Interpretive Program Coordinator

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Interpretive Program Coordinator to lead and expand educational programming across Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum, Behind the Scenes Tours, and Zoo-wide interpretation. You will develop programs, write lesson plans, and oversee staff and volunteers, ensuring engaging experiences for guests.

Under supervision, coordinate staff, manage schedules, budgets, and reports, and support school, camp, scout, and family programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology or related field; minimum one year of public programming in an informal setting.
• Certified Interpretive Guide training is preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming schedule or other department needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute programming elements for Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum and tours.
• Train and supervise interpretive staff and volunteers.
• Hire, schedule and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Teach educational programs to participants of all ages.
• Develop programs, write lesson plans, and manage related records and reports.

Skills

Public programming

Staff training

Education techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education/biology/related field

Certified Interpretive Guide (preferred)

Tools

Registration software

Multimedia equipment

General office software

Job description

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium has been educating, inspiring, and providing enjoyment to our community for over 100 years. Come and be a part of an organization where you can work and have fun at the same time. Our education team is currently seeking a full-time Interpretive Program Coordinator who is passionate about learning new things and giving our guests the best possible experience.

Under limited supervision, this position coordinates all programming activities related to Nature’s Neighborhood Children’s Zoo, Museum, Behind the Scenes Tours and Zoo-wide guest interpretation. This includes development and execution of programming and hiring, supervising, training, and scheduling of Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum and Tour support staff. In addition, it involves developing programs, handling animals, creating and writing lesson plans, assisting in daily maintenance of the Education Facilities, attending meetings and maintaining various reports, budgets, and records. This person will frequently assist with other department programs in a teaching role, including, but not limited to, school programs, camp programs, scout programs, and family programs.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Education, is hourly non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and requires forty hours per the scheduled work week.

Essential Job Functions:

Duties will include, but are not limited to monitoring and reporting on the following

• Plans and executes all programming elements for Nature’s Neighborhood, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, Behind the Scenes Tours, and exhibit interpretation.
• Facilitate and train staff in various education techniques including inquiry and play based learning. Keeps current on research findings on environmental topics and appropriate education pedagogy.
• Hires, supervises, trains and schedules interpretive and tour staff and volunteers.
• Supervises Tour and Interpretive Specialist.
• Teaches educational programs to public participants of all ages, including but not limited to camps, stage shows, school programs, homeschool programs, scout programs, and exhibit interpretation.
• Develops programs, creates and writes lesson plans, handles animals for education programming, attends meetings and maintains various reports and records.
• Assists in marketing of all department programs through various forms of media and direct campaigns
• Assist in budget preparation for areas of responsibility and operate programs within budget.
• Writes and assists in the preparation of proposals for projects.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various reports and records including confirmations, department accounts, research reports, lesson plans, use reports, budget reports, purchase requisitions and general office correspondence.
• Utilizes various types of technology and software including computer, multimedia equipment, registration and general office software.
• Serve as department point person in absence of Education Department management.
• Assist with other Education Department functions including but not limited to facilitation, preparation and execution of other interpretive programming.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology or a related field as well as a minimum of one year of experience in public programming in an informal setting. Work experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Must be 21+ years of age
• Completion of Certified Interpretive Guide training is preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming schedule or other department needs.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
• The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.

Toledo Zoo full-time and part-time employees have exclusive access to PNC EarnedIt, powered by DailyPay. This voluntary benefit allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, including pay for hours worked that same day. Learn more here.

The Toledo Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.