Camp Counselor

Position: Seasonal Camp Counsellor (Part Time Contract - June 12-September 5, 2026)

Facility: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Reports to: Education and Conservation Management Team

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Education and Conservation Management Team, Camp Counsellors are responsible for leading the Aquarium day camp programs, which are educational programs held in one-week sessions for children aged 5-10 years. The Camp Counsellors will promote and encourage a positive attitude towards aquatic life and the environment, engage in a variety of hands-on activities with campers, and maintain the educational value of the program all in a positive and friendly environment.

Critical Accountabilities:

• Under the guidance of the Camp Coordinator, deliver camp programming based on daily themes.
• Provide a memorable and fun camp experience that includes in-gallery experiences, games, crafts, hands on activities, etc.
• Ensure a safe, clean, secure environment for campers.
• Ensure camper safety and wellbeing, adhering to RAC policies and procedures
• In collaboration with the Camp Coordinator and Management staff, communicate with parents to ensure an overall positive camp experience for each camper in our care
• Share conservation messaging in an engaging way, using a variety of methods, inspiring sustainability and awareness
• Follow appropriate health & safety protocols, including recognizing and reporting any hazards/concerns
• Regularly clean work area to ensure it exceeds guest expectations and to ensure health & safety. Set-up, maintain and clean program delivery spaces and supply inventory.
• Ensure all camp participants and Aquarium guests are adhering to and following current COVID-19 guidelines
• Handle and care for live animals as laid out in Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada policies. Ensure safe handling of all Aquarium property by guests (including live animals).
• Complete reports/paperwork/administrative duties, ensuring essential information is communicated with the Camp Coordinator and Management as required
• Other duties as assigned by Camp Coordinator, Management staff or designate

Special Skills and Requirements:

• Enrolled in/graduate of post-secondary degree in biology, environmental science, education, or a related field.
• Experience working with children in a summer camp environment
• Excellent communication skills, proven ability to speak before audiences of varying size and composition.
• Experience in meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations in the service industry.
• Must be capable of working in a dynamic team environment.
• Proven ability to problem solve.
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal and conservation issues, demonstrated awareness and commitment to sustainable practices
• Must be able to lift at least 15 kilograms.
• Familiarity with Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and its exhibits is preferred
• Certified in emergency first aid and CPR

All offers are subject to satisfactory completion of a police criminal record background check.

Pay Rate: $19.06/hourly

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote equity and diversity and will ensure the full participation and advancement of members of protected groups, which include but are not limited to women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority groups, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is committed to ensuring that its hiring process is fair and equitable for all persons.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights of all persons in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario’s Human Rights Code. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our organization. As such, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada will provide reasonable accommodation for any applicant, as requested during the recruitment process. Please contact us at jobs@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com if you require assistance with the accommodation process.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology tools (including ADP Workforce Now) to assist in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants as part of the recruitment process for this position. Please note that hiring decisions are made by department managers and human resource personnel.