The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds where thousands of animals representing 500 species receive state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs. We are able to reach many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers take part in our professional development workshops; and, we provide offsite educational programming in diverse communities across Chicagoland. We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Supervisor of Camp, Overnight, and NatureStart Programs contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society ("CZS") by providing an extraordinary guest experience and creating innovation in conservation leadership and animal welfare by connecting children, youth, and families to wildlife and nature through zoo camps, overnight programs, Zoo World Patch ("ZWP") program, and Hamill Family Play Zoo operations.

The successful candidate will:

• Oversee implementation of CZS camp and overnight programs. Collaborate effectively with Conservation Education and Training ("CET") staff and outside resources for curriculum development and review. Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising seasonal camp and overnight staff and overseeing assigned volunteers. Provide logistical and content support for camp and overnight staff and act as liaison between camp staff and other CZS staff. Ensure high performance standards in the measurement and quality of guest service excellence, workplace quality, employee engagement, and American Camping Association standards. Implement CZS learning strategy.
• Accurately track and report all program costs, expenditures, and progress toward revenue goals to manager. Make ongoing proactive and effective recommendations for enhancing net revenues and program capacity building to ensure program revenue goals are achieved. Coordinate with Manager, NatureStart Program, and the CZS Development Department to develop fundraising proposals and other revenue-generating initiatives.
• Coordinate the ZWP program for youth groups, including program registration, logistical support for program participants and staff, order program supplies, assist with marketing techniques, and develop and update new and existing Patch programs and related materials.
• Provide content resources for intergenerational nature play and participate on the Family Nature Play training team.
• Other related duties as required to ensure successful achievement of departmental, group, and institutional goals and objectives.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Interpretation, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education or relevant field, OR eight years of equivalent training and/or experience. Two years of relevant experience must include:
  
  1. As a camp counselor, supervisor, or director;
  2. Supervising staff; and
  3. In planning, development, management, facilitation, or evaluation of activities for children aged birth to middle school or families.
• One year experience with financial/budget tracking and reporting.
• Comfortable with and able to safely handle a variety of live animals.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Must possess excellent written, verbal and listening skills as well as strong organizational skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Must have an interest in working with a multi-disciplinary team as well as independently.
• Demonstrated genuine interest for hands-on, learner-centered, and inquiry-based approaches to learning.
• Excellent play facilitation skills and a strong ability to communicate effectively with children from birth to middle school age and with diverse backgrounds and caregivers.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

The desirable qualifications include:

• Academic or professional experience in early childhood education theory and literature.
• Two years of experience working with teens or young adults.
• Excellent team building and staff training skills and experience with team leadership and/or project management desirable.
• Experience working with and/or developing programs for individuals with disabilities (both visible and not visible).
• Experience with an American Camping Association ("ACA") accredited camp.
• Experience with database software such as Raiser's Edge.
• Experience in an informal learning environment (museum, zoo, aquarium, and nature center).
• Experience with educational program documentation and evaluation.
• Entrepreneurial experience highly desired, particularly with managing income and expenses, increasing net revenue, and delivering a superb product.
• Creative skills and abilities such as those demonstrated by a musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, farmer, naturalist, craftsman, costumer designer, seamstress or other relevant skills that could be applied to the learning experience preferred.
• PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
This is a visible position that requires a flexible, results-oriented, and confident supervisor with a commitment to excellence. This is an active, front-line supervisory position that requires frequent and ongoing contact with staff, guests, and volunteers. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of CZS's mission, vision, and operating philosophies and incorporate this knowledge into daily operations and job responsibilities. Must be eager and capable of delivering excellent customer service. Eager to develop a business approach where net revenue and customer service are of paramount importance. Incumbent must be comfortable in a dynamic mission and value driven organization. Incumbent is expected to become familiar with and follow all Society policies and procedures. This position requires attendance at events, trainings, conferences, etc., held at off-site locations (some travel may be required). Incumbent routinely required to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Normal work weeks in excess of 40 hours are not unusual. Must be willing to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.