campers, and their parents and/or guardians is an expectation. Incumbent must demonstrate a positive attitude and be a positive role model in assisting participants with all activities, games and projects that relate to the designated program themes. Summer Camp programs run from June through August. Pre-school camp is for children 4 and 5-years old, school-age camp is for children in grades K-5. The work schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 7 to 8 hours per day in the summer months. This position also requires the availability to work the weeks that summer Zoo Camp is in session as well as attend all required trainings in the weeks prior to camp starting. All schedules are based on the needs of the operation. This is a temporary position.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

000957/022125

BENEFIT INFORMATION:

www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits. Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Seasonal Employees

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

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