SUMMARY Woodland Park Zoo is pleased to announce a full-time position on the Community Engagement team of the Education Department. The Education Specialist will present engaging programs and Up CLOSE animal encounters to diverse audiences of all ages primarily off zoo grounds including classrooms, libraries, community centers and at regional event sites. The Specialist will develop and present animal programs that inspire participants, develop empathy, and build ecological literacy for a range of diverse community audiences. Working in collaboration with other staff, this position will serve as a creative program developer for outreach programs focused on serving all age groups in target communities in Seattle and King County. Previous animal handling and training skills and experience are desirable, and interest in handling and presenting programs with animals are a must. The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with limited English speaking, low income and racially diverse populations, as well as a background in equity and social justice. Multiple language skills are a plus. This is full-time opportunity starting at $16.15 an hour with benefits. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop curricula, programs and activities
- Present engaging programs and experiences to audiences of all ages on and off zoo grounds that inspire conservation action
- Research content and write publications and other supporting documents
- Perform logistical support duties to include: scheduling activities, maintaining records and databases
- Assist with the evaluation of programs and activities
- Assist with collection and reporting of statistics and reports
- Maintain program props, materials, supply inventories
- Lead/mentor presenters, volunteers and interns
- Perform other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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. - Ability to develop and present creative, mission-driven programming to a wide variety of audiences and to mentor presenters, interns and volunteers
- Ability to work effectively as a team member, and independently with little supervision
- Possess general knowledge of natural history and conservation
- Ability to work effectively as a team member, and independently with little supervision
- Flexibility in dealing with program delivery and changes in deadlines and operation protocol
- Ability to handle education program animals and to become a WPZ certified animal presenter.
- Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, some evenings and holidays
- Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institutions’ Core Values
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE A minimum of four years combined education and experience in education, natural sciences, or environmental education fields, including; program and curriculum development, experience presenting interpretive programs and/or classes to diverse audiences, and program implementation/evaluation. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS WA State Driver’s License COMPUTER SKILLS Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications; particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Must be able to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research. CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS Must be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and deal with clients in a courteous and professional manner. Enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write curriculum, routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to a variety of audiences including young children, families, adults and before groups of zoo employees. REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 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. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while handling, lifting, and storing program supplies, kits, and bulk food supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl while setting up displays, transporting class props and materials. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. APPLICATION DIRECTIONS Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before). Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
Click here for technical assistance.