What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education Specialist position at Detroit Zoological Society?
Education Specialist
The Detroit Zoological Society is currently accepting applications for a Seasonal Education Specialist position at the Belle Isle Nature Center. As a member of the education team, the Seasonal Education Specialist will work with guests of all ages delivering educational programs promoting the Detroit Zoological Society's mission.
The Seasonal Education Specialist, under general supervision, is responsible for engaging diverse audiences by facilitating programs in cooperation with other staff and volunteers. Programs include informal educational experiences for school groups, teachers, families, youth and community groups. The Seasonal Education Specialist will use inquiry and problem-based learning practices to engage guests and program participants in building conceptual understanding of natural systems. The Seasonal Education Specialist may alternate between work assignments at multiple locations, as needed.
The Seasonal Education Specialist, under general supervision, is responsible for engaging diverse audiences by facilitating programs in cooperation with other staff and volunteers. Programs include informal educational experiences for school groups, teachers, families, youth and community groups. The Seasonal Education Specialist will use inquiry and problem-based learning practices to engage guests and program participants in building conceptual understanding of natural systems. The Seasonal Education Specialist may alternate between work assignments at multiple locations, as needed.
All candidates must attend training prior to the start of work.
Authority and Accountability:
The seasonal education specialist has the authority to carry out the job requirements and responsibilities, and is accountable to the Nature Center Supervisor.
The seasonal education specialist has the authority to carry out the job requirements and responsibilities, and is accountable to the Nature Center Supervisor.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Facilitation the Belle Isle Nature Center's educational programming, including leading groups on hikes and guided tours around the Nature Center, assisting with hands-on activities and interacting with other staff and guests.
- Carries out assignments with the goal of providing visitors with an engaging, meaningful, and memorable experience. Serve as a liaison between the DZS, guests, program participants, and outside organizations to promote the DZS mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world so all can thrive.
- Actively engage with professional colleagues to support departmental goals and objectives.
- Operate a personal computer and utilize word processing and spreadsheet software.
- As assigned, assist with a variety of special events, evening events and projects.
- Ensure visitor satisfaction by maintaining premises in a clean and orderly condition.
- Assist with program setup and breakdown.
Work Environment:
Work is conducted both inside and outside and may include work in adverse weather with outside environment, heights and exposures. Position involves exposure to all types of weather, air conditioning and heating systems. The regular work schedule may include weekends and holidays. Work includes walking, standing, stooping, kneeling and bending; must be able to lift at least 20 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Work is conducted both inside and outside and may include work in adverse weather with outside environment, heights and exposures. Position involves exposure to all types of weather, air conditioning and heating systems. The regular work schedule may include weekends and holidays. Work includes walking, standing, stooping, kneeling and bending; must be able to lift at least 20 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Qualifications:
- Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in General Science, Education, Zoology, Biology or other closely related field OR completion of a High School Diploma or GED with experience in an informal or formal learning setting or youth organization.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with diverse audiences.
- Must hold a valid operator license with an excellent driving record.
- Must be available for a flexible work schedule that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
- Experience creating and delivering inquiry-based and project-based learning opportunities.
- Familiar with youth developmental stages and best pedagogical practices to meet those needs.
- Knowledge of audio-visual equipment and the ability to operate a personal computer and utilize word processing and spreadsheet software.
- Skill in organizing and presenting information to educational groups on a variety of life science, environmental and humane education topics.
- Ability to supervise participants / students effectively in a variety of environments.
- Ability to interact effectively with the public, departmental personnel, volunteers and other community organizations.
- Ability to acquire additional skills and knowledge.
- All other responsibilities and tasks as assigned
Preferred:
Teaching certification and/or experience in a formal/informal learning environment.
General knowledge of current state and national curriculum standards.
General knowledge of conservation strategies in captive and field conservation programs, zoology, biology and life sciences.
Current CPR, First Aid Certification.
Teaching certification and/or experience in a formal/informal learning environment.
General knowledge of current state and national curriculum standards.
General knowledge of conservation strategies in captive and field conservation programs, zoology, biology and life sciences.
Current CPR, First Aid Certification.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
