Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Part-time Zoo Troop Instructor: Education
Early Education: 18 months-Kindergarten
The educational vision of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is to provide quality experiences that foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places.
Job Description:
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Education Department is seeking creative, enthusiastic, hardworking individuals with a strong interest in environmental education and a passion for children. Zoo Troop Instructors will facilitate environmental education for groups of children ages 18 months-Kindergarten (4-5 years old) in year-round educational programing focused on whole-child development, leadership opportunities, and community building. Through live animal encounters, interactive games, crafts, Zoo hikes, and conservation challenges, instructors will help children develop a sense of wonder, build knowledge, and encourage environmental action with wildlife and wild places. In addition, instructors will be able to work with an experienced staff of environmental educators to further develop their animal handling, educational and interpretive skills.
Job Duties:
Instructor responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Successful completion of initial and ongoing Animal Handling Training and Program Training, as well as staying current on all procedures week to week.
- Available to teach a minimum of 6 hours per week on the same day(s) of the week, every week, year-round. Current hiring for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
- Instruction of programs for a variety of ages between 18 months-kindergarten (4-5 years) in accordance with the provided curriculum and training.
- Build positive and meaningful long-term relationships with a cohort of children and their families as well as your coworkers.
- Setting up and breaking down classroom before and after programs.
- Assure all necessary supplies and documentation are accounted for.
- Evaluate growth of participants’ knowledge and skills.
Qualifications:
- Progress toward university degree in biology, education or related field; equivalent experience in the field accepted as alternative
- Experience and/or strong interest in working with children including toddlers and preschoolers, strong communication skills, and willingness to learn to work with a variety of animals
- Successful completion of a background check and drug screen
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. with limited assistance
- Ability to actively instruct for up to 3 hours
Reports To: Education Program Managers
Duration: Part-time weekdays and/or weekends, year-round, emphasis during school year; other opportunities available during summer
To Apply: Visit the Cincinnati Zoo’s Job Opportunities webpage. Application must include a resume and cover letter. For tips and tricks to creating a resume and/or cover letter, please visit Miami University’s Center for Career Exploration & Success.
