This is your opportunity to join Woodland Park Zoo as a Wild Wise Instructor with the Learning & Innovation Team! There are four part-time, temporary, non-benefited positions open at this time. The Wild Wise Instructor is responsible for presenting engaging programs and experiences to school audiences, primarily 6th grade students and their teachers/chaperones, on and off zoo grounds. The person in this position will facilitate formal, structured, inquiry-based programs for middle school students involved in our Wild Wise: Coexisting with Carnivores program (see www.zoo.org/coexisting), which builds ecological literacy and engages students in science learning and conservation stewardship on and off zoo grounds. Successful candidates should have the ability to present programs for up to 30 students and chaperones on zoo grounds or other outdoor settings, up to 60 students in a school classroom setting, and large groups of students and chaperones in an auditorium setting. The Wild Wise Instructor is expected to be familiar with Washington state learning standards, state environmental and sustainability education standards and national science standards for middle school grades. The successful candidate will be a creative individual with a passion for wildlife and a combination of experience and/or academic background in science education, biology / ecology, classroom management, and education for diverse learners. SUMMARY Present engaging programs, experiences and activities to program participants, on and/or off zoo grounds. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Present engaging programs and experiences utilizing developmentally appropriate practices that foster empathy for animals.
- Lead safe and educational experiences for participants involving hands-on, inquiry-based activities and/or research projects in a variety of field conditions, both on and off zoo grounds
- Lead tours, games, crafts for a variety of ages
- Assist with program development, evaluation and revision
- Organize rooms, program props and materials for programs
- Mentor interns and volunteers
- Prepare and submit statistics and receipts to supervisory staff
- Organize and maintain program props, materials and supply inventories
- Operate audio/visual equipment for programming as needed
- 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 present creative, mission driven programming
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication 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
- Ability to work effectively as a team member, and independently with little supervision
- Possess general knowledge of zoology, ecology and conservation
- Flexibility in dealing with program delivery and changes in deadlines and operation protocol
- Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings and holidays
- Ability to handle education program animals and to become a WPZ certified animal presenter (requirement in specific positions)
- Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institutions’ Core Values
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE - A minimum of two years of combined education and experience in natural science or environmental education presenting thematically based interpretive programs and/or classes to audiences of all age levels.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS - Valid US Driver’s license required.
- First Aid and CPR certifications preferred.
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 animals, 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 accepted online through our Jobs Page (zoo.org/jobs) or this posting. No other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 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. |
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