Zoo Education Coordinator Jobs

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Zoo Director to oversee the Abilene Zoo’s educational programming, including outreach, summer camps, educational classes, new zoo employee onboarding, as well as zoo docent and zoo teen volunteer programs. The Zoo Education Coordinator fulfills an instrumental role that will design and deliver high-quality educational programming for all ages through our public programs and will assist with animal encounters for special events, Behind-the-Scenes Tours, and more.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Operate City vehicles, Zoo rides, attractions, and other motorized equipment.
Supervises, creates and implements all Zoo educational programs.
Interpretation of animals to guests at the Abilene Zoo: including messaging consistent with trends in education and conservation, reimagining presentations to increase guest awareness and interest in animals.
Develops and maintains an ongoing Zoo docent and volunteer programs.
Supervises and coordinates on site Zoo tours and talks including behind the scenes tours.
Conducts presentations at the Zoo, schools, and civic groups using education animals and other exhibits, and utilizing the Zoo’s resources to enhance public understanding and appreciation of wildlife and support for conservation of endangered species.
Develops policies and procedures that meet professional education standards.
Maintains accurate counts and performance evaluation on all educational programming.
Works with the Development team to update the Zoo website that includes information on all educational activities and programs and events being held at the Abilene Zoo.
Manages the Education Department budget and assists the Zoo Director in the development of the budget.
Coordinates with Animal Curator to determine needs for programming’s ambassador animals.
Maintains and catalogs artifacts such as taxidermy animals, bones, feathers, etc.
Evaluates, updates, and maintains existing materials and programs for all age groups.
Constantly exhibits a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
Serve as a manager on duty for the entire zoo working weekends, holidays and nights when needed.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Creating and implementing Zoo and animal-related education programs.
Principles and procedures of record keeping, reporting and retention.
Effective teaching and public speaking techniques.
Filing or record keeping procedures and skill in the use and care of office and computer equipment.
State of Texas licensing requirements for summer camps and educational programs.
Skill to:
Lead and develop a diverse team to improve capabilities and expertise.
Set a tone of inspiration, harness passion of a team to fuel engagement, innovation and forward thinking to build strong leaders to further develop the educational offerings of the Abilene Zoo.
Resolve concerns with the guest or zoo staff in a positive manner.
Ability to:
Work in collaboration with the Zoo’s salaried leadership team to develop strong educational programming for the further advancement of the Abilene Zoo.
Recruit, train, supervise, effectively utilize and evaluate the work of zoo employees and volunteer staff.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and ability to present scientific information creatively and accurately.
Determine the need for various programs and to research, develop, implement, direct and evaluate educational and informational programs.
Manages all animal information and signage for all departments or works closely with the Curator and graphics team on educational content.
Communicates effectively, orally and in writing, for guest correspondence for zoo programming.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
Previous experience in implementing and coordinating education programs and activities, teaching, and supervising volunteers and public information activities and programs is required.
Four (4) years of experience in a leadership role is required.
Three (3) years of experience in a customer service environment is required.
Two (2) years of direct budget management experience is preferred.
Education/Training:
A Bachelor’s degree in sciences, education, or a related field or applicable experience is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Special Requirements:
Exposure to outdoors and mechanical hazards.
Ability to travel to different sites.
Availability for week-end, holiday, and after-hours work.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (< 10% of the time)
Code / Task
_E_ Standing
_E_ Sitting
_E_ Walking
_M_ Lifting
_M_ Carrying
_M_ Pushing/Pulling
_I__ Overhead Work
_M_ Fine Dexterity
_M_ Kneeling
_M_ Crouching
_I__ Crawling
_M_ Bending
_M_ Twisting
_I__ Climbing
_I__ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
___ Other: _____________________