Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring n Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!
Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am - 5:15 pm
Compensation: $20.20 - $21.20 per hour
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of their groups.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range
Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:
Nature-based science activities
Songs, stories, and movement exercises
Hands-on crafts and sensory play
Kindergarten readiness activities
Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours
Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students
Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused
Supervises students and leads activities during extended daycare as required
Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies
Responds to health, welfare, and safety issues of students
Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds professionally to parent’s or guardian’s questions at the direction of the Preschool Director
Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff
Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations
Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Adheres to Title 22 laws and regulations in accordance with Preschool Licensing
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
Guest Relations:
Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to assist and share information
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Other miscellaneous duties as required
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
Minimum 18 years of age
Experience working with children
12 ECE units required
These classes must be a part of the 12 ECE units:
Child/Human Growth and Development
Child, Family and Community
Program/Curriculum
Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts
Requires an official transcript upon hiring
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Successful completion of a Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Branch of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background check prior to Training start date
Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer)
Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer)
Proof of Measles and Pertussis vaccinations, TB Clearance, and Flu vaccine or declination of Flu vaccine statement
Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred
Experience with special needs children is a plus
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles
Ability to organize and implement daily activities
Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think on one’s feet
Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
Team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with others
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers
Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time
Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, attic storage, and high storage shelves
Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
Two-way radio
Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.