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Educator Part Time

Santa Barbara Zoo

Educator Part Time

Santa Barbara, CA
Part Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Immediate Opening!

    Are you.... Looking for a fun-filled job?

    A Seasonal Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through the award-winning Zoo Camp program, Homeschool Science program, Safari Sleepovers, Special Events and so much more. This position collaborates with fellow staff to bring the best Environmental and Animal Science curriculum to all of our participants (ages 3-15 yo). You will form lifelong memories for program participants, running a variety of programs focusing on the environment, ecology, and conservation in a fun, creative, and hands-on manner.

    Twilight & Overnight Safari Program: Present educational programs for Safari guests focused on the environment, animals, conservation, and zoos in a fun, creative and hands-on manner.

    Requirements:

    Prior teaching experience in outdoor or informal learning settings teaching natural, chemical, or physical science. BA in Education, Environmental Studies, Life Sciences, Zoology, or Biology preferred, but not required.

    The ideal candidate is self-motivated, outgoing, has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and knows how to engage children in positive interactions and conversations. Must have active listening skills, sound judgment, and reliable decision-making skills. Supervision skills are necessary.

    Must be available for overnights and able to walk and work outdoors for most of the shift.

    Satisfactory completion of a DOJ criminal background check is required after contingent offer is presented, as well as TB clearance.

    First Aid and CPR certification preferred.

    Compensation: $13.00/hour

    Schedule: up to 16-40 hours/work week between the hours of 7:45 AM and 5:00 PM during school breaks, vary during school year.

    Job Description

    SUMMARY:

    Under general direction of Director of Education and Education Team, an Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Zoo Safari program; Zoo C Home School programs; presenting educational activities at on-site and off-site events, and presenting a variety of education programs for school groups.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

    Twilight & Overnight Safari Program:

    Presents educational programs for Safari guests focused on the environment, animals, conservation, and zoos in a fun, creative and hands-on manner.

    Interacts constantly with Zoo Safari guests and staff to create a rewarding experience.

    Sets up for Zoo Safari program.

    Ensures proper and timely cleanup of the areas used for Zoo Safari.

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

    Prepares various educational materials for Zoo Safari program.

    Maintains inventory of Zoo Safari supplies and requests needed supplies.

    Prepares required records and reports as needed.

    Coordinates with other departments at the Zoo for animal encounters and programming needs behind-the- scenes.

    Develops and leads or coordinates any special program requests as required.

    Arrives on time for scheduled shift, properly dressed and ready to begin work.

    Monitors activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures to protect environment, class participants and to maintain order.

    Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.

    Responds to health and welfare issues of Zoo Safari guests.

    Distributes program evaluations to program participants, collects evaluations and submits them to supervisor for analysis of program effectiveness and quality.

    Events:

    Assists with preparation and presentation of event education activities.

    Assists with volunteer check-in and supervision at events

    School Programs:

    Assists with preparation for and presentation of education activities for school groups including animal encounters, science activities, tours, and bio-fact exploration.

    Presents education activities at off-site events including school science nights, Santa Barbara Earth Day, and others.

    Zoo Camp:

    Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with a particular age group within the 3-13 age range.

    Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.

    Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of assigned group.

    SECONDARY DUTIES:

    Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

    Greets every guest with a smile.

    Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.

    Answers phone calls, voice mails and e-mails promptly.

    Insures 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 qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.

    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:

    Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.

    Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.

    License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

    Prefer experience in an environmental education setting.

    Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.

    First Aid and CPR certification required.

    TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary.

    Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    Basic knowledge of biology and zoology preferred.

    Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.

    Skilled in improvisation.

    Energetic and engaging personality.

    Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences and large groups of people.

    Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.

    Ability to contribute to the creative process.

    Effective written and verbal communication skills.

    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 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.

    Must be available to work overnight.

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

    Supportive and open employment culture.

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

    Tools Used:

    Two-way radios

    Electric cart

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

    Printer

    Telephone system

    Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

    Wagons

    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.