Zoo Educator

CLASSIFICATION: FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: EDUCATION SUPERVISOR

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility for this position is the development, implementation and evaluation of all educational programs and information for the Zoo. The Zoo Educator will schedule, plan and conduct all educational outreach programs, on-site camps and classes, informal encounters, as well as educational events at the Zoo. In addition, this position will create educational information for the website, community organizations, schools, grounds, guests and social media.

Mill Mountain Zoo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education on animal wildlife and conservation for the community. Therefore, this position is essential to fulfilling our mission’s work.

DUTIES AND RESPONIBILITIES:

· Develop educational lessons for various populations including adults, children, and those with disabilities on animal wildlife and conservation. Programs for students should align with Virginia SOLs.

· Execute hands-on, inquiry-based educational experiences and programs utilizing developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action, respect and appreciation.

· Plan, schedule and lead educational programs (including camps) that occur on Zoo grounds and in the community, including being available for weekends and special events as scheduled.

· Assist with the care, training and handling of educational animals from a variety of species including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates, including documentation and recordkeeping as required for animal standards at the direction of the General Curator.

· Create, plan, execute and evaluate a variety of educational programs and materials that can be presented on-site and in the community that focuses on wildlife education and animal conservation. Programs should vary annually and appeal to all the populations served by Mill Mountain Zoo. All programming will be coordinated with the Executive Director and Operations Director.

· Coordinate with Guest Services and the Animal Department on additional programming such as animal encounters, on-site animal programs, guided tours, camps, arts & crafts, games, and planned events.

· Foster and maintain strong, positive relationships with team members across all departments through regular and clear communications and face-to-face interactions.

· Create interesting, interactive and informational signage or displays for animal exhibits around the Zoo under the supervision of the Education Supervisor and Operations Director.

· Recommend and lead conservation programs and projects for the Zoo that align with the Zoo’s mission and educational goals. These programs and projects may include signage, displays and/or demonstrations.

· Collect, maintain and share information educational statistics as requested by the Education Supervisor.

· Participate in the institutional collection plan as it relates to educational animals.

· Coordinate with the Education Supervisor and General Curator on student research projects, including supervision of students, recommending projects and providing data necessary for the project.

· Provide training, scheduling and supervision for volunteers that are determined to be eligible and appropriate for assisting with the education programs.

· Represent Mill Mountain Zoo in the community, as well as conducting media interviews and providing content for social media.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to work with populations that are diverse in age, gender, culture, physical abilities, and educational capacity.

· Ability to work with little direction and oversight.

· Ability to create and maintain robust relationships with community partners while providing a high level of service through dynamic and educational programs.

· Ability to retain information regarding a large number of animals and species to be accurately shared during programs and events for guests.

· Experience designing and presenting educational lessons or programs that are varied in content and developmentally appropriate for intended audience.

· Experience providing presentations in front of a variety of audiences including different ages, abilities and size.

· Some experience with safe handling and care of different animal species.

· Knowledge of intermediate computer skills including Word, Excel and other Microsoft Office programs. Ability to learn and work agency specific software for scheduling outreach, events, billing, and animal documentation/recordkeeping.

· Must have good organizational skills and be able to multi-task.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Must have held a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 3 years with a safe driving record and no violations that would prevent associate from being on Zoo’s automotive insurance. Being a licensed and insured driver is a mandatory requirement for this position.

· Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds regularly.

· Ability to stand and walk for long periods of the workday.

· Ability to work outdoors during inclement weather.

· This position is expected to work a varied schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends depending on program needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.50 - $16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17