Part-Time Education Program Specialist

EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST (PART-TIME)

Pay Rate / Benefits / How to Apply

• This is a part-time non-exempt hourly position.
• Salary Range: $17.00 - $17.50 per hour (commensurate with experience).
• Sick Time is accrued based on hours worked and is available once accrued (1 hour for every 30 hours worked).

· Buffalo Zoo family membership (after passing 60-days worked probationary review).

· Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop. Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more).

Please submit resume outlining education and experience (no phone calls please – position open until filled).

For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website by using the following link: http://www.buffalozoo.org

Basic Purpose and Responsibility:

Under the supervision of the Education Manager, the Part-Time Education Program Specialist is responsible for supporting administrative tasks and instructing specified, fee-based educational programs including but not limited to Summer Zoo Camp, early childhood education programs, outreach (Zoomobile), and other programs provided for families or the public at the Buffalo Zoo or within the community. Oversight of these programs is shared with the Full-Time Education Program Specialist.

Essential Functions:

The Buffalo Zoo reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

· Aides in development of, teaches and implements themes and general lesson plans for specific fee-based programs as noted above.

· Handles all ambassador animals following the department’s specific guidelines. Species include small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This includes assisting with husbandry care of education department’s ambassador animal collection as needed.

· Assists the Education Manager and the Full-Time Education Program Specialist in establishing a plan designed to effectively increase awareness of offerings and promote program enrollment.

· Participates with the Education Manager and the full-time Education Program Specialist in the hiring of instructors/facilitators (including seasonal associates), and aides to support each program.

· Helps the Full-Time Education Program Specialist lead the instructors/facilitators, aides, and Docents including team training, as well as in the coordination of all administrative details needed for the implementation of program curriculum including the acquisition of materials used for programs and their respective activities.

· Performs Zoomobile Outreach programs including driving the Zoomobile Outreach van, packing animals and supplies, and delivering quality content following preplanned curricula.

· Assesses the effectiveness of programs through a formal evaluation process.

· Oversees the care and maintenance of the Tree House Play Space, interpretive exhibit components, and signage.

· Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.

· Possess a can-do attitude, be resourceful, and communicate respectfully with everyone.

· Verbal and written ability to communicate with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.

· Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds frequently.

· Informs Education Manager of any relevant issues pertaining to job responsibilities.

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Education and/or Education Manager.

Education / Experience / Special Skills:

To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, a person would expect to have:

Education (Minimum Desired):

· Bachelor’s degree in a zoo-related science and/or education or Associate’s degree and equivalent experience.

Experience (Minimum Desired):

· Minimum six months teaching/public speaking or equivalent to wide range of audiences.

· Animal handling experience preferred.

Special Skills:

· Well developed writing, organizational and communication skills.

· Ability to supervise in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

· Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications preferred.

Other:

· Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core values.

· Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).

· Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.

· Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.

· Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position as per the job description and certify such by signing the job description acknowledgement form prior to first day of work.

· Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.

· Must be willing to comply with the department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.

· Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire (within the last 12 months). TB test conducted annually.

· Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.

· Must be able to work weekdays, weekends, holidays and requested overtime as necessary.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for periodic periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 28.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18