Educator (Full-Time)

Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation is seeking a Zoo Educator to coordinate educational programs across the Zoo and Education Office. The role includes scheduling, supervising camps staff and volunteers, presenting programs, and developing curriculum with research support.

Responsibilities span onsite and offsite programs, animal handling, and creating communications. Strong written/oral skills and the ability to work with staff, volunteers, and the public are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college required.
• Area of study: Education or life sciences.
• Valid LA Driver's License; ability to obtain LA license within 60 days.
• Minimum 2 years related experience; equivalent education considered.
• Preferred: 10+ years related experience.

Responsibilities

• Research, schedule, and implement Ed-Zoo-Cation programs for varied age groups onsite and offsite.
• Assist in Summer Camp development, supervise seasonal camp staff and volunteers.
• Provide excellent guest services to teachers, students, families, and the public.
• Prepare and distribute correspondence about education programs to area schools.
• Assist in website development and exhibit graphics upkeep.
• Handle, care for and train ambassador animals; supervise volunteers.
• Process program payments via point of sale software.

Skills

Office software

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Animal handling

Supervising

Decision making

Reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or Life Sciences

Tools

Outlook

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

General Summary

The Zoo Educator works in the Education Office and throughout the Zoo as related to education and educational services. This requires scheduling educational programs, supervising camps staff and volunteers, presenting educational programs, research and development of educational curriculum, teaching Zoo Camp, animal handling, and composing routine correspondence. Work involves interaction with other Zoo employees, volunteers, teachers, and the general public.

Requirements and Job Specifications

Education Required: Graduation from an accredited 4 year college or university

Area of Study (Major) Required: Education or life sciences

Certification(s) Required: N/A

License(s) Required: Valid LA Driver's License. Must be able to obtain a LA license within 60 days of hire.

Years Relevant Work Experience: 2 years related experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred: 10 or more years related experience

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Computer and general office skills
• Skill in the use of a computer including software (Outlook, MS Office, Excel, Word, Power point, etc.)
• Excellent written & oral communication skills for public programming
• Excellent interpersonal/public relations skills.
• Willingness to care for and handle a wide variety of live ambassador animals (mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates.
• Ability to supervise, plan and direct the work of others
• Ability to make sound decisions
• Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports
• Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with other employees, staff, volunteers, patrons and zoo guests.

Functions and Duties

Essential Functions And Duties

• Researches, schedules and implements Ed-Zoo-Cation programs, written in accordance to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Louisiana State Board of Education, including Safari Nights, Amphitheater Programs and Zoo mobile classes for groups of various ages from toddlers to senior citizens both onsite and offsite.
• Assists with the research and development and teaching of Summer Camps and supervision of seasonal camp employees and volunteers.
• Provides excellent guest services to teachers, chaperones, students, parents, families and the general public.
• Prepares and disseminates correspondence about Education programs to all area schools, including programs offered and confirmations.
• Assists in website development.
• Assists in development and maintenance of exhibit graphics including zoo key boxes.
• Handles, cares for and trains ambassador animals.
• Assists with direction and training of volunteers.
• Processes program payments via point of sale software.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by his or her supervisor

Supplemental Information

Hours Worked: 40 hours per week; early morning, evenings, weekends and holidays may be required.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. If you do not complete each section of this application (i.e. work experience, education, or etc.) to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.

An offer of employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment criminal background check, Motor Vehicle Records check, drug screen and physical.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [e-mail] or call [phone].