Description: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection within its current 88 acres of developed exhibits. The Zoo attracts more than one million visitors annually as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee.
Position Responsibilities
The Education Specialist reports to the School Programs Manager, who in turn reports to the Education Director. The Education Specialist is part of the dedicated team of Nashville Zoo education leaders who are committed to integrating education into the guest experience and recognize the significance of education in fostering community support for the Zoo. The Education Specialist is an experienced leader in non-formal education with interpersonal skills and who has demonstrated results through effective collaboration both within and external to the organization. This position provides support in the following areas:
Lead Educator for School Programming
Program Development and Evaluation
Online Point of Sale and Program Registration
Primary Areas of Responsibility
Lead Educator: The Education Specialist serves as the lead educator for all school programming as needed. This requires a strong knowledge of program content, the ability to teach to varying age levels, and the skill and comfortability to handle various types of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Primary types of programming include on-site school programs, homeschool programs, outreach programs, intern programs, and special events.
Program Development and Evaluation: The Education Specialist assists the School Programs Manager in the development of new programming and curriculum. The Education Specialist also assists with administering program evaluations, as well as maintaining accurate statistics for all school programming.
Online Point of Sale and Program Registration: The Education Specialist is responsible for managing all school programs within our online registration system, including running program rosters, altering registrations, processing financial transactions, scheduling new programming, assisting with content development, and serving as technical support as needed. The Education Specialist also collaborates frequently with the Marketing Department to manage website updates and submit content for in-house publications. Regular communication with the general public, including answering registration and program-specific requests in a timely manner for school programming, is also required.
Other responsibilities: The Education Specialist will perform other duties as assigned. Work on weekends, evenings, and holidays is required.
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education/Interpretation, Education, or related field and/or relevant work history preferred
Required Skills:
The successful candidate must have:
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments
Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo
Ability to work well independently without direct supervision
Excellent multitasking and time management ability
Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols
Ability to type, utilize the Internet, communicate via email, and use basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office
Desired Skills:
The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:
Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting, including, but not limited to: touch screens, Smart Boards, smartphone technology, GPS, Web site programming, and the use of social media
Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Ability to work outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Ability to walk zoo grounds for long periods of time, bend down and ambulate quickly
Employee Requirements:
Prior to hire, the successful candidate must:
Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
Provide proof of a negative TB test as a pre-requisite to handling animals
Provide proof of a valid driver’s license
Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. You will be contacted via email regarding your application. No phone calls, please.