Seasonal Zoo Educator
BLANK PARK ZOO FOUNDATION
Job Description
Date Prepared: November 2020
Title: Zoo Educator (Seasonal)
Reports To: Education Programs Manager
Status: Non Exempt
PURPOSE OF POSITION
Under the direction of the Education Programs Manager, this position will interpret education programs to audiences of all ages and sizes both at the zoo and across the state of Iowa. Seasonal Zoo Educators will promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; and create a positive learning experience for people of all ages.
This is a seasonal, full-time position. Employees must be available to work an average of 40 hours per week. Hours may fluctuate depending on staffing needs.
● Onsite Educators will have a work week of either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday.
● Offsite Educators will have a work week of Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday working an average of 10 hours each day.
Employment dates: May 17-September 11, 2021
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Onsite Educators:
● Lead education programming for groups and guests at the Zoo. This includes speaking to small and large groups and handling a variety of small animals.
● Conduct weekly maintenance of Nature Playscape and Critter Corner exhibit
● Supervise teen volunteers that assist with programs
Offsite Educators:
● Travel statewide conducting education programs. This includes public speaking to small and large groups, handling a variety of small animals and driving long distances.
● Conduct weekly routine maintenance of Zoo vehicles
Both:
● Conduct daily/weekly sanitation protocols for programming materials
● Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
● Gain an in-depth knowledge of materials available for programming including, but not limited to: ambassador animals, animal artifacts, zoo exhibits, staff and other zoo resources
● Learn animal handling procedures and assist with care of ambassador animals
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May be assigned teen volunteers, “Zoo Crew”
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Experience in informal education settings or a strong desire to teach people of all ages
- Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of the principles of zoology is a plus.
- Ability to work with animals used in education programs including snakes, birds and invertebrates
- Must be 19 years or older
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Ability to provide own housing – Blank Park Zoo does not provide housing
- Ability to act calmly and professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
COMPETENCIES
- Educators must be creative, enthusiastic and hardworking individuals with a strong interest in environmental education.
- Engaging – Educators will encourage active involvement and help guests develop a sense of wonder for wildlife and wild places.
- Positive – must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships to grow and develop team members. Must know and practice SWEET leadership values.
- Flexible – Educators must be able to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.
- Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Progress toward a degree or recently graduated from a college or university majoring in education, environmental interpretation, theater, biology, zoology or related field.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are required. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate to people of all ages. Bilingual is a plus.
COMPUTER SKILLS
All normal computer business skills required (Google – Drive/Docs/Sheets/Forms).
CERTIFICATES
● Motor vehicle license
● Proof of current vehicle insurance
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to bend, twist, lift >50 pounds
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces such as hills, grass, mud, gravel, etc.
Ability to be outside in all weather including extreme heat
Ability to drive long distances. This position requires travel throughout the state of Iowa.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY
Ability to drive distances and function in all types of weather. The majority of the job involves being on the road or outside.
TO APPLY
Complete the Blank Park Zoo online application and attach a cover letter and resume: www.blankparkzoo.com/contact-us/jobs