Zoo School Teacher Assistant
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
As Zoo School Teacher Assistant, you are primarily responsible for teaching and assisting at the Will Smith Zoo School, a nature-based preschool for children ages 3-5. You may also facilitate programs with parents and other educational audiences when needed. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, from 12:30pm - 5:30pm.
As a Zoo School Teacher Assistant, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
Works with co-teacher to:
- Implement a nature-based developmentally appropriate preschool program guided by mission, principles, and practices for quality early childhood programs and the San Antonio Zoo
- Implement curriculum resources
- Set up and maintain classroom space
- Ensure smooth transitions from classroom to extended care
Teaching
- Serve as the teacher's assistant for nature-based preschool classrooms
- Facilitates activities and lessons in the Extended Care program that are led by the interests of the students
- Assure compliance with all relevant government rules and regulations. Be aware of and responsive to best practice within the early childhood profession
Creating Community
- Create an environment that encourages inquiry, wonder, and intentional risk-taking
- Interact with children, staff, volunteers, and parents in a way that fosters empathy, curiosity, and confidence
- Support parent and volunteer involvement in programs
General Responsibilities
- Remove trash and debris from public spaces, i.e., pick up litter whenever you see it
- Be knowledgeable about nature and zoo-related program topics as well as different delivery methods for Early Childhood
- Monitor location, safety, and well-being of all participants attending programs.
- Effectively communicate age-appropriate conservation messages to participants
- Maintain current knowledge and status of the Zoo's plants and animals.
- Attend the San Antonio Zoo's orientation, animal handling training, and other continuing education opportunities.
- Responsible for program material set-up and clean up (e.g., craft supplies, food items)
- Adhere to all policies set forth by the San Antonio Zoo
- Enforce all San Antonio Zoo restrictions and limitations.
- Be flexible and positive in handling last-minute changes to the program agenda.
- Upholds all company policies as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
- Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the Zoo, showing hospitality to all.
- Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
Other Responsibilities:
- Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Some college or coursework in education, life sciences, zoology or environmental education
- Commitment to the importance of nature play within the field of early childhood education.
- Commitment to conservation
- Experience working with children ages 3-5
- Demonstrate verbal, written and interpersonal skills; ability to be a creative and flexible team member.
- Experience and comfort in nature/working outdoors.
- Responsible for completing all online training courses by assigned deadlines.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
- This position requires a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License or a valid driver's license from another state with the ability to obtain a Class "C" Texas Driver's License within 45 days of becoming employed.
- Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
- Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
- Must be available Monday through Friday, with the ability to occasionally work weekends, holidays, and after-hour assignments.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
