Programs Educator - Part Time

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a part-time Programs Educator to support our Education Department. This role will deliver pre-registered programs such as Zoo Overnights, School Workshops, Video Chats, Family and Youth Programs, Dolphin In-water, Camps, and Animal Arts, throughout the year.

We value a collaborative, guest-focused approach and require at least two years of related experience, strong public speaking and writing skills, and the ability to work with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of related work experience.
• Positive, respectful, enthusiastic attitude with guests and staff.
• Experience in formal or informal educational environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills for public settings.
• Excellent public speaking, communication, and writing.
• Knowledge of teaching pedagogies and inquiry-based learning.
• Experience in designing and conducting educational programs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and web-based meeting platforms.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate pre-registered programs for the Education Department, including Zoo Overnights, School Workshops, Video Chats, Family and Youth Programs, Dolphin In-water, Camps, and Animal Arts throughout the year.
• Assist with other conservation education initiatives and projects as assigned.
• Collaborate with Education Programs Manager and Education team; conduct research for existing and new programs, update databases, provide clerical assistance, and support customer service.
• Partner with other Zoo departments (Animal Care, Guest Experience, Security, Marketing, etc.) to ensure seamless delivery of all programs.
• Work mostly indoors with some exposure to outdoor conditions; availability on at least three weekdays and evenings; some weekend hours may be available.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SharePoint

Web-based meeting platforms

Job description

Are you wild about animals and people alike? Do you enjoy educating others on the importance of conservation and the need to protect nature? If you answered yes to those questions, look no further, your next opportunity is here! The Indianapolis Zoo is on the hunt for part-time (approximately 15-20 hours per week, year-round) Programs Educators that strive to uphold our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

This position will facilitate various pre-registered programs for the Education Department. This include but is not limited to teaching Zoo Overnights, School Workshops, Video Chats, Family and Youth Programs, Dolphin In-water, Camps, and Animal Arts throughout the year, and will assist with other conservation education initiatives and projects as assigned.

Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This position will work closely with the Education Programs Manager and other Education team members to carry out functions of the Education department such as conducting research for existing and new programs, updating various databases, providing clerical assistance as needed, and assisting with customer service functions. This individual will partner with other Zoo departments (Animal Care, Guest Experience, Security, Marketing, etc.) to maintain seamless delivery of all programs. Though this position works pre-dominantly indoors, there is some exposure to outdoor environmental conditions. Availability of at least three weekdays and evenings is required. Some weekend hours may be available. Hours may increase due to season programming and demands.

The successful candidate will possess:

• A minimum of two (2) years related work experience.
• A professional, positive, respectful, and enthusiastic attitude while interacting with guests, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Previous formal or informal educational institution experience required.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work under pressure in a public setting.
• Excellent public speaking, communication, and writing skills.
• Working knowledge of teaching pedagogies and inquiry-based learning.
• Experience in designing and conducting educational programs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency with computer software programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint software, and web-based meeting platforms.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field is required.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.