SUMMARY:
Educators are responsible for developing and teaching engaging and accurate informal education programs both on the zoo’s grounds and at off-site locations. The Educator will lead groups of all ages through effective interpretation, interactive activities, and lessons that teach about conservation, the zoo, animals, and the natural world. Educators are scheduled on an as-needed basis, and the number of hours depends on the number of programs booked.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conducts all education programs and guest interactions in accordance with AZA and organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.
• Teach and facilitate all education programs, including but not limited to; school programs, toddler programs, outreach programs, camps (fall, winter, & spring), and tours.
• Assist in the creation and development of age appropriate programs for all participants in the Zoo’s education programs.
• Assist in the creation and development of engaging activities for events (on-grounds and off-site), and help lead guests through these activities.
• Prepare program materials, breakdown materials, clean-up, and put materials away upon conclusion of the program.
• Utilize, care for, and manage all program equipment (laptops, projectors, microscopes, cameras, biofacts, etc.) appropriately.
• Handle, use, manage, and maintain active animal handler status with the education program animal collection in accordance with education program animal guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate appropriately and provide excellent guest service to all children, caregivers, guests, teams, and co-workers to ensure positive interactions, experiences, and successful programming.
• Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport, and ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.
• Attend and complete all required training; policies, procedures, online learning, educator training, animal handling, and education programs.
• Assist in maintaining clean and tidy education areas; the education classroom, storage locations, and office spaces.
• Attend and participate in education staff meetings, and participate in professional development as appropriate.
• Represent Naples Zoo and the Education Department in a positive, professional, and appropriate manner.
• Commit to flexible scheduling, including weekdays, weekends, and some holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
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.
• Willingness to support organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with individuals in our programs.
• Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and must be willing to safely drive the outreach vehicles.
• Must be present and able to attend all required training.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Must have experience creating and delivering curricula in formal/informal settings.
• Ability to speak comfortably and confidently in front of various audiences.
• Willingness to work with and around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. Experience working with tractable animals is a plus.
• Experience working in/with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and/or combination thereof.
• Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have an enthusiasm for children, education, and wildlife.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, and ability to remain flexible in order to maintain excellent guest service.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that may arise.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and/or independently as needed.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• A minimum of two years of college coursework with a major in biology, zoology, environmental studies, education, psychology, or other related field preferred.
• Experience working with elementary aged children in formal/informal settings is preferred.
• Experience handling or working in environments with live animals is preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and must be age 21 to drive personal or zoo owned motor vehicle for zoo business.
• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide is a plus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Working conditions for this position are normal for an outdoor environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:
• Must be able to repeatedly lift and/or push 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time (~6 hours each day)
• May be subject to viewing a computer screen for extended periods
• Required to talk more than average
• Subject to daily contact and exposure to various plants and animals
• Subject to bites, stings and scrapes
• Subject to extreme weather conditions, including marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Must be able to travel and drive a vehicle (car/cargo van) as needed
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
