Facility
Chehaw Park & Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
JOB PURPOSE:
Lead Educators are responsible for development and delivery of education programming at Chehaw, The Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska. This position is responsible for creating and facilitating positive educational interactions in support of each organization’s mission. While this position works on many different facets of educational programming throughout the year this individual’s efforts are focused on providing program animals with daily care and training and delivering education programs to Chehaw school groups and weekend visitors.
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 Conduct Program Animal husbandry which includes, but is not limited to scheduled disinfections and enclosure maintenance, daily feeding and cleaning, and making health and behavior observations
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 Conduct regular program animal training for program use; crating, stepping up, and displaying wings, feet, etc for procedures
o Co-enrichment coordinator with zoological team member
o Report and record program and animal information
o Basic Zims navigation (record keeping software)
o Take supervisory role when working with Educator II, I, volunteers & interns
o Train Educators II, I, & volunteers under direction of Education Curator & Director in program animal care and animal handling for programming
o Be an exemplary model for safety, proper program and animal care protocol
o Responsible for developing and delivering new or existing education programming that increases educational value and elevates guest experience; primarily school group programming and weekend public programming but may also include:
o Scout groups
o Overnight groups
o Nature based programs on park grounds
o Lead on and off grounds programs, some programs utilize ambassador animals
o May 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 Actively attend trainings for staff development and utilize new information to enhance existing programs or create new programs
o Aid with seasonal special events with Education Manager & Director (Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.)
o May 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
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or five years’ experience (paid or volunteer) in related education or science related position, or equivalent combination of school and experience
• Proficient in ambassador animal handling, care, and training staff/volunteer
• Basic computer skills
• Animal Behavior/Training background experience is a plus
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to lift 25 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally. Must be able to work outdoors for 90% of the day in all-weather conditions; be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, animal fur, hair, and dander.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management. Chehaw reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate.
It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Chehaw Park & Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides a Smoke-Free and Drug-Free Work Environment.
Compensation and benefits
JOB STATUS: Full Time with benefits
REPORTS TO: Education Manager
FLSA STATUS: Hourly, starts at $14.42-16.83 per hour
Application instructions
Send resume and cover letter to jentz@chehaw.org and akelly@chehaw.org.