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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
