Facility

Alaska Zoo

Closing Date

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION – DISTANCE LEARNING COORDINATOR POSITION

This position is supervised by the Education Director and works closely with the Camp Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator in the Education Department at the Alaska Zoo. It is a full-time, year-round position with benefits.

The following are duties listed under the heading of this position:
• Distance Learning and Videoconferencing Liaison: The Distance Learning Coordinator is the main point of contact for interested educational connections for Alaska Zoo videoconferencing education programs. Coordinator will stay informed on changes in regulations or guidelines that could have an impact on the way teachers, and others, utilize the zoo for VC programs. Coordinator will work with the Education Director to be proactive in tailoring opportunities to meet the changing needs of interested education groups. The Coordinator (along with the Education Director) will develop, align to Next Generation Science Standards/Common Core and Content and Performance Standards for Alaskan Students, and maintain informational packets to provide updated zoo information to teachers including pre- and post-distance learning activities, and updated animal history information. Coordinator will ensure that all new programs and materials developed are aligned to the same standards as outlined above.
• Distance Learning Program Coordination: The Distance Learning Coordinator will work with schools, community groups, camp programs, senior centers, etc. to schedule all distance learning programs offered by the zoo. The Coordinator will be the primary presenter for these bookings, coordinating with the Outreach Coordinator, Camp Coordinator and Education Director to ensure proper coverage of programs as needed.
• Scheduling/Booking/Invoicing: In addition to being the primary point of contact for distance learning scheduling, the Coordinator will work with the Outreach Coordinator, Camp Coordinator and Education Director in maintaining the Google Calendar for education bookings. The Coordinator will track distance learning program numbers and provide this information monthly to the Education Director. The Coordinator will track and handle invoicing for distance learning programs, working with the Office Manager and Education Director on these tasks as needed.
• Other Education Programs: All members of the Education Department assist each other with coverage for presenting a wide range of programs. While this position will focus mainly on distance learning through videoconferencing, the coordinator will also provide coverage for presenting to camps, scout programs, tours, toddler programs, and others as needed. Coordinator will assist with scheduling programs, phone calls and email requests for programs. Coordinator will forward requests for scheduling as they apply to the Education Director, Outreach Coordinator or Camp Coordinator.
• Education Animals: The Distance Learning Coordinator will work with the Education Director to ensure that education ambassador animals are trained for caring for their health and education purposes. Coordinator will take an active role in training education animals under the direction of the Education Director. Coordinator will know which animals are available to fill education program requests at all times, and stay updated on their health and personal history information. Coordinator must be willing to work with birds, mammals and reptiles.
• Responsibilities: The Distance Learning Coordinator is expected to arrive at work on time (following schedule agreed upon with Education Director), to dress in zoo uniform clothing during all work hours, to provide good customer service when dealing with requests, to answer calls and emails promptly, and to conduct his or herself in a professional manner that represents the zoo well at all times. Programs and presentations must be well-prepared and accurate in both information given and in relaying the mission of the zoo. The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are terms of employment.

Education and Pre-requisites

This permanent, full-time position involves developing and leading videoconferencing distance learning programs, distance learning program coordination, booking and invoicing, and assisting with various education events and presentations. Animal experience is essential and candidate must be willing to handle a variety of education ambassador animals, including but not limited to reptiles, birds and mammals. Candidate must possess the ability to work well individually and as a team, and must be comfortable instructing and presenting to all age groups. Excellent communication, organization and time management skills are a must. The ability to develop science-based program activities built to educational standards with a creative flare is also essential. Candidate must have a clean background and submit to a full background check, in addition to holding a valid Alaska driver’s license. Work hours will vary with some evenings, overnights and weekends required based on program schedules.

Compensation and benefits

This is a full-time, year-round, permanent position with benefits. The starting pay of the position is $13.00 per hour, 40 hours per week.

Application instructions

Interested parties should email a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Hartman at slhartman@alaskazoo.org.