JOB TITLE: Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – One Health Education Outreach Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Institute for Conservation Medicine
REPORTS TO: Director of Institute for Conservation Medicine
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
POSITION TYPE: Part-Time/Temporary
POSITION SUMMARY: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – One Health Education Outreach Specialist will meet the mission of the Saint Louis Zoo, the Education Department, and the Institute for Conservation Medicine by providing educational opportunities that promote animal and habitat conservation with a focus on One Health education. This part-time position will work closely with the Lead Educator to support the third year of the IMLS grant funded ‘One Health Education Now for Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders’ program.
About “One Health Education Now for Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders”:
The Saint Louis Zoo’s Education Department and Institute for Conservation Medicine (ICM) manage a grant-funded project that recognizes the connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. This One Health understanding is the foundation for this project. The project title is “One Health Education Now for Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders”. The Saint Louis Zoo team works closely with teachers from underserved public-school districts to develop a One Health education program. This project addresses the lack of One Health education in grades 11–12 by providing access, opportunities, and vetted content to high school students in St. Louis County.
Program activities include developing a package of lessons, activities, and case studies; as well as developing hands-on labs that showcase field-based One Health work. It also includes a paid summer internship program for local high school students who will assist ICM staff with ongoing field research and explore One Health careers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The IMLS – One Health Education Specialist will work closely with the Lead Educator to support the grant-funded One Health Education Now for Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders’ program.
- Assist the teachers and interns in the curriculum development
- Content will include the One Health video, printed materials for in-person instruction, and field activities for students.
- Provide direction of the development of the activities and resources.
- Serve as a mentor to selected interns including but not limited to:
- Attending weekly check-in meetings.
- Answering emails in a timely manner.
- Provide resources relating to their One Health case study and education best practices.
- Being available for additional virtual or on-site visits to assist with curriculum development.
- Maintain a positive and supportive attitude and encourage their personal and professional growth.
- Attend department meetings as required.
- Facilitate field activities on-site at participating schools, in Forest Park, and at the Saint Louis Zoo.
- Collaborate with the Conservation and Audience Research and Evaluation (CARE) team to evaluate student engagement and student and teacher assessments.
- Provide teachers with professional development as it relates to the internship.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required. Major in biology, education, zoology or other related field preferred.
- Background knowledge and understanding of ecology, zoology, environmental education, and wildlife conservation concepts required.
- 2-3 years’ experience with non-formal education and inquiry-based teaching required.
- Ability to connect with and teach a variety of people of all ages and abilities, and from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrates comfort in public speaking, good presentation skills when working with the Zoo team, our public/community, Zoo Governance and other internal and external stakeholders
- Genuine interest in animal conservation and animal-related issues.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail and ability to translate complex scientific information to audiences of all ages.
- Experience teaching in an outdoor environment preferred.
- Experience conducting or participating in community engagement work preferred.
- Experience with North St. Louis County communities and organizations preferred.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
- Driver’s license required and must have or be willing to obtain a Class E commercial driver’s license, to drive a Zoo vehicle to community outreach programs and events as needed.
- Ability to take directions and work independently is a must.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, respond to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Flexibility, creativity, resourcefulness and good problem solving and decision-making abilities.
- Must be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, AED.
- Must be willing to submit to a background check, and drug test.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of 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 talk, see, or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, and walk for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, as well as work outside in all types of weather conditions.
WORK SCHEDULE: Typical scheduled shifts are 8 hours a day, 30 hours per week through August 31, 2025. The ability to work a flexible schedule, including some holidays, evenings, and weekends for events will be necessary at times.
