Job Description
Job Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107
Position Type: SeasonalJob Title: Children’s Adventure Trails Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Seasonal (starting mid to late March 2026)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Saturday) with occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or evenings
Pay Rate: $20.50/hour
This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.
Summary:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a seasonal Children’s Adventure Trails Coordinator to foster children’s natural curiosity through engaging, child-centered exploration. This position provides onsite leadership within the Children’s Adventure Trails exhibit and supervises part-time Adventure Guides.
The coordinator is responsible for daily exhibit operations, staff scheduling and training, modeling best practices in child and caregiver engagement, and supporting the development and implementation of open-ended play experiences. This role works closely with the Director of Community Learning and Engagement to ensure a safe, educational, and welcoming environment for all guests.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Supervise and support part-time Adventure Guides within the Children’s Adventure Trails exhibit.
- Create and manage weekly staff schedules for seasonal operations.
- Provide ongoing coaching and training focused on open-ended, multi-outcome play experiences that support children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development.
- Model high-quality guest engagement and child/caregiver interaction.
- Maintain and organize exhibit materials and play resources.
- Assist in interviewing and hiring part-time Adventure Guides (as needed).
- Oversee daily exhibit operations to ensure safety, cleanliness, and educational integrity.
- Maintain daily records of incidents and activities.
- Provide excellent guest service, including sharing Zoo information and assisting with guest concerns or incidents.
- Maintain knowledge of Zoo policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, decision-making, and organizational skills.
- Strong guest service and public speaking abilities.
- Knowledge of early childhood education principles and play-based learning strategies.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds.
- Energetic, outgoing personality with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
- Ability to multitask and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in education, biology, or a related field preferred.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and negative tuberculosis test (if required).
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record (if applicable).
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Position requires prolonged standing and walking.
- Must be able to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, and occasionally lift 20–25 pounds.
- Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, guest-centered environment.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
