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Working Title: Zoo Camp Student Worker

Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

+ **Job ID** : 91127

+ **Location** : Apple Valley

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Intermittent

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Limited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 01/06/2026

+ **Closing Date** : 01/20/2026

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm

+ **Division/Unit** : Engagement & Strategy / Education / Zoo Camp

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift; hours will vary between 7:30 A.M. - 5:30 A.M.

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $17.84 hourly

+ **Classified Status** : Unclassified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep

+ **End Date** : End of August

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is limited with an intermittent **fluctuating work schedule** depending on the season and event needs, and may work up to 32 hours per week. The specific days and hours per week will vary and include school breaks and holidays.

Estimated work timeframe: mid-April to end of August.

This position assists camp staff in in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences for PreK-12th grade in support of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.

Duties include but are not limited to:

+ Assist Zoo Camp Instructors in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences according to agreed-upon protocols and best practices so that campers are engaged, and educational outcomes are achieved.

+ Supervise zoo campers during transition times such as before care, after care, and lunches.

+ Assist with program logistics so that that all camp spaces, materials and staff are available when needed, activities run smoothly, and program goals and outcomes are met.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment, and every (6) six months thereafter. **Must be at least 16 years of age and a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months.**

Other requirements:

+ Must be a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months

+ Experience working with children, either paid or volunteer

+ Knowledge of natural sciences, conservation, and sustainability issues

+ Interpersonal skills sufficient to respond to coworkers and guests with courtesy, respect, and interest in positive problem solving

+ Ability to work with individuals from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse and traditionally underserved communities

+ Ability to learn and share information about the Minnesota Zoo’s programs, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience working with children in the role of nanny, babysitter, camp counselor, academic tutor, sports coach, and/or lifeguard

+ Knowledge of environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology

+ Knowledge of current educational methods such as inquiry-based learning and/or strategies for building empathy for others

+ Demonstrated teaching, presentation, and behavior management skills with preschoolers and/or K-12 audiences

+ Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals, their needs, and their importance in the environment

+ Passion for and commitment to informal education, and enthusiasm for the potential impact conservation education and experiences can have on participants

Physical Requirements

+ Ability to move throughout the campus on uneven terrain

+ Ability to operate two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff

+ Flexible availability throughout weekdays during summer camp season

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

+ Conflict of Interest Review

+ Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

+ Education Verification

+ Employment Reference / Records Check

+ License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.