NYA Conservation Camp Counselor

The Wildlife Conservation Society is hiring approximately 40 Conservation Camp Counselors for the New York Aquarium's summer camps from June 9 to August 29, 2025. This temporary position involves leading educational activities for children, fostering an inclusive environment, and working on-site at the aquarium. Candidates should be creative, dependable, and enthusiastic about wildlife and education. The role requires collaboration with staff and adherence to health and safety protocols.
17-Jan-2025

NYA Conservation Camp Counselor

New York Aquarium

Temporary/Seasonal

NYA-EDUCATION

Job Description

Job Title: New York Aquarium Conservation Camp CounselorLocation: New York AquariumDepartment: EDUCATIONReports to: Manager of Education ProgrammingType: TemporaryRate: $20.00Schedule: New York Aquarium – June 9 – August 29, 2025, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:30pmPOSITION SUMMARYThe Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is hiring approximately 40 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 – 6 (Central Park Zoo), 6 (Queens Zoo), 11 (Bronx Zoo), 7 (Prospect Park Zoo), & 8 (New York Aquarium). 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 New York Aquarium- 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 AREWCS 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.RESPONSIBILITIESAs a Conservation Camp Counselor (CCC) you will:
• Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. 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

QUALIFICATIONS
• 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

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
• We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife.
• We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.

Salary Range

$20/hour

Salary Range

$20/hour