What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Education Specialist position at Great Plains Zoo?
Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary
The Seasonal Education Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the on-site and community-based education programs at both GPZ and BHA, and requires the ability handle ambassador animals. Programming occurs on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Reports To
Director of Education & Conservation
Essential Functions
Maintain an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to job responsibilities and accountability. Strive to anticipate workload and initiate proper acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision or instruction.
Education
- Promote the Zoo’s mission by conducting education programs so that learning is a fun, engaging, memorable experience for your audience.
- Present a variety of Education programs for a wide range of ages and audiences. Utilize appropriate techniques to engage and educate participants, based on age, interest, and learning abilities.
- Provide excellent customer service to teachers and informal educators, students, volunteers, and visitors in all types of programming and special events.
- Communicate with appropriate contacts to schedule Education department programming. Answer correspondence and provide informational services in response to telephone, written or personal inquiries.
- Work closely with the Education director and permanent and seasonal Education staff to ensure effective planning, preparation, and execution of all Education programs, including but not limited to camps, early childhood programs, overnights, on-grounds programming and outreach.
- Work in coordination with the Education Director and other Education staff with ideas, comments, evaluations tools and suggestions for future program development. Prepares written material when required for Education Department programs (lesson plans, information sheets, etc.).
- Track attendance, time on programs, and other needed data on education programming as needed in appropriate documents
- Demonstrate teamwork and coordination when dealing with other departments including facilities, guest services, volunteers, and animal care.
- Duties may include working with teen, adult, and group volunteers and interns.
Animal Care
Additional Duties
Competency
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any direct reports.
Work Environment
Work may occasionally be performed in the Conservatory, which is typically 85 degrees with high humidity year round, and the Containment Room, which is usually 80 degrees, and the Aquarium Gallery, which is typically 70 degrees with high humidity. A high tolerance for warm temperatures is necessary for this role.
Will also include time in an office setting using standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
Physical Demands
Must be able to climb ladders / stairs, lift crates / animals and or equipment / food / animal supplies weighing 70lbs or more repetitively. The role may be exposed to temperature and humidity changes.
Ability to ascend and descend ladders and stairs as needed
Capability to lift and move crates, animals, or equipment weighing up to 70 lbs.
Competence in operating large vehicles / vans
Agility and flexibility to navigate around animals in exhibits, corrals, and holding areas
Demonstrated hand and finger dexterity for tasks such as handling small equipment and operating controls
Strong visual acuity to accurately assess and respond to situations involving animals, equipment, and work environments
Travel
Must have the ability to drive locally and long distance for outreach programs (max of 300 miles round trip).
Work Schedule
The season for this position is April – August. This position will be scheduled for at least 24 hours per week during that season and will be scheduled for 40 hours per week during May, June, and July. Weekday, weekend, holiday, and evening work will be required.
Required Education and Experience
Preferred Education and Experience
Additional Qualifications
Other Duties
This job description is not designed nor should it be interpreted to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all qualifications, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Qualifications, duties and / or responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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