Facility
Chehaw Park & Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Lead Educators are responsible for development and delivery of education programming at Chehaw Park & Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska Heritage Center. This position is responsible for creating and facilitating positive education interactions in support of each organization’s mission. While this position works on many different facets of educational programming throughout the year we are seeking an individual with a very strong background in science and conservation based camp development. This person will be responsible for working with the Education Curator and Director of Education to create camps, lead camps, and help train incoming seasonal camp counselors.
This is an essential position, and the employee must be available for work 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, in the event of emergencies and natural disasters. All positions may require employees to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings.
JOB DUTIES:
o Develop and deliver education programing such as but not limited to camps, field trips, overnights, badge work, behind the scenes, and birthday parties
o Lead on and off grounds programs, some programs utilize ambassador animals
o Lead nature based programs on and off grounds which includes scouting areas in advance for potential hazards and inspecting equipment; areas such as nature trails, play park, water ways (canoe or kayak trips)
o Lead groups of campers ages 4-12
o Includes daily camp set up, clean up, & record keeping
o Manage camper’s behavior
o Maintain clear communication with parents and other education staff about: behavioral or physical issues, dress code, materials to bring to camp
o Manage youth volunteers helping with camp
o Act as camp runner
o Responsible for developing and delivering new or existing education programming that increased educational value and elevates guest experience
o Actively attend trainings for staff development and utilize new information to enhance existing programs or create new programs
o Perform education animal husbandry in zookeepers or aquarist’s absence
o May be involved in training education animals
o Evaluate Education Animal stress levels, behaviors, and overall wellbeing then relay abnormalities, positive or negative progress to education supervisors and/or animal care staff
o Take supervisory role when working with Educator II, I and volunteers
o May train Educators II, I, & volunteers under direction of Education Curator & Director
o Be an exemplary model for safety, proper program and animal care protocol
o Develop and carry out seasonal special events with Education Curator & Director (Halloween, Thanksgiving etc)
o Report and record program and animal information
o Basic ZIMS navigation and record keeping
Education and Pre-requisites
o Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
o Bachelor’s degree field or five years’ experience (paid or volunteer) in related education or science related field
o Minimum of two seasons leading children for camps or programs (volunteer or paid)
o Proficient in ambassador animal handling, care, and training staff/volunteer
o Basic computer skills
Compensation and benefits
Full-time, hourly.
$10.50 per hour
Application instructions
Email resume and cover letter to jentz@chehaw.org by Jan 15, 2021.
Start date is Feb 12, 2021.