Youth Programs Specialist

POSITION INFORMATION - Under the direction of the Group Programs Coordinator this position participates in the planning, development, and implementation of programs for youth and families. Examples include summer and winter day camps (ages 4-17), overnight experiences (youth groups with chaperones), and other on-site programming for youth in group settings.

The Youth Programs Specialist is part of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Conservation Engagement Department and works within a collaborative team with other members of the department and organization. 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

• Work closely with Group Programs Coordinator to plan, develop and implement educational programs for youth (ages 4-17) that will awaken their connection to wildlife. Lessons and activities take place in indoor classroom spaces, out on Zoo grounds and in natural areas in Point Defiance Park.
• Refer to universal design principles to consider equity, access and inclusion when developing program materials and communicating with program participants.
• Participate in the development, delivery and implementation of weeklong pre-camp training for instructors. 
• Provide ongoing support to instructors as they gain confidence and acquire or improve job skills.
• Work with Group Programs Coordinator and part-time instructors to ensure programs are staffed appropriately to ensure the safety of participants and integrity of the program. (As needed, the Specialist may join a camp as an instructor or stay overnight to host a Zoo Snooze program.)
• Communicate with Visitor Services team regarding participant registration and to process scholarship applications.
• Communicate with multiple departments within the Zoo to identify, and schedule animal encounters and tours.
• Maintain open communication with the Group Programs Coordinator regarding all program operations.
• Assume some responsibility for day-to-day program operations such as interactions with parents and guardians during the camp check-in and check-out process, occasionally without the presence of the Group Programs Coordinator. 
• Assist in the development, maintenance and presentation of program records and reports.
• Assist with the maintenance and proper care, cleaning, disinfection, and storage of program materials and equipment.
• Adhere to and assist in the enforcement of all policies and procedures for Group Programs operations.
• Uphold all Zoo safety and personnel policies and support the overall mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience working with school aged youth in an informal or formal education setting.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office products, including SharePoint and OneDrive.
• Detail oriented, and able to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively when communicating by email or phone.
• Ability to think creatively to develop fun and educational lesson plans for PreK-High School aged children to be delivered by seasonal and part-time instructors.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changes in program plans and schedules. 
• Ability to work outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions while moving or standing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work some Friday evenings (except mid-June to end of August and mid-November to end of December), on rare occasion stay overnight at the Zoo on Friday nights in the event of a last-minute staffing shortage, occasional weekend days or holidays as assigned.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• First-Aid and CPR certification required. Training available upon hire.
• Reliable transportation.

• Understanding of the stages of cognitive, social and emotional development in school aged youth.
• Experience working with neurodivergent children.
• Strong interest and/or excitement to learn about the natural world including animal adaptations, ecology and conservation issues.
• Experience working or volunteering in a zoo, aquarium, nature center or natural history museum.
• Degree or related experience in education, natural sciences (biology, ecology, zoology) and/or child development.

• This position is year-round and averages 35 hours per week, with ~40 hours per week during May – August and ~30 hours per week during September – April.  Some weekend, evening, and holiday work required as scheduled. One position available. Benefits included.
• This is a limited term, part-time benefitted position that will end 12.31.2026 

• September-May, this position is based in an office environment, shared with enthusiastic and compassionate co-workers!
• Summer and winter camp activities take place in both indoors and outdoors environments in a variety of weather conditions.
• Extensive contact with the public during camp or Zoo Snooze activities. 
• Work site will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and within Point Defiance Park.

• Standing for extended periods of time.
• During camp seasons, moving for extended periods of time, often in spaces that include hills, stairs and/or uneven terrain.
• Lifting and carrying equipment as needed.

HAZARDS: 

• Contact with dissatisfied or angry individuals.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at (253) 305-1089 or HR@tacomaparks.com.
 
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement. 

Salary : $22 - $23