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Preschool Director Early Explorer Program

Santa Barbara Zoo

Preschool Director Early Explorer Program

Santa Barbara, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    We are looking for a seasoned preschool director to oversee a one of a kind outdoor preschool complete with yurt classrooms, an ocean view and complimentary acoustics from African lions. On 30 acres of beautiful grounds, we connect early learners to nature and build their confidence through experiential learning and play.

    Join the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Early Explorers team to continue to provide a high-quality experience while expanding this amazing program for our community!

    Apply today!Compensation: DOE

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    SUMMARY: Under general direction of the Director of Education, the Preschool Director: Early Explorers promotes the Zoo and its mission through managing all aspects of the Early Explorers Preschool.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

    Early Explorers Program:

    Oversees the day-of operations of the Early Explorers program where students focus on the environment, ecology, and conservation, in a fun, creative and hands-on manner.

    Hiring and training of new staff, in collaboration with the HR staff.

    Conducts annual performance reviews for staff in collaboration with the Director of HR.

    Manages and prepare budgets in collaboration with the Director of Education.

    Manages Educators’ schedules, and time off requests.

    Creates curricula and standards to support effective learning.

    Applies strong leadership and administrative skills at all times.

    Provides constructive feedback to Educators in order to improve their educational effectiveness with their groups – weekly meetings and ongoing teacher evaluations.

    Serves as Early Explorers' liaison with parents, acting as the main point of contact for all parent communication, evaluations, and concerns.

    Develops policies and procedures that meet state requirements and communicates them to staff and Educators. Trains staff and ensures that policies and procedures are applied, and enforced.

    Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at all times, as a representative of the Zoo.

    Ensures proper and timely cleanup and organization of the areas used for Early Explorers program.

    Helps instructors prepare various educational activity materials for Early Explorers program.

    Maintains inventory and purchases supplies for Educators in an effective and timely manner.

    Prepares required records and reports as needed.

    Responds to all emails and messages in a timely manner.

    Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments in a timely manner, according to Zoo guest relations procedures and state procedures.

    Responds to health and welfare issues of Early Explorers students, parents, and educators.

    Responds to emergencies quickly and effectively, following Emergency protocols.

    Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation.

    Collects evaluations and reports of injury and/or conduct to distribute to the appropriate party.

    Presents educational activities including science activities, tours, and bio-fact exploration as necessary.

    Serves as a substitute Educator when needed.

    Guest Relations

    Greets every guest with a smile.

    Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.

    Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.

    Associates with guests to assist and share information.

    Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.

    Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.

    Reflects the Zoo’s Core Values, qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge

    SECONDARY DUTIES:

    Other duties as assigned to maintain safe, efficient and quality Zoo operations.

    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 the essential functions.

    Education and Experience:

    12 ECE units

    3 units Admin/Staff Relations

    4 years teaching experience in a supervised group Child Care Center OR Alternate Permits

    Experience in an outdoor environmental education setting preferred.

    Experience with special needs children a plus.

    License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

    Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check by start date.

    First Aid and CPR certification required (may be available through employer).

    Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer).

    Yearly TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations, as necessary.

    Valid CA Drivers’ License preferred.

    Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational curriculum successfully and effectively.

    Skilled in improvisation.

    Ability to manage group in a respectful, effective and efficient manner, providing constructive feedback when appropriate.

    Ability to adapt quickly, be flexible in any scenario, and demonstrate considerable patience and calm while leading and supervising program participants.

    Enthusiastic and engaging personality.

    Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences.

    Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.

    Ability to contribute to the creative process.

    Ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively.

    Ability to manage time and priorities effectively.

    Ability to work and collaborate in a team atmosphere.

    Effective written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

    Ability to lead effectively in times of emergency.

    Working knowledge of computer software including word processing and database programs.

    Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.

    Ability to exercise safe work habits.

    Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

    Physical Demands & Work Environment:

    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.

    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, and attic storage.

    Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions.

    Supportive and open employment culture.

    Ability to work effectively in shared, open space work environment with constant interruptions.

    Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including two-way radios, AV equipment, projectors, and copiers.

    Tools Used:

    Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

    Two-way radios

    Personal computer and software (Work, Excel, and Outlook)

    Printer

    Projector

    Sanitation tools, products, and PPE as needed

    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.