Are you looking for a fun job? Join our team of educators in this unique outdoor learning environment!
Note: This position is fully outdoors and requires extensive walking through Zoo grounds (hills and inclines) in all weather conditions
Position Status: Part-Time, seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $17.50 per hour
Requirements: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age. At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Schedule: Seasonal position, Up to 16-40 hours/work week during school breaks, vary during school year.
Open Position Schedules:
- Seasonal Camps (school breaks)
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After School Program: Currently Thursdays, shifts are noon – 4 pm
For Future Consideration:
These positions are not hiring immediately but will consider applications as openings occur.
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School Year
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Outdoor Ed: Currently Thursday and Fridays, shifts are 8 am – 3 pm
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Safari Overnights: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights to following day
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Experience Team: mainly Saturday and Sundays, withsome weekday availability
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Education Manager and Education Team, an Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Zoo Safari program; Zoo Camp; Home School programs; presenting educational activities at on-site and off-site events, and presenting a variety of educational programs for school groups.
A Seasonal Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through the award-winning Zoo Camp program, Homeschool Science program, Safari Sleepovers, Special Events and so much more. This position collaborates with fellow staff to bring the best Environmental and Animal Science curriculum to all of our participants (ages 3-15 yo). You will form lifelong memories for program participants, running a variety of programs focusing on the environment, ecology, and conservation in a fun, creative, and hands-on manner.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
Twilight & Overnight Safari Program:
- Presents educational programs for Safari guests focused on the environment, animals, conservation, and zoos in a fun, creative and hands-on manner.
- Interacts constantly with Zoo Safari guests and staff to create a rewarding experience.
- Sets up for Zoo Safari program.
- Ensures proper and timely cleanup of the areas used for Zoo Safari.
- Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at all times as a representative of the Zoo.
- Prepares various educational materials for Zoo Safari program.
- Maintains the inventory of Zoo Safari supplies and requests needed supplies.
- Prepares required records and reports as needed.
- Coordinates with other departments at the Zoo for animal encounters and programming needs behind-the-scenes.
- Develops and leads or coordinates any special program requests as required.
- Arrives on time for scheduled shift, properly dressed and ready to begin work.
- Monitors activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures to protect the environment, class participants and to maintain order.
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
- Responds to health and welfare issues of Zoo Safari guests.
- Distributes program evaluations to program participants, collects evaluations, and submits them to supervisor for analysis of program effectiveness and quality.
Events:
- Assists with preparation and presentation of event education activities.
- Assists with volunteer check-in and supervision at events
Experience Team:
- Weekend availability required
- Guides guests on walking tours through zoo grounds
- Presents educational interpretation for zoo guests focused on the environment, animals, conservation, and zoos in a fun, creative and hands-on manner
- Interacts with our guests and provides educational information through hosting Animal Experiences
- Assists with preparation and presentation of event education activities
School Programs:
- Assists with preparation for and presentation of educational activities for school groups including animal encounters, science activities, tours, and bio-fact exploration.
- Presents education activities at off-site events including school science nights, Santa Barbara Earth Day, and others.
Zoo Camp:
- Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with a particular age group within the 3-13 age range.
- Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.
- Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of assigned group.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
- Greets every guest with a smile.
- Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.
- Answers phone calls, voice mails and e-mails promptly.
- Insures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
- Associates with guests to assist and share information.
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
- Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.
- BA in Education, Environmental Studies, Life Sciences, Zoology, or Biology preferred, but not required.
- Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
- Prefer experience in an environmental education setting.
- Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.
- First Aid and CPR certification required.
- TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
- At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Basic knowledge of biology and zoology preferred.
- Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
- Skilled in improvisation.
- Energetic and engaging personality.
- Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences and large groups of people.
- Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.
- Ability to contribute to the creative process.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of computer software including word processing and database programs.
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
- Ability to exercise safe work habits.
- Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
- Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage.
- Must be available to work overnight.
- Involves walking out-of- doors in all weather conditions.
- Supportive and open employment culture.
- Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including, electric carts, telephones, printers, two-way radios, projectors, and copiers.
Tools Used:
- Two-way radios
- Electric cart
- Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- Printer
- Telephone system
- Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
- Wagons
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
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The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
