Seasonal Education and Outreach Specialist
Description:
The Seasonal Education and Outreach Specialist will work with audiences from all backgrounds and learning levels. They will be able to adjust to the needs of individual groups in such a way to make all programming fun and educational, while fostering a sense of stewardship for nature. They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of both choice and control and will always uphold safe animal handling protocols. They will thus be able to present animals and lead conservation themed programs both on and off site and will be able to assist other members of both the education and AMBA teams as needed. The “on” season will run from the beginning of April through the end of September, and the “off” season will run from the beginning of October to the beginning of April.
This position is Full Time, Seasonal; Hourly, non-exempt, part of a union and will need to be flexible. Must be willing to work weekends and evenings as needed. The “on” season will run from the beginning of April through the end of September, and the “off” season will run from the beginning of October to the beginning of April.
Essential Duties, Skills, and Responsibilities:
- Facilitate outreach programs about the natural world using the zoo’s ambassador animal collection and bio-facts. Constantly evaluates audiences and tailors the programs to provide information and entertainment at an appropriate level.
- In partnership with the education team, brainstorm and develop new and maintain current high-quality nature and inquiry-based experience curricula for education outreach programs.
- Create directed lesson plans focused on applicable NYS learning standards with related schedules, crafts, activities, and media (PowerPoint etc.).
- Maintain Animal Handling Certification; responsible for knowing and abiding by proper handling, transportation, presentation, and interaction protocols for a diverse collection of animals in preparation for and during programs.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of positive reinforcement training with ambassador animals.
- Safely and independently drive long distances within New York to travel to program locations.
- Work with the Education team to implement an evaluation plan that includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, where appropriate, to measure progress and success against stated goals.
- Understand and employ best practices in conservation messaging to connect Zoo audiences to conservation issues, threats, and solutions with the goal of encouraging environmental stewardship.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Education:
Job Requirements:
- Must be comfortable working in close proximity to wild and domestic animals in a zoo setting as well as handling and training select ambassador animals.
- Experience developing curriculum
- Ability to interact with a variety of constituencies, ages, and learning abilities while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude
- Must be familiar with Next Generation Science and other NYS learning standards and have the knowledge and ability to craft programs to meet those standards.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
- Must successfully pass a background check and must have a valid, current driver’s license.
Education:
- College degree in Life Sciences, Conservation Ecology, Interpretation or related field, or sufficient relevant experience
- Experience working with a range of audience sizes and ages, including early childhood through adult
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and participate in physical activities required of the position
- Ability to sit and stand for up to two hours at a tim
Schedule:
- April 10 – October 1
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Some holidays
Compensation and Benefits:
Job Type: Full-time seasonal, non-exempt
Pay: Starting at $15.87/hour
Benefits:
- Member of CSEA Union
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The Utica Zoo provides equal employment opportunities to all current employees and all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, natural origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
The Utica Zoo provides a smoke-free and drug-free work environment.
