Facility

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

Closing Date

Description

SUMMARY: The main goal of this internship is to serve as the main mentor, educator, and coordinator of the Talk on the Wild Side teen volunteer program.
The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”). The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it. The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.
Talk on the Wild Side is an interpretive volunteer program for teens ages 14-17, designed to help increase the Zoo’s contact with its visitors. Teens work in teams at the Insect Zoo, Family Farm, and at interpretive biofact stations (skulls, pelts, etc) throughout the Zoo each day. Volunteers work two days per week for the entire summer, gaining knowledge, experience, and working on a project throughout their time in the program. The focus of their interpretation is to support the mission of the San Francisco Zoo, to connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action. This internship serves as a main point of contact, mentor, and teacher for these youth volunteers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Creation/design of daily schedules for teen volunteers.
• Development and implementation of weekly training materials for volunteers.
• Supervision of volunteers in their shifts throughout each day.
• Advisement on improper behavior and implementation of disciplinary procedures when necessary.
• Regular correspondence with volunteers and parents/guardians via email, phone, or in person.
• Daily record keeping in the volunteer database.
• Occasional interaction with animals in the Family Farm and Insect Zoo.
• Interpretation of exhibits to Zoo guests at volunteer stations.
• Development and implementation of a summer-long project for volunteers.
• Support of both the mission of the Zoo and the related mission of the Education Department by performing other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED 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 work full-time, Fridays through Tuesdays, for the entire summer, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
EDUCATION:
• College level coursework in biology, zoology, environmental studies, and/or education preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
• Some experience working with children (formal or informal teaching, babysitting, camps, tutoring, coaching, lessons, etc.).
• Ability to present information to groups.
• Successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• The San Francisco Zoo encourages bilingual candidates to apply.
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
• Experience with teenagers, particularly those with special needs a plus.
• Ability to work well collaboratively and manage time efficiently.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, squat, talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands for grasping, fine work and assembly, reaching, kneeling, or twisting. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to push/pull, crawl, taste, or smell. The employee must frequently lift up to 25 pounds.

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 often exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
Salary: $14.00/hour
Note: The Talk on the Wild Side Intern is expected to work the entire work period unless specific days off are approved by the Outreach and Teen Program Manager prior to employment.

This internship will run 37.5 hrs/week in the summer months, with optional weekend work in April and May. Work weeks will be Fridays through Tuesdays. APPLICATION: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.