Education Specialist II, Animal Programs

Pay Rate: $23.98 - $24.84 per hour

Applications due by June 15th

Position Summary

The Education Specialist II serves as a first-line instructor, developing and delivering interactive, safe, engaging, highquality Pre-K – 12 Education and public programs. Helps with the identification of content to be covered and the development of Conservation Education curriculum and materials, in accordance with and supporting the Conservation Society of California’s mission and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). May guide group or individual tours of the institution, and interpret and lead public programs, discussions regarding animal background, care and activities, environmental issues, and other topics of interest to the guests. Serves as a technical resource to visitors in wayfinding and providing information. This person will uphold the mission and values established by the Conservation Society of California (the "Zoo") and adhere to policies and procedures as set forth by the Zoo, the Senior Manager of On-Grounds Programming, and the Manager for Ambassador Animal Programs. Has a proven ability to teach rigorous conservation education and willingness to obtain training to handle various program animals.

Essential Job Duties

• Follow animal protocols and obtain/maintain Animal Handling certifications as needed.
• Provide presentations with Ambassador Animals in public programs, school programs, and community events, including:
  • Zoo Mobile
  • Wildlife Theater
  • Wildlife Assembly
  • Pathway Encounters
• Support with development of information on animals and provide training to staff in animal care and protocols.
• Maintain positive attitude and collaborative working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, program participants, and internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate superior customer service with vendors, visitors, and program participants
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support the California Conservation Society’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and codes of behavior.
• Participate in collaborations with CSC partners
• Collaborate with Education Program Managers on program development, and be prepared to support all Learning and Engagement programming.

Who You Are

• Have completed some college coursework in biology or a related field.
• Background in teaching (formal or informal) and/or experience working with children (camps, tutoring, coaching, etc.)
• Demonstrated superior customer service with vendors, visitors, students, parents, etc.
• Oakland Zoo requires vaccination*

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connection with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.