Education Program Specialist

Reports to: Curator of Education

Department: Education

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The National Aviary’s Program Specialist is part of a dynamic and energetic Education Department performing all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects the National Aviary’s mission to inspire a respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. The Program Specialist develops formal, informal, and interpretive education programs and materials, coordinates and facilitates education programs and interpretation, actively participates in bird handling, and supports the volunteer coordinator in mentoring National Aviary volunteers on interpretation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Facilitates virtual, on-site, and off-site education offerings (including classes, tours, events, and experiences) for visitors, schools, scouts, organized youth organizations and adult groups.

· Fostering an inclusive and welcoming educational environment for all program audiences and visitors.

· Develops curriculum, lessons, activities and materials for education programming.

· Assists with the creation and organization of educational content and materials for special events, graphics and exhibits geared for children and adults.

· Provides training, support and mentoring to staff, volunteers and interns in program content and delivery.

· Develops and delivers interpretive educational content in the National Aviary’s immersive habitats.

· Uses National Aviary’s established techniques and protocols for handling and presenting Ambassador animals and for preparation and care of animals.

· Maintains awareness and understanding of the National Aviary’s animal collection and environment, and appreciates and each animal’s natural history and personal story.

· Assists with educational strategic planning and programmatic goal achievement.

· Supports the volunteer coordinator by scheduling volunteers and interns on daily activities as needed.

· Supports interdepartmental efforts to increase and improve volunteers’ level of customer service, visitor engagement, professionalism, and avian knowledge.

· Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.

· Maintaining program materials and teaching spaces.

· Developing a strong understanding of the principles of basic operant conditioning. Puts these principles into practice in working with and presenting ambassador animals.

· As needed, supporting the Education Sales Coordinator with administrative tasks and strategic initiatives such as benchmarking research.

· Interacts with visitors utilizing Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· The Education Specialist has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Education Specialist may mentor interns and volunteers.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

· Strong teaching, interpretation and presentation skills, as well as the ability to continually interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and productive manner.

· Ability to adapt and relate appropriate messaging to people of all ages.

· Ability to organize and complete projects in a timely manner, using initiative and proper professional judgment; ability to work independently and as a team.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, fellow departments, and the public.
• Undergraduate degree in Zoological Sciences, Environmental Education, or similar field is required.

· Relevant professional experience in an education department in a zoo, nature center, or other informal learning center.

· Previous experience working with live animals in an educational setting preferred; experience with operant conditioning a plus.

• Strong communication, organization and project management skills with experience in managing simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

· Undergraduate degree in Zoological Sciences, Environmental Education, or similar field required.

· Relevant professional experience in an education department in a zoo, nature center, or other informal learning center.

· Previous experience working with live animals in an educational setting preferred; experience with operant conditioning a plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification

· Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check

· Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to prepare classrooms, including setting up technology, tables, chairs, and signage, including under and around obstacles. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including knives, scissors, hoses, and falconry equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position. The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person