Humane Education Summer Camp Counselor

Description

Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been serving animals and our community since 1873, providing lifesaving care, finding pets new homes, and connecting people with the resources they need to keep their animals.

Humane Education Summer Camp Counselors help bring our mission to life for campers ages 7–12, leading engaging, hands-on programs that build compassion for animals and the world around them. This is a role for someone who is energetic, creative, and genuinely excited to make every camper’s summer unforgettable.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week from June 29th - August 21st, 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with fellow counselors, Junior Camp Counselors, and camp leadership to plan, prepare, and implement humane education lessons, animal interactions, crafts, and educational games
• Utilize proactive behavior management and positive reinforcement to consistently set and maintain clear rules, expectations, and boundaries, while ensuring the emotional and physical safety of campers, Junior Camp Counselors, and animals.
• Help resolve camper conflicts with patience and empathy
• Demonstrate flexibility when managing unexpected schedule changes
• Demonstrate and facilitate Fear-Free animal interactions, teaching campers about animal body language, agency, and consent, and coordinating with shelter staff to select appropriate animals
• Tailor content and approach to every audience, ensuring programs are inclusive and responsive to the needs and ages of campers.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents/guardians, fellow camp counselors, Junior Camp Counselors, volunteers, colleagues in different departments, and leadership
• Review camper registrations to identify allergies, dietary restrictions, and photo/video release status; report any animal-related injuries or incidents to a supervisor immediately
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming camp environment, including classroom upkeep, materials preparation, and end-of-day cleanup
• Uphold all company policies and applicable laws; perform other duties as needed

Requirements

Education & Experience: Currently pursuing or holding an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field preferred. Experience working with children ages 7–12 in formal or informal educational settings is preferred. Experience with diverse age groups and behaviors strongly preferred. Knowledge of companion animals and animal welfare issues is a plus, as is experience with animal handling. Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered if aligned with the position.

Skills: Energetic and creative communicator who thrives in front of a group and connects easily with people of all ages. Ability to manage a group of children with patience, positivity, and clear boundaries. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities. Comfortable working with animals and committed to Fear-Free handling practices. Proficient (or eager to become proficient) in Microsoft Office and shelter software systems.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position throughout the shift, move throughout the building, and lift up to 25 pounds. Frequently required to communicate with others. Occasionally required to move excessive weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Must Align with the Company Mission, Vision, and Core Values:
Vision: A just and compassionate world for all animals.

Mission: Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care.

Core Values: We embrace and recognize that Lollypop Farm donors are the heroes of our work – voluntarily offering time or money, no matter the amount – to support our mission. Together, our core values unify and guide us to provide the best service to the animals, our community, our organization, and ourselves.

• Compassion: We show empathy and sympathy for what people and animals are experiencing through positive and constructive actions.
• Communication: We exchange thoughts, feelings, and ideas to pursue mutually agreed-upon goals.
• Flexibility: We are willing and comfortable adapting to new circumstances and conditions.
• Commitment: We are steadfast in our efforts to achieve our mission.
• Teamwork: We collaborate and communicate to achieve common goals, understanding that the organization thrives when unified.
• Integrity: We act with honor, fairness, and respect for animals, individuals, the organization, and our community.
• Respect: We show considerate and professional regard for all aspects of our work.

Commitment to Diversity: At Lollypop Farm, we believe that people are our greatest strength. We are united by our mission - Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and lifesaving care. Our values inspire us to promote and support a diverse and equitable environment of mutual respect where all staff, volunteers, and community members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

EOE/ADA