Description
JOB SUMMARY
Assist education department leadership with the coordination, implementation, and development of mission-driven youth programs. This position is the primary staff member responsible for coordinating camp programs at the Dallas Zoo and is the primary contact person for other zoo departments. This is a full-time position with benefits.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinate camps for school breaks and summer. Working with Education Leadership Team, implement camp curriculum. Instruct camps as needed.
• Serve as liaison between Education Department and other departments to coordinate zoo tours, keeper interactions, animal encounters, and other logistics, for all camp programs.
• Assist Education Supervisor in the evaluation of camp guides. Coordinate with Education Leadership Team to conduct training for camp guides. Monitor radio when camps are in session to assist camp guides in problem resolution. Assist camp guides in resolving discipline problems that arise.
• In collaboration with Operations Manager, serve as key point of contact for parents of campers, including coordinating check-in and pick-up, answering questions, and resolving problems that arise. Maintain good customer relations with all program participants.
• Serve as liaison with the zoo’s youth volunteer department on coordination, training and oversight of the Zoo Crew teen helpers involved in camps.
• In collaboration with Operations Manager, assist Supervisor in ordering camp supplies and materials, organize and distribute to camp programs appropriately and on time. Effectively and efficiently use program resources.
• Assist with coordination, development, implementation, and expansion of youth programs.
• Assist in recruitment, interviewing and selection of youth volunteers.
• Assist in the department's daily operations, including overseeing the scheduled team, providing relevant and timely communications, submitting work orders, and act as an emergency leader for the department.
• Assist in conservation interpreters training and coaching in interpretive techniques. Support team members’ professional growth and reinforce departmental culture.
• Provide excellent customer service to program participants and families; build positive relationships within the Education team and with other zoo work groups. Interact with public and co-workers in a positive manner.
• Serve as Conservation Interpreter in areas throughout the Zoo as needed when camps are not in session.
• Serve as a backup coordinator to oversee implementation and coordinator of in-park interpretation, volunteer ambassadors, and other programs as needed.
• Support Zoo education programs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in the field of natural sciences or education. Excellent natural history and wildlife conservation knowledge with attention to scientific accuracy is essential.
• Experience working with families and children ages 4 years – 18 years (zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, outdoor learning setting) required.
• Experience with summer camps required.
• Must be available to work during all camp programs, except with special permission.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends
• Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must demonstrate leadership abilities with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, and a team player. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously, both orally and in writing.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must have good observational skills.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50lbs.
• Must be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of teaching and administrative duties.
• Must be able to actively work in inclement weather.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test.
