What are the responsibilities and job description for the OWL/Kids Discovery Field Station Educator at The Wilds position at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?
This position will begin on 5/03/2025 and end on 8/16/2025
The OWL/Kids Discovery Field Station Educator is responsible for implementing the OWLs teen volunteer program at the Wilds. This position will help to train, schedule, and mentor the teen volunteers who work with guests at locations throughout The Wilds, including the Kids Discovery Field Station. The Kids Discovery Field Station is a nature play area designed to encourage science exploration in our youngest visitors. The OWL/Kids Discovery Field Station Educator will facilitate nature play activities in this space and perform daily maintenance of the area. The OWLs program also has an Ecology component where OWL teen volunteers assist our Ecology team with various restoration projects, animal husbandry, and field research.
The OWL/Kids Discovery Field Station Educator is responsible for implementing the OWLs teen volunteer program at the Wilds. This position will help to train, schedule, and mentor the teen volunteers who work with guests at locations throughout The Wilds, including the Kids Discovery Field Station. The Kids Discovery Field Station is a nature play area designed to encourage science exploration in our youngest visitors. The OWL/Kids Discovery Field Station Educator will facilitate nature play activities in this space and perform daily maintenance of the area. The OWLs program also has an Ecology component where OWL teen volunteers assist our Ecology team with various restoration projects, animal husbandry, and field research.
- Assist Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator with teen volunteer training and scheduling process.
- Supervise teen volunteer activities at The Wilds.
- Make safety a priority for all activities and programs.
- Escort teen volunteers to assigned locations using a Wilds vehicle.
- Help to Maintain and update teen volunteer records including but not limited to medical forms, emergency release forms, and volunteer hours.
- Facilitate indoor and outdoor nature play activities and educational talks.
- Maintain Kids Discover Field Station including indoor and outdoor housekeeping and organization.
- Conduct Kids Discovery Field Station special events and programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Minimum of two years of college-level coursework completed in related field (education, science, etc.); B.S. or B.A. in related field preferred.
- Experience with programming for guests of all ages.
- Experience with free play and/or nature play preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
- Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
- Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicles operator’s license and a good driving record required.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude in sometimes stressful situations required.
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests required.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification required (training will be offered).
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required
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